Description
Indulge in a dish that embodies the essence of comfort food with our Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole. This comforting cheesy chicken and broccoli bake is a wholesome meal that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheeses for a taste sensation that will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul. Perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely family dinners, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10.1 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 small white onion, chopped
- 1 pound processed cheese food
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let the rice stand for 5 minutes.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, frozen broccoli, chopped onion, and processed cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 36 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. Stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time to ensure even melting of the cheese.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 36 minutes
- Total Time: 51 minutes
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Servings: 6 servings
Notes
- Portioning: When serving the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole, use a spatula to scoop out generous portions onto individual plates, ensuring each serving has a balanced combination of chicken, rice, broccoli, and creamy sauce.
- Garnishing: Enhance the presentation of the casserole by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika before serving. This adds a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the dish.
- Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with simple sides such as a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread to complete the meal. The creamy texture of the casserole pairs well with lighter accompaniments that add contrast in flavor and texture.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it convenient for meal prep or batch cooking. Once cooled, divide the casserole into individual portions and store them in freezer-safe containers. Label the containers with the date and contents before placing them in the freezer. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the frozen portions to the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole according to your preferences. You can add extra vegetables such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese or seasonings to tailor the dish to your taste preferences.
