Discover the ultimate comfort food with our Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole recipe. Loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s perfect for easy family dinners or a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
Chicken breasts: 2-3 pieces, cooked and shredded or cubed
Broccoli florets: 2 cups, steamed or lightly cooked
White rice: 2 cups, cooked
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Chicken broth: 2 cups
Milk: 1 cup
Sour cream: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
Butter: 1/4 cup
Flour: 1/4 cup
Instructions:
Cook the Chicken and Broccoli:
Start by cooking the chicken breasts until they are no longer pink in the center. You can either boil, grill, or bake them based on your preference. Once cooked, shred or cube the chicken and set it aside.
Next, steam or lightly cook the broccoli florets until they are tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking can make them mushy, so aim for a slightly firm texture.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the flour to create a roux, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Add the onion powder and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Ingredients in a Casserole Dish:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and white rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake Until Bubbly and Golden:
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the casserole is done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is best enjoyed warm, and it pairs well with a simple side salad or crusty bread.
Serving Tips:
Garnish Creatively: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top before serving to add a pop of color and freshness.
Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve this casserole with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Individual Servings: Scoop servings into individual bowls for a cozy family dinner or potluck contribution.
Serve Warm: This casserole is best served warm, straight from the oven, ensuring that the cheese is gooey and inviting.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing.
Freezing: You can freeze this casserole for longer storage. Transfer cooled leftovers into a freezer-safe container or tightly wrap the casserole dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions until warm, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
Maintain Texture: Keep in mind that the texture of the broccoli may soften slightly upon reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.
Avoid Freezing Sour Cream: If you added sour cream to the casserole, note that it may separate when frozen. Consider adding fresh sour cream after reheating for optimal texture.
Related Recipes:
- Cheesy Bacon Chicken Pasta with Broccoli
- French Onion Broccoli Cheese Casserole
- Crispy Cheddar Chicken
FAQs:
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?
Absolutely! Brown rice can be used as a healthier alternative to white rice in this casserole. Keep in mind that brown rice typically requires a longer cooking time, so make sure it is fully cooked before combining it with the other ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, you can substitute chicken with other proteins such as turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Ensure that your chosen protein is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, you can substitute the all-purpose flour in the cheese sauce with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Also, ensure that the chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping. You can assemble it ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. If you’re baking it straight from the fridge, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Conclusion:
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s a dish that everyone will love. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of this classic casserole!
📖 Recipe:
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Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy a comforting and delicious meal with this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Chicken breasts: 2-3 pieces, cooked and shredded or cubed
Broccoli florets: 2 cups, steamed or lightly cooked
White rice: 2 cups, cooked
Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded
Chicken broth: 2 cups
Milk: 1 cup
Sour cream: 1/2 cup
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
Butter: 1/4 cup
Flour: 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken and Broccoli: Cook the chicken breasts until fully done, then shred or cube them. Steam or lightly cook the broccoli florets until tender.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour to create a roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, cooking until the sauce thickens. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in sour cream and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, and white rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until well coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Variations: Add other vegetables like carrots or peas. Substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
Keywords: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Easy Casserole Recipe, Comfort Food, Family Dinner, Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli, Baked Chicken Recipe
