Description
A comforting and hearty broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese baked to perfection. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is easy to prepare and offers a satisfying blend of flavors and textures in a warm, cheesy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Rice and Chicken Base
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Wet Ingredients
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 cup milk
Vegetables
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 16 ounces broccoli pieces (fresh or frozen)
Cheese
- 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat and Cook Rice: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the rice according to the package instructions until it is tender and fully cooked.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13-inch baking dish, mix together the cooked rice and shredded chicken. Add in the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, butter, broccoli pieces, diced onion, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir thoroughly to blend all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. In the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top and allow it to melt and become bubbly. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the casserole hot, accompanied by a fresh dinner salad or breadsticks for a complete meal. Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli depending on availability; if using frozen, thaw and drain excess water to prevent a watery casserole.
- For a creamier texture, consider adding extra milk or more butter.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some black pepper or herbs like thyme or parsley before baking.
- To make it lighter, use reduced-fat cheese and low-fat soups.
