Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, creamy soups, and nutritious broccoli with cheesy, fluffy rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10 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
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Mix in the instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
- Step 3: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the prepared rice, chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, broccoli, onion, and processed cheese.
- Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Stir halfway through cooking to help cheese melt evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a crunchier texture; steam it lightly before adding.
- Substitute the processed cheese food with shredded cheddar or a mix of your favorite cheeses for a richer flavor.
- Add garlic powder or herbs like thyme or parsley to elevate the taste.
- For a lower sodium option, choose low-sodium soups and cheese varieties.
Storage
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chunk chicken?
Yes, cooked and shredded chicken breast works well. Use about 2 to 3 cups cooked chicken and add it at the same step as the canned chicken.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the chicken with cooked beans, tofu, or extra vegetables, and use vegetarian cream soups or homemade alternatives.
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole combining tender chicken, broccoli, creamy soups, cheese, and instant rice baked to perfection. This classic dish is perfect for a family dinner or potluck, delivering hearty flavors and a creamy texture in one pan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Rice: In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the instant rice, cover the pot, and remove it from the heat. Let it stand covered for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the water and become tender.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, thoroughly mix the prepared instant rice with chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, frozen chopped broccoli, chopped white onion, and processed cheese food. This mixture forms the base of your casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. About halfway through the baking time, remove the casserole and stir it to ensure the cheese melts evenly throughout. Return to the oven until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if preferred; steam it lightly before mixing.
- Processed cheese food provides a creamy melt; if unavailable, cheddar cheese can be used as an alternative.
- Stirring halfway during baking helps the cheese melt uniformly and prevents sticking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: broccoli casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, instant rice casserole, baked casserole, easy dinner recipe
