Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole
Craving chicken casserole recipes? This cheesy chicken & broccoli rice casserole is the *best* comfort food! Easy one-pot chicken bake even the kids will devour. Get the recipe!
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Remember those nights when you just needed a big hug? honestly, that's what sparked this journey into chicken casserole recipes ! this isn't just any casserole; it's a creamy, cheesy dream.
It tastes great.
Brief Overview
Chicken casserole, a comfort food staple with roots deep in american kitchens, is all about easy, satisfying goodness. this one is dead easy to make.
This one pot chicken bake only takes around an hour from start to finish. this chicken dinner casserole serves 6-8 hungry people.
Perfect for busy families.
Main Benefits
This chicken casserole with mayo recipe brings back childhood memories. it’s packed with protein and veggies for a surprisingly balanced meal.
This easy rotisserie chicken casserole is perfect for a casual sunday dinner. seriously, it's a crowd-pleaser, making you the star chef!
Let's Talk Ingredients for This Million Dollar Casserole Recipes
Right, so, we're diving into the good stuff now. Forget complicated recipes. It's time for a classic comfort dish with a few sneaky upgrades. Grab your ingredients, and let's get cooking.
First, you'll need some cooked chicken. rotisserie works brilliantly. broccoli florets are next. make sure they are fresh. cooked rice gives it that hearty base.
Of course, we can't forget the creamy sauce. condensed cream of mushroom soup is the secret weapon. we will add it some milk.
A generous helping of cheddar and parmesan cheese.
The best chicken casserole needs that golden, bubbly top. seriously, this combination is just chef's kiss ! i used to hate broccoli as a kid but honestly, the cheese and cream make it super palatable.
Making a Chicken Casserole With a Little Help from Mayo
Before you start throwing everything into a dish, melt butter. Sauté some onions and garlic. This builds flavour. Mix it all together with the rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, and cheeses.
Some people like to use mayo in their Chicken Cracker Casserole . This give it moisture and creaminess. Just be careful to adjust the seasoning as needed.
Pour it into a baking dish. then bake it until it's all golden brown and bubbly. honestly, this best chicken casserole ever is the perfect way to feed the whole family.
This recipes is very forgiving. this 1 dish meals are perfect when you want to save time with cleaning.
Ingredients & Equipment for the Best Chicken Casserole Ever
Right, let's talk about what you'll need for this chicken casserole recipes adventure! honestly, it's all pretty straightforward stuff, nothing too fancy.
We're aiming for a million dollar casserole recipes taste with a 1 dish meals convenience!
Main Players: Chicken & More!
- Chicken: You'll need 2 cups (300g) of cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. Quality-wise, think about where it came from. Free-range or organic is a bonus, but honestly, anything that tastes good to you is perfect. Leftover roast chicken? Amazing! Easy Rotisserie Chicken Casserole , you know?
- Broccoli: Aim for 2 cups (250g) of fresh broccoli florets. They should be nice and green, not yellowing or mushy.
- Rice: 2 cups (400g) of cooked rice. Use whatever you have. White, brown, even that fancy wild rice mix will do the trick!
- Soup & Dairy: 1 (305g) can of condensed cream of mushroom soup. And 1/2 cup (120ml) of milk to thin it all out.
- Cheese: 1 cup (100g) cheddar and 1/2 cup (50g) Parmesan. Get good cheese, it changes the taste in ways you would not expect.
Seasoning Notes: Making it Delicious
Okay, so the beauty of chicken casserole recipes is that you can really play around with the flavours.
- Essentials: Salt, pepper ( 1/4 teaspoon (1g) each), garlic powder, onion powder ( 1/4 teaspoon (1g) each). Don't skip these!
- Aromatics: Sauté 1 cup (150g) of chopped onion and 1 teaspoon (5g) minced garlic in butter. This builds a flavour foundation that is amazing.
- Flavour Boosters: A pinch of dried thyme or rosemary can add a herby touch. A dash of hot sauce if you're feeling spicy!
- Subs: No mushroom soup? Cream of chicken works just as well for a Chicken Dinner Casserole .
Essential Tools for This Chicken Casserole With Mayo
Let's be honest, you don't need a ton of fancy gadgets for chicken casserole recipes . Keep it simple.
- Baking Dish: A 9x13 inch baking dish is the star.
- Skillet: For sautéing those onions and garlic.
- Mixing Bowls: For combining all the goodness.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: For getting those amounts just right.
- Household Hacks: No fancy garlic press? Just mince it with a knife! No measuring spoons? Eyeball it! This is The Best Chicken Casserole , not a science experiment!
So, there you have it! The ingredients and tools you need to make an incredible Chicken Cracker Casserole . Get yourself sorted, and let's get cooking! This One Pot Chicken Bake is about to become your new best mate!
Cooking Method: Baking Your Way to Comfort with Chicken Casserole Recipes
Baking, oh my gosh, it's more than just turning on the oven. it's an art, a science, and sometimes, a bit of kitchen magic, especially when you're diving into the world of chicken casserole recipes .
I'm talking about that warm, bubbly, soul-soothing goodness we all crave. there is nothing better than a good chicken dinner casserole !
Prep Like a Pro: Your Mise en Place
Before you even think about switching on the oven, let's get organised. honestly, it's the key to stress-free baking. this means chopping your veggies, measuring out ingredients, and having everything within arm's reach.
This is your essential mise en place . a tip is to chop the veggies the day before. it gives you more time to relax after a day's work!
Baking Brilliance: Step-by-Step to The Best Chicken Casserole
Right, here’s how we turn simple ingredients into a 1 dish meal :
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease that baking dish. Trust me, you don't want a sticky situation later.
- Sauté your aromatics. Melt your butter and add in the onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Combine ingredients. In the mixing bowl, you're going to add the sautéed ingredients, cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, soup, milk, spices, and most of the cheese. Don’t forget to save some cheese for topping!
- Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish, making sure it's evenly spread.
- If you like a yummy topping, mix the Ritz crackers and melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 30- 35 minutes , or until golden brown and bubbly. You want to check for an internal temp of 165° F ( 74° C) . It should start to look good.
Pro Tips for Chicken Casserole With Mayo and More!
Here are some tricks I've learned over the years, baking loads of chicken casserole recipes:
- Don't overcook the broccoli . Slightly undercook your broccoli to get that perfect bite. Soggy broccoli? No thank you!
- Avoid burning the cheese. If it starts to brown too much, tent it with foil.
- If you have cooked chicken already, the prep is even easier. Or, if you want, use an easy rotisserie chicken casserole .
So, there you have it, baking made easy! with these tips and steps, you'll be whipping up the best chicken casserole ever in no time.
Get ready for a delicious and comforting meal that the whole family will love. and remember, cooking should be fun, so don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own million dollar casserole recipes .
Alright, let's dive into some extra bits and bobs for our cheesy chicken & broccoli rice casserole ! this isn't just about following a recipe; it’s about making it your best chicken casserole ever .
Recipe Notes
Serving Suggestions: Turning It Up to Eleven
Presentation matters, right? for plating, try scooping a generous portion of this million dollar casserole recipes contender onto a plate and garnishing with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
A colourful side salad really brightens things up. think about some cranberry sauce for a festive twist, you know? as for drinks, a crisp white wine or even just a simple glass of iced tea works wonders.
Honestly, i love mine with a pint!
Storage Tips: Keeping the Dream Alive
Leftovers? lucky you! for refrigeration, store the casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 days. for freezing, let it cool completely first.
Then wrap it tightly in cling film, then foil. you can freeze it for up to 2 months. when reheating, thaw it overnight in the fridge.
Then bake at 350° f ( 175° c) until heated through. microwaving works too, but it can get a bit.
..soggy, if you know what i mean.
Variations: Making it Your Own
Want to make this chicken casserole with mayo ? alright, sub out half the cream of mushroom soup for mayo.
It'll add a tangy zip! fancy something lighter? swap the cream of mushroom soup for greek yoghurt. honestly, it works a treat.
For a seasonal twist, try adding some roasted butternut squash or some fresh corn in summer. this recipe is amazing to use as one pot chicken bake or 1 dish meals as your heart desires.
Nutrition Basics: Feeling Good About It
Alright, quick and dirty breakdown. this casserole packs a good amount of protein from the chicken. plus, you are getting some veggies from the broccoli.
Chicken is the star of many chicken dinner casserole recipes for very good reason. the cheese adds calcium. i'm not going to lie; it is not exactly health food.
But it is comforting, and sometimes, that is what matters, right? easy rotisserie chicken casserole like this one makes it easier.
So, there you have it! a few extra bits and bobs to make your chicken cracker casserole , that is, your best chicken casserole ever , even more amazing.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have some fun with it! you got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken casserole recipe ahead of time? I'm a bit of a busy bee during the week!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole (without the topping) up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add the topping and cheese, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like having your own personal Mary Berry ready to go!
What if I don't have cream of mushroom soup for this chicken casserole? What's a good substitute?
Not to worry, a good cook always has a trick up their sleeve! You can easily substitute cream of chicken soup, or even make your own cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. Season it well with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for that comforting, home-cooked flavour.
My family isn't big on broccoli. Are there any other vegetables I can use in this chicken casserole recipe?
Definitely! This casserole is super versatile. You could try using mixed vegetables like carrots, peas, and corn, or even sliced mushrooms, green beans, or asparagus. Just be mindful of the cooking times – some vegetables may need to be pre-cooked slightly to ensure they're tender when the casserole is done.
How should I store leftover chicken casserole? Will it still be good the next day?
Leftovers are brilliant! Let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Just don't expect the same level of crispness in the topping – it might be a bit softer, but still delicious.
Is there a way to make this chicken casserole healthier? All those creamy sauces are a bit naughty!
You bet! Use low-fat or fat-free cream of mushroom soup and milk. You can also increase the amount of broccoli (or other vegetables) and reduce the amount of cheese. Another great trick is to use brown rice instead of white rice for added fibre and nutrients. Swapping half the rice for quinoa will help too!
Can I freeze this chicken casserole recipe? I love batch cooking!
Freezing is definitely an option for future "bangers and mash" scenarios! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap and foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed. Note that the texture of the rice and sauce may change slightly after freezing, but it should still be tasty!
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Card
