Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole A Weeknight Winner

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever craved something proper comforting? A chicken broccoli and rice casserole , eh? It's like a big hug in a dish. Honestly, this recipe is all about that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Brief Overview

Casseroles? Proper British classics. Perfect for easy family dinners. They are simple to make and feed a crowd. This recipe is easy, takes about 50 minutes, and serves 6-8.

Main Benefits

This creamy chicken casserole is packed with protein and sneaky veggies. It's great for a weeknight dinner. What makes it special? It's proper tasty and everyone loves it.

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. A chicken broccoli and rice casserole , eh? Sounds like something my Auntie Brenda would whip up after bingo night.

Ingredients

• Chicken Time: You will need about 2 lbs of chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. Leftover roast chicken is cracking for this.
• Veggie Goodness: Grab one head of broccoli. Chop it into florets. One medium yellow onion and two cloves of garlic.
• Rice, Right: One cup of uncooked long-grain rice should do the trick.
• The Creamy Bit: Some butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. Thyme and garlic powder for flavour.
• Cheesy Dreams: Cheddar and Parmesan cheese. About a cup of cheddar and half a cup of Parmesan.

Why this Recipe?

Right, let's think about what would help people find this lovely bit of comfort food. It's definitely a family friendly casserole recipe .

People might be searching for a weeknight casserole dinners or an easy chicken casserole recipe . You know? It's also a classic comfort food casserole .

This isn't just any broccoli cheese rice casserole . It’s proper good. My grandma used to make a chicken and rice bake and it was famous. We are talking legendary.

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. A chicken broccoli and rice casserole , eh? Sounds like something my Auntie Brenda would whip up after bingo night.

It's total comfort food casserole territory. Right, let's think about what ingredients we'll need.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole A Weeknight Winner Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:30 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (approx. 3 cups shredded chicken)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets (approx. 4 cups)
• 1 cup (200g) uncooked long-grain rice (yields approx. 3 cups cooked)
• 1 tbsp (15ml) butter
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 3 cups (700ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (55g) shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
• Cook rice according to package directions. Set aside.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add broccoli florets and cook until slightly tender-crisp. Set aside.
• Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in dried thyme and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed broccoli mixture, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Stir until well combined.
• Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450-550

Fat:20-30g

Fiber:30-40g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty

Main Ingredients: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Essentials

Alright, so we're making a creamy chicken casserole . Here's what you need.

• Chicken: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded. Good quality chicken makes a difference. Look for chicken that's plump and pink, not pale and slimy. That's the key to the best chicken and rice bake .
• Rice: 1 cup (200g) uncooked long-grain rice. This will give you about 3 cups cooked. Use good quality parboiled rice, as it doesn't get too mushy.
• Broccoli: 1 head , cut into florets. Should give you about 4 cups . Fresh, vibrant green broccoli is what you're after. Avoid any yellowing or signs of wilting.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Butter: 1 tbsp (15ml)
• Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose
• Chicken Broth: 3 cups (700ml)
• Milk: 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
• Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar. Chicken broccoli rice casserole with cheddar cheese ? Oh my gosh, yes!
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (55g) shredded parmesan.

Seasoning Notes: Flavor Fireworks!

Don't skimp on the seasoning! It's what takes this easy chicken casserole recipe from 'meh' to 'amazing!

• Essential Spice Combo: Thyme ( 1/2 tsp dried) and garlic powder ( 1/4 tsp ) are our base. They add a subtle, earthy depth.
• Flavor Enhancers: Salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don't be shy! Season generously to taste.
• Quick Subs: No thyme? A pinch of dried oregano or Italian seasoning will do.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple, Stupid!

No fancy gadgets needed for this weeknight casserole dinners .

• Large saucepan: For cooking the rice.
• Large skillet: For sautéing the veggies and making the sauce.
• 9x13 inch baking dish: This is your one-pot chicken casserole HQ.
• Whisk: For making that smooth sauce. Honestly, a fork works in a pinch.

And there you have it! Now, let's get cooking this family friendly casserole recipes ! This chicken broccoli casserole variations can be made in so many ways.

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. A chicken broccoli and rice casserole , eh? Sounds like something my Auntie Brenda would whip up after bingo night.

Right, let's dive in and get this culinary masterpiece cooking.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is key. This fancy French term just means get everything ready before you start! Chop your onion, mince the garlic.

And wash and chop the broccoli. Cook that rice! Save time by using pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie. Safety first : remember to wash your hands after handling raw chicken, even if you skipped it.

Step-by-Step: Casserole Construction

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil 'til soft. Add broccoli. Cook til tender-crisp.
3. Melt butter in the same pan. Whisk in flour, then gradually whisk in broth and milk.
4. Season with thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
5. Combine rice, broccoli mix, chicken, and sauce in a bowl. Then, pour it into baking dish.
6. Top with cheddar and parmesan.
7. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for a Bangin' Casserole

Avoid common pitfalls, like overcooking the broccoli. Nobody likes mushy broccoli. Use pre-cooked chicken to make it a weeknight winner.

To make ahead , assemble the casserole (unbaked). Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 5- 10 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

The result? A creamy chicken casserole dreams are made of. Honestly, a warm slice of chicken and rice bake is perfect after a long day, don't you know? It's just comfort food casserole at its finest.

And that's the beauty of a good easy chicken casserole recipe ... simple, satisfying, and screams "home."

Recipe Notes

Okay, right then, let's get this sorted. A chicken broccoli and rice casserole , eh? Sounds like proper, no-fuss comfort food.

Honestly, this recipe is pretty forgiving, but a few pointers will make it sing.

Serving Suggestions – Plating Like a Pro

Right, presentation. Think about making it look extra inviting! A dollop of sour cream on top? Sorted. Some chopped fresh parsley for colour? Lovely.

And honestly, this creamy chicken casserole goes brilliantly with a simple green salad. It balances out the richness beautifully. A crisp side salad with a vinaigrette is spot on.

Or some steamed green beans. Crusty bread is also a good shout. Good for soaking up that creamy sauce, innit?.

Storage Tips – Keeping it Fresh

Let's talk leftovers. This chicken broccoli rice casserole is fantastic the next day. Just make sure to cool it properly before popping it in the fridge.

Refrigerate within two hours to be safe. In an airtight container, it’ll be good for about 3-4 days. Honestly, it's almost better the next day because the flavours have had a chance to meld.

Freezing it is an option too. Let it cool completely, wrap it well, and it should be good for up to 2-3 months.

When reheating, make sure it's piping hot all the way through – at least 165° F ( 74° C) .

Variations – Making it Your Own

Fancy a bit of a twist? This chicken broccoli casserole variations are endless!

• Dietary adaptions: For a gluten-free version, just swap out the regular flour for a gluten-free alternative when making the sauce. Easy peasy.
• Seasonal ingredient swaps : If broccoli is not your cup of tea, swap in seasonal favourites like cauliflower or asparagus.

Nutrition Basics – What You're Actually Eating

Look, I'm no nutritionist, but here's the gist. This comfort food casserole has a bit of everything. Chicken provides protein, broccoli brings in vitamins, and rice gives you carbs for energy.

The creamy sauce and cheese do add fat and calories. But hey, everything in moderation, right? I read somewhere that eating chicken, broccoli and rice has some benefits, but I'll leave the specifics to the experts.

This recipe is high in protein and has vitamins A and C. It is a great source of energy.

So there you have it. A family friendly casserole recipe that’s easy to make, satisfying, and totally adaptable. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, mate!