Description
Hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole melds creamy cheese sauce with tender protein and green vegetables. Comforting layers of savory ingredients create perfect dinner harmony you can easily enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables:
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
Grains and Base:
- 2 cups cooked rice
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Soup and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Optional Topping:
- Breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Blend shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli in a spacious mixing vessel.
- Incorporate cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
- Fold in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and potential burning.
- Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Generously top the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty surface.
- Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch and texture.
- Place in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and melted cheese.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed taste and lower sodium content.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein and reduce fat while maintaining creamy texture.
- For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for added crunch.
- Roast broccoli beforehand to intensify its flavor and prevent watery consistency in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg