Description
Hearty chicken and broccoli casserole combines comfort ingredients for a satisfying meal that brings family together. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome rice create a delicious one-dish wonder you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10.1 ounces / 286 grams) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 pound (454 grams) processed cheese food
Soup and Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups water
Other Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the rice by bringing water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, then add instant rice, cover, and let it steam off the heat for 5 minutes until fluffy and tender.
- Create a harmonious blend in a spacious baking dish by gently mixing the cooked rice with tender chunk chicken, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, melted butter, and milk.
- Incorporate chopped broccoli florets and diced onions into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Crumble processed cheese throughout the casserole, allowing it to mingle with the other components and create a rich, cohesive base.
- Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven set at 350°F, positioning it in the center rack for consistent heat circulation.
- Bake the casserole for approximately 30-36 minutes, pausing midway to stir and promote uniform cheese melting and prevent potential scorching.
- Verify the casserole’s readiness by checking for a golden, bubbling cheese surface and ensuring all ingredients are heated thoroughly.
- Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutrition, keeping cooking time and liquid ratios consistent.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and enhance flavor complexity.
- Replace processed cheese with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more sophisticated taste profile and reduced preservatives.
- Consider adding slivered almonds or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and textural contrast during the final 10 minutes of baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 445
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 930 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 69 mg