When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying as a warm, hearty casserole. One of the all-time favorites for busy families is the Easy Baked Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, wholesome rice, and nutritious broccoli in a creamy, flavorful sauce that bakes to perfection in the oven. It’s a versatile recipe that brings together the best of convenience and comfort, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or even family gatherings. This recipe has roots in classic American comfort food, and versions of it have been passed down through generations, including Grandma’s chicken and broccoli bake.
What makes this casserole even better is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up a delicious and nutritious meal in no time. Whether you’re following the footsteps of Pioneer Woman’s broccoli chicken rice casserole or trying your hand at a healthier version, this recipe is adaptable to your needs.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup uncooked rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ¼ cup breadcrumbs for topping
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Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Ingredients
Begin by preparing the base of the casserole. Cook your rice according to package instructions or use Minute Rice for quicker preparation. Meanwhile, steam your broccoli until it’s tender but still bright green. If you don’t have fresh broccoli on hand, frozen broccoli works just as well.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
For this recipe, shredded cooked chicken is best. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook chicken breasts or thighs. Season the chicken with a little salt and pepper while cooking for added flavor. For ease, this dish can also be made with pre-cooked or store-bought chicken.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well blended. This creamy mixture brings together all the flavors of the casserole, reminiscent of the classic Easy chicken broccoli rice casserole Campbell’s.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli to the creamy mixture. Stir everything until it’s well combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and adjust seasoning as necessary. Once everything is mixed, transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Topping
Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. For an extra crunchy finish, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top. The Pioneer Woman broccoli chicken rice casserole recipe often includes a crunchy topping, which adds texture and a delightful golden crust.
Step 6: Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. The casserole should be heated through, with the cheese melted and slightly crispy around the edges.
Step 7: Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. It pairs well with a simple side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
Tips and Variations
1. Make it Healthier
For a healthy chicken rice and broccoli casserole, consider using low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup, skim milk, and reduced-fat cheese. Additionally, using brown rice instead of white rice adds extra fiber and nutrients.
2. Easy Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. For a 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole, streamline the dish by omitting extra seasonings and opting for pre-seasoned chicken or flavored cheese. You can also make an easy chicken broccoli rice casserole without condensed soup by creating your own homemade white sauce with flour, butter, and broth.
3. Vegetarian Option
To make this casserole vegetarian, substitute the chicken with cooked chickpeas or tofu. You can use a can of condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken soup. This creates a wholesome, plant-based version of the dish.
4. Cheese Options
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Cheddar is a classic choice, but Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or even a three-cheese blend would add unique flavor twists.
5. Make-Ahead Tip
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to three months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake it as directed.
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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic dish like Grandma’s chicken and broccoli bake or trying out a modern twist like a healthy chicken rice and broccoli casserole, this recipe is sure to satisfy. It’s the perfect combination of hearty chicken, comforting rice, and nutritious broccoli, all tied together with a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes to perfection.