Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole Recipe

Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy cheese, and nutritious broccoli for a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. Let’s dive into the step-by-step recipe to create this classic comfort food casserole.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shredded chicken
• 2 cups instant rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can cream of onion soup
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 8 oz Velveeta cheese food, cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 bag frozen broccoli, thawed and drained
• Panko bread crumbs, optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook Chicken:
   • If using raw chicken, cook and shred it. You can poach the chicken breasts in water or broth, bake, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Cook Instant Rice:
   • Prepare the instant rice according to the package instructions using the chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. Set aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

1. Melt Butter:
   • In a large saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat.
2. Add Soups:
   • Stir in the cream of onion soup and cream of chicken soup until well combined.
3. Add Cheese and Cream:
   • Add the cubed Velveeta cheese, heavy whipping cream, and milk. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, cheese sauce, and thawed broccoli. Mix until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare Baking Dish:
   • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
3. Layer Casserole:
   • Pour the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
4. Add Bread Crumbs:
   • If using, sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake:
   • Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

1. Cool Slightly:
   • Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve:
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Cooking Notes and Tips

• Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook chicken breasts or thighs according to your preference.
• Cheese: Velveeta cheese provides a creamy texture, but you can substitute with shredded cheddar or a cheese blend if preferred.
• Broccoli: Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Simply blanch it before adding to the casserole.

Variations

Spicy Version

• Add Heat:
  • Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy kick.

Vegetarian Version

• Meatless Option:
  • Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Low-Carb Version

• Rice Substitute:
  • Use cauliflower rice instead of instant rice for a lower-carb option.

Serving Suggestions

With a Side Salad

• Salad:
  • Serve with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

With Garlic Bread

• Bread:
  • Pair with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette for a complete meal.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Vegetables:
  • Serve with a side of roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an additional 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Q: Can I freeze this casserole? A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Q: What if I don’t have Velveeta cheese? A: You can substitute with shredded cheddar cheese or a cheese blend. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

Q: Can I use fresh broccoli? A: Yes, fresh broccoli can be used. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for a few minutes until tender, then drain and add to the casserole.

Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with your loved ones!