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Chicken rice broccoli casserole
Get ready for a comforting meal that’s great for busy weeknights. This chicken broccoli rice casserole has tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli. It’s all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Make this broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker a hit with your family!
Key Takeaways
- A cozy, all-in-one meal ideal for hectic weeknights
- Features tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crunchy broccoli florets
- Baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce for maximum flavor
- Simple to make and guaranteed to become a family favorite
- This flexible recipe can be tailored to suit your personal taste
Creamy Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Perfection
Chicken, rice, and broccoli together make a perfect one-dish meal. This chicken broccoli rice casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli. It’s all held together by a creamy, cheesy sauce.
A Comforting One-Dish Meal
This chicken broccoli casserole is a hit with everyone. It’s full of savory flavors and hearty textures. It’s a meal that soothes your soul and satisfies your hunger.
Easy to Prepare
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is super easy to make. You need simple ingredients and don’t have to do much prep. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal on a busy weeknight.
Ingredient | Quantity |
Chicken breasts, cubed | 2 cups |
Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
Cooked rice | 2 cups |
Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can |
Shredded cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
“This chicken broccoli rice casserole is pure comfort. It’s creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying – the perfect meal for a cozy night in.”
Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole
To make the perfect broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker or cheesy chicken and rice casserole, you need a few ingredients. It’s easy to make. Just follow these steps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Long-grain white rice
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the chicken, rice, and broccoli.
- In another bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup with 1 cup of water.
- Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, rice, and broccoli. Stir gently.
- Put the mixture in a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and the rice is tender.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Follow these steps to make a delicious broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker or cheesy chicken and rice casserole. It’s a tasty mix of chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy sauce and melted cheese. It’s a great one-dish meal.
Customizing Your Casserole
The classic mix of chicken, rice, and broccoli is great, but you can make it your own. Try different proteins and veggies to match your taste. It’s all about making it your own.
Protein Swaps and Additions
Want to change up the protein? Use ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked sausage instead. These options keep the flavor but add a new twist.
Adding more veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas can make it better. They boost the taste and nutritional value, making it more satisfying.
Protein Option | Flavor Profile | Nutritional Benefits |
Ground Turkey | Lean and mild, works well with the other flavors | Higher in protein, lower in fat compared to ground chicken |
Shredded Rotisserie Chicken | Tender and flavorful, adds a boost of convenience | Retains natural juices and nutrients from the whole chicken |
Cooked Sausage | Savory and slightly smoky, adds depth of flavor | Provides a different texture and protein source |
Creating a great chicken broccoli rice casserole is all about trying new things. Experiment and find what you love. Enjoy the process!
Make-Ahead and Freezer-Friendly Options
This broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker is great for meal prep and freezing. You can put it together ahead of time, cover it, and chill or freeze it. Then, throw it in the oven. It’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a tasty, homemade meal.
Here are some tips to make the most of this feature:
- Build the casserole in your dish, but don’t bake it. Cover it well with foil or a lid and chill for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight or bake it straight from the freezer. Add 15-20 minutes to the baking time if it’s frozen.
- Let the casserole sit for 5-10 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors mix and the casserole set.
Enjoying a broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker has never been simpler. With these tips, you can always have a tasty, homemade meal ready when you need it.
Preparation Method | Refrigerator | Freezer |
Assembled, unbaked | Up to 3 days | Up to 3 months |
Baked | Up to 4 days | Up to 2 months |
The broccoli rice casserole in slow cooker is a weeknight savior with its make-ahead and freezer-friendly options. Enjoy the ease and the delicious, comforting taste anytime!
Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes
The cheesy chicken and rice casserole is a complete meal by itself. But, adding some side dishes can make it even better. These sides can balance the flavors and textures, making your dinner more satisfying.
Complementary Flavors and Textures
Pair the cheesy chicken and rice casserole with a fresh garden salad. This adds a crisp, refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or carrots also make great sides. They add color and a slightly charred flavor.
For a heartier meal, try serving the cheesy chicken and rice casserole with crusty garlic bread or fluffy mashed potatoes. The bread soaks up the sauce, while the potatoes complement the casserole’s richness.
Side Dish | Flavor Profile | Texture |
Garden Salad | Crisp, refreshing | Crunchy |
Roasted Vegetables | Caramelized, slightly sweet | Tender, roasted |
Garlic Bread | Savory, garlicky | Crusty, soft interior |
Mashed Potatoes | Creamy, comforting | Smooth, pillowy |
Adding these side dishes can make your meal balanced and visually appealing. It highlights the delicious flavors and textures of the cheesy chicken and rice casserole.
Conclusion
The chicken rice broccoli casserole is a delightful dish. It combines chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy masterpiece. It’s perfect for a simple weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal.
This casserole is easy to make, thanks to its simple recipe and ingredients. It’s great for busy families. The mix of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli is a treat for your taste buds.
Try the cheesy chicken and rice casserole today. It’s a one-dish meal full of flavor. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this dish and savor the perfect balance of your favorite ingredients.
FAQ
How long does it take to make this chicken rice broccoli casserole?
This casserole is quick to make, ready in about an hour. Prep time is 20-30 minutes. Baking takes 30-35 minutes.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It’s great for meal prep and freezing. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate or freeze. Bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I use a different type of rice in this recipe?
Yes, you can. Try long-grain white rice, brown rice, wild rice, or a rice blend. Each adds its own twist.
Can I add or substitute other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mix in diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or frozen peas. They add flavor and nutrition.
Is there an alternative protein that I can substitute for chicken?
Yes, you can. Swap chicken for ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or cooked sausage. It’s versatile.
Can I make this casserole in the slow cooker?
Absolutely! Layer ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook slowly on low heat for 6-8 hours, or cook quickly on high heat for 3-4 hours. It’s tender and delicious.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Put leftovers in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.Freeze for a maximum of 3 months and thaw as required.