Introduction

Welcome to this delicious recipe for Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole. This comforting dish is perfect for family dinners or potlucks. Packed with flavorful ingredients, it is bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re a novice cook or an experienced chef, this casserole is easy to make and sure to impress. Let’s dive into the details and learn how to create this mouthwatering dish.

Ingredients

Before we get started, let’s gather all the ingredients we’ll need for this delicious casserole:

For the casserole:

– 2 cups of cooked rice

– 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded

– 2 cups of broccoli florets, steamed

– 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese

– 1/4 cup of diced onion

– 2 cloves of garlic, minced

– 1 cup of milk

– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

– 2 tablespoons of butter

– 1 tablespoon of olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

– 1 cup of bread crumbs

– 2 tablespoons of melted butter

Steps

Now that we have all our ingredients ready, let’s start cooking:

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.

Step 2: Prepare the casserole filling

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent.

In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Cook the mixture until it thickens and becomes smooth.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 3: Assemble the casserole

Transfer the casserole filling into the greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly.

Step 4: Prepare the topping

In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix well to ensure all the bread crumbs are coated.

Step 5: Bake the casserole

Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the casserole filling.

Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 6: Serve and enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Variations

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole recipe is versatile, and you can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few variations you can try:

Vegetarian Option:

If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.

Spicy Twist:

For a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.

Gluten-Free Option:

If you follow a gluten-free diet, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free bread crumbs for the topping.

Tips

Here are a few tips to help you make the perfect Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole:

– Cook the rice and chicken in advance to save time when preparing the casserole.

– Steam the broccoli until it is tender but still slightly crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy in the casserole.

– Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Swiss cheese can add unique flavors to the casserole.

– Make sure to let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows it to set and makes it easier to portion.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken in a creamy and flavorful way. It’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that can be easily customized to suit your taste. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a potluck, this casserole is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy the comforting flavors!

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Simply follow the recipe instructions until step 3, then cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the refrigerator, top with the bread crumb mixture, and bake as directed.

How long can I store the leftovers?

The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion of the casserole in a microwave-safe dish and heat until warmed through.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole for later use. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label it with the date and place it in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

Can I use different vegetables?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use different vegetables or a combination of vegetables based on your preference. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the vegetables accordingly.

What can I serve with this casserole?

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a more substantial meal.

BROCCOLI, RICE, CHEESE, AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Recipe by Author

★★★★☆

4.5 from 120 votes

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Difficulty: medium

Servings

6

Prep time

15 minutes

Cooking time

30 minutes

Calories

425 kcal

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A comforting and flavorful casserole dish made with a delicious combination of broccoli, rice, chicken, and cheesy sauce. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this creamy casserole is easy to make and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
2. In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic. In a separate saucepan, make a roux with melted butter and flour, then mix in milk, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce in a bowl. Spread the mixture in the casserole dish.
4. Mix bread crumbs and melted butter in a bowl, then sprinkle over the casserole.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and heated through.
6. Let the casserole cool before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 425

Fat: 19.5

Carbohydrates: 35.8

Protein: 26.7

Sodium: 632

Fiber: 3.5

Sugar: 3.9