Amazing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Comfort Food at Its Best

If you’re craving a hearty, family-friendly meal, look no further than this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese, this dish offers comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy dinner to make ahead, this casserole is the perfect solution. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and even better when enjoyed the next day, making it ideal for meal prep. Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!

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History or Background

The Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has become a classic comfort food over the years, with roots in American home-cooking traditions. Often seen as a go-to dish for family gatherings or weeknight dinners, this casserole combines the best of savory flavors with simple, hearty ingredients. It’s believed to have gained popularity in the mid-20th century, when casseroles became a staple in American kitchens due to their ease of preparation and ability to feed large families. Today, it’s a beloved dish that never fails to satisfy!

Why You’ll Love Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Hearty and Filling: With chicken, rice, and broccoli, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish—no sides necessary!
2. Creamy and Cheesy: The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and Velveeta creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
3. Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the mild flavors and comforting textures of this dish.
4. Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance, and bake it when you’re ready—perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
5. Customizable: Add extra veggies or swap out the rice for quinoa to make this casserole your own.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

To make this mouthwatering Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

• 6 Tbsp salted butter, plus more for greasing the baking dish
• 8 cups small broccoli florets
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, grated on a microplane
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp dry mustard
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups whole milk
• 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and at room temperature
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 8 oz processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed
• 1 (8-oz.) block sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (about 2 cups)
• 3 cups cooked long-grain rice
• 1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Follow these simple steps to prepare the perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with butter and set it aside.
2. Cook the Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook until they are crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain the broccoli, rinse it with cold water, and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Once the butter has melted and foamed, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly before shredding it.
4. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the flour, dry mustard, and cayenne pepper, and cook for 1 more minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until the mixture thickens, about 4 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the cream cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until the cheese melts completely, then add the processed cheese and half of the cheddar, continuing to whisk until smooth.
5. Combine the Ingredients: Fold in the cooked broccoli and shredded chicken into the cheese sauce. Then, layer half of the cooked rice into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the chicken-broccoli mixture over the rice, followed by the remaining rice and sauce.
6. Top and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Melt the butter and toss it with the crushed crackers, then sprinkle them over the casserole. Bake for 30 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through, until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
7. Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

. Pro Tips for the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here are a few helpful tips to elevate your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: To maintain a vibrant green color and firm texture, cook the broccoli just until it’s crisp-tender. Overcooking it can result in mushy broccoli that doesn’t hold up in the casserole.
2. Shred the Chicken for Even Distribution: Shredding the chicken helps it evenly distribute throughout the casserole, ensuring every bite has a perfect balance of meat and sauce.
3. Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the creamiest texture, always use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the sauce.

Serving Ideas or Usage Tips

Here are some creative ways to serve your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

1. Pair with a Side Salad: This casserole is hearty on its own, but a light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the dish.
2. Serve with Garlic Bread: For a complete comfort food experience, serve with warm, buttery garlic bread on the side.
3. Meal Prep: This casserole makes an excellent meal prep option. Make it ahead and divide it into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
4. Top with Crushed Nuts: For added texture and a bit of crunch, sprinkle some toasted almonds or walnuts on top before baking.

Storage Advice or Shelf Life Information

To store your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

• Refrigerate: Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• Freeze: If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the casserole. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it will keep for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for convenience.

Find out more:  Incredible Protein-Rich Tomato Basil Soup with White Beans Recipe

FAQs Section

Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and follow the instructions.

Can I substitute the rice for quinoa or another grain?
Absolutely! If you prefer a gluten-free or different texture, quinoa, brown rice, or even couscous can be great substitutes for the rice in this casserole.

How do I prevent my casserole from being too runny?
To avoid a runny casserole, ensure the cheese sauce is thickened properly before mixing with the other ingredients. Also, be sure to drain the broccoli well and cook it just until crisp-tender to minimize excess moisture.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both delicious and easy to make. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you make it ahead of time for meal prep or serve it fresh for dinner, this casserole is a winner every time. Give it a try and enjoy the heartwarming flavors!

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