Hey there, fellow home cooks! Are you tired of the endless weeknight dinner scramble? I know I am, sometimes. That’s why I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite chicken rice and broccoli casserole recipe with you. It’s a true lifesaver on those crazy evenings.
This dish is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll have a delicious meal on the table fast. Seriously, it’s a quick solution for a busy day. Plus, it’s hearty enough for everyone. Your family will love it, I promise!
It’s the perfect meal when you’re short on time. You can even use leftovers. This chicken rice and broccoli casserole is a winner. It’s a dish to impress your loved ones. Get ready for some happy sighs around the dinner table.
PrintChicken Rice Broccoli Casserole: Quick Dinner!
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A quick and easy chicken rice and broccoli casserole, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, and broccoli florets.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and lightly browned.
Notes
- You can use leftover cooked chicken and rice.
- For a creamier casserole, add an extra 1/4 cup of milk.
- If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can crush some crackers.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Your New Go-To Weeknight Dinner Solution
This casserole is pure magic, truly. It takes the stress out of dinner planning. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again. It’s a real game-changer for busy moms and professionals. Dinner dilemmas? Solved!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
This dish is a weeknight warrior. It’s incredibly simple to make. Even beginners can nail it. It tastes amazing, too. You get comfort food satisfaction. It’s a winner for busy lives.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Lives
Seriously, this recipe is a dream. Prep time is a breeze. You’ll spend minutes, not hours. It uses common ingredients you likely have. This chicken rice and broccoli casserole saves precious time. You can actually relax after dinner.
Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Gathering your ingredients is the first step. This recipe uses simple pantry staples. You probably have most of them already. It’s a true weeknight wonder. Exact quantities are at the bottom for easy printing!
The Heart of the Casserole
Protein Powerhouse
You’ll need some cooked chicken. Shredded or diced works great. Leftovers are perfect here! It makes the casserole satisfying.
The Perfect Base
Next up is cooked rice. Any kind you have on hand works. It adds a wonderful texture. This forms the foundation of our dish.
Creamy Comfort
A can of condensed cream of chicken soup is key. It brings all the flavors together. This provides that creamy goodness we all love. It’s a classic casserole ingredient.
A Touch of Green
Don’t forget fresh or frozen broccoli florets. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. They add color and nutrients. It’s a healthy addition!
Cheesy Goodness
Shredded cheddar cheese is a must. It melts beautifully on top. You can use other cheeses too. Gruyere or Monterey Jack are great.
For That Golden Crunch
Finally, some breadcrumbs for the topping. They get nice and toasty. Melted butter makes them extra delicious. Crushed crackers are a good swap.
How to Make This Easy Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Let’s get cooking! This recipe is super straightforward. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result. It’s a truly easy casserole to manage.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
First, preheat your oven. Set it to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). This ensures even baking. Next, grab your baking dish. Grease it well. A 9×13 inch dish is ideal. This prevents sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients
Grab a large bowl. Toss in your cooked chicken. Add the cooked rice next. Pour in the condensed cream of chicken soup. Stir in the milk. Now, add the chopped broccoli florets. Mix everything gently. Make sure it’s well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole Base
Carefully pour the mixture. Transfer it into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly. This forms the base of your casserole. It looks so inviting already.
Step 4: Create the Topping
In a separate small bowl, get creative. Combine the shredded cheddar cheese. Add the breadcrumbs to the cheese. Pour in the melted butter. Stir until it’s all moistened. This topping adds amazing flavor. It also gives a lovely crunch.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Now, sprinkle the cheese and breadcrumb mixture. Distribute it evenly over the casserole. Ensure it covers the top. This is the final step before baking. It makes the chicken rice and broccoli casserole shine.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly casserole. The top should be lightly browned. This means it’s ready to serve. Enjoy your quick dinner!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
Elevate your casserole game with these simple tips. They make a big difference. Your dish will be even more delicious.
- Use leftover cooked chicken and rice.
- Add a splash more milk for extra creaminess.
- Crush crackers if you’re out of breadcrumbs.
- Fresh parsley adds a lovely garnish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before baking.
Essential Equipment for Your Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this dish. Just a few basics will do. These tools make the process smooth and simple.
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking dish (9×13 inch)
- Spatula or spoon
- Oven mitts
Delicious Variations of Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
This basic recipe is a blank canvas. You can easily make it your own. Get creative and have fun! These ideas add new flavors and textures.
Spice Up Your Casserole
Want a little kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. A dash of hot sauce works wonders. Smoked paprika gives a lovely depth. Try some diced jalapeños for heat.
Dietary Adjustments
Need to swap ingredients? Use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For a dairy-free option, try plant-based milk. Nutritional yeast can add cheesy flavor. Use cooked turkey or even beans instead of chicken.
Add More Veggies
Boost the nutrition further. Add some peas or corn. Diced carrots or bell peppers are great. Spinach wilts down nicely. Mushrooms add an earthy note. This makes your chicken rice and broccoli casserole even better.
Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal. But a few extras make it special. Here are some ideas to round out your dinner.
- A simple green salad is always nice.
- Serve with crusty bread for dipping.
- A side of fruit salad adds freshness.
- A glass of iced tea or water pairs well.
- Garnish with fresh parsley for color.
Got questions? I’ve got answers! This chicken rice and broccoli casserole is pretty forgiving. But knowing a few things can make it even better. Let’s dive into some common queries.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole. Just don’t add the breadcrumb topping yet. Cover it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. Add the topping before baking. You might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
What kind of rice is best for this chicken rice and broccoli casserole?
Honestly, any cooked rice works beautifully. Leftover white or brown rice is perfect. You can even use basmati or jasmine rice. Just make sure it’s already cooked. This makes the cooking process so much faster!
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can! If using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets. You might want to blanch it for a minute or two. This ensures it’s tender. Frozen broccoli is just a bit quicker. Either way, it’s delicious.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are your friend! Let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly. Store it in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about three to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
Enjoy Your Effortless Chicken Rice and Broccoli Casserole
There you have it! A truly satisfying meal. This chicken rice and broccoli casserole is a weeknight lifesaver. It brings comfort and ease to your table. You’ve created something delicious. Your family will thank you. It’s that simple and that good.
This recipe proves that amazing dinners don’t need hours. You’ve conquered dinner time with this dish. It’s a testament to simple, wholesome cooking. Savor every bite. Enjoy the smiles and full bellies. You’ve earned it!
