Looking for a comforting and delicious dinner option? Look no further than this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe. This dish is perfect for those who love classic comfort food flavors. With tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and creamy cheese, this casserole has all the makings of a perfect family meal.
One thing that makes this casserole so great is how easy it is to prepare. You only need a handful of simple ingredients, meaning this meal can be whipped up in no time. This makes it an ideal dish for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. Additionally, the recipe yields enough for six servings, so you can feed your entire family or have delicious leftovers for lunch the next day.
To make this casserole, start by layering cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and seasoned chicken in a baking dish. Then, create a creamy topping by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup together. Pour the mixture over the chicken and broccoli, and then sprinkle shredded cheddar and breadcrumbs over the top. Bake the casserole in the oven until it’s hot and bubbly, and then serve it right away.
This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a cozy and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s packed with flavor and healthy ingredients, so you can feel good about serving it to your loved ones. Give it a try the next time you’re in the mood for comfort food–you won’t be disappointed!
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 pound (453.6 g) chicken breasts cut into small pieces
- 1 broccoli head chopped into small florets
- 1 cup (187.7 g) white rice uncooked
- 2 cups (480 ml) water
- 1/2 cup (113.6 g) mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup (116.7 g) sour cream
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (114.6 g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (54.8 g) breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp (0.5 tsp) salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Steam broccoli until tender.
- In a pan, cook chicken until no longer pink.
- In a separate bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup.
- In a casserole dish, layer cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and cooked chicken.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture on top of the chicken.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
2. Chop the broccoli into small florets for even cooking.
3. Follow the instructions on the rice package to ensure proper cooking.
4. Steam the broccoli until tender for maximum flavor and nutrition.
5. Cook the chicken thoroughly until no longer pink.
6. Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup before adding to the casserole.
7. Layer the rice, broccoli, and chicken in a casserole dish for even distribution.
8. Spread the mayonnaise mixture evenly on top of the chicken.
9. Use shredded cheddar cheese for easy melting.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.
11. Bake at the recommended temperature for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
12. Serve hot for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Nutrition
Data source: USDA
Storage Tips
The Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can last up to 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in a tightly sealed container. To freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely and transfer it into an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. The casserole can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
To defrost the casserole, move it from the freezer to the fridge and let it thaw overnight. Once defrosted, reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. It is important to ensure that the casserole reaches a temperature of at least 165°F before serving.
To store the casserole, always store it in an airtight container to avoid contamination, and place it on a flat surface in the fridge or freezer. When reheating, ensure that the container or dish is oven-safe and can withstand the heat of the oven.
When preparing the casserole, ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly and that no pinkness remains. Also, keep in mind that the casserole may need to be reheated for a few extra minutes if it has been refrigerated or frozen.
Recipe Variations
1. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Add shredded cheese to the casserole mixture and sprinkle more on top before baking for a gooey, cheesy twist.
2. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Mix cream cheese into the casserole mixture for a creamy, indulgent flavor.
3. Ranch Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Add a packet of ranch seasoning to the casserole mixture for a tangy, zesty taste.
4. Paleo Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Swap out the cream and cheese for coconut milk and nutritional yeast to make this casserole paleo-friendly.
5. Gluten-Free Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal as a topping instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
6. Keto Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs and sub out any high-carb ingredients for low-carb alternatives such as cauliflower rice.
7. Spicy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the casserole mixture for a spicy kick.
8. Mediterranean Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
9. Thai Chicken and Broccoli Casserole – Add coconut milk, red curry paste, and fish sauce to the casserole mixture for a spicy, Thai-inspired flavor.
10. Vegetarian Broccoli Casserole – Skip the chicken and use sauteed mushrooms, tofu or tempeh for a protein substitute.
What To Serve With
– Salad (such as Caesar salad or mixed greens with a vinaigrette)
– Garlic bread or dinner rolls
– Steamed rice or quinoa
– Roasted vegetables (like carrots or sweet potatoes)
– Mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes
– Green beans or asparagus
– Corn on the cob
– Fruit salad or sliced fruit
– Macaroni and cheese
– Baked beans
– Coleslaw
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