Did you know the average American family spends 37 minutes on dinner each night? Our chicken broccoli rice casserole cuts that time to just 30 minutes! It’s a quick, nutritious dinner solution for busy families.
This dump-and-bake dish mixes tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce. It’s ready in 10 minutes and serves 10, great for big families or meal prep fans.
Our recipe is perfect for hectic weeknights. It uses uncooked rice, raw chicken, and frozen broccoli. The result is a delicious, homemade dinner that’s easy to make.
Key Takeaways
- Prep and cook time totals just 1 hour and 10 minutes
- Each serving provides 25g of protein and 3g of fiber
- Recipe yields 10 generous servings
- Uses convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and frozen broccoli
- Customizable with various cheeses and seasonings
- Perfect for meal prep and leftovers
Why This One-Pan Casserole Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole will win your heart. It’s perfect for busy families who need quick, tasty meals. It combines chicken, broccoli, and rice in a creamy sauce that everyone will love.
This casserole is special because it’s so flexible. You can change the ingredients to fit your family’s taste or what you have at home. Try using brown rice or adding cauliflower or spinach for extra health benefits.
It’s also super convenient. You can make it in just 55 minutes, great for busy weeknights. You can even prepare it ahead and bake it when you’re ready. It’s a stress-free way to cook!
“This chicken casserole has become our go-to meal. It’s so easy to make and my kids always ask for seconds!”
Here’s why this casserole is great for you:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 46g |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Fat | 36g |
| Fiber | 3g |
With 46g of protein per serving, this casserole keeps you full. It’s a great addition to your family’s meals, offering a balanced mix of flavors. Get ready to make this chicken casserole a regular in your kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To make a tasty broccoli rice casserole, you need the right mix of ingredients. This dish is a healthy mix of protein, veggies, grains, and dairy. It’s a balanced meal that everyone loves.
Protein and Vegetables
The main ingredients are chicken and broccoli. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½-inch pieces for even cooking. Fresh or frozen broccoli florets add nutrients and a bright green color.
Rice and Dairy Components
The base is long-grain white rice or basmati rice. For creaminess, add condensed cream of chicken soup and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. These ingredients make the casserole rich and satisfying.
Seasonings and Aromatics
Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adding herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano deepens the flavor. These seasonings make your broccoli rice casserole taste amazing.
| Ingredient | Amount | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken | 2 cups, diced | Main protein source |
| Broccoli | 3 cups, florets | Vegetable component |
| Rice | 1 cup, uncooked | Carbohydrate base |
| Cheese | 1 cup, shredded | Flavor and binding |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) | Creaminess and moisture |
With these ingredients, you can make a delicious broccoli rice casserole. It serves 6 people and has about 668 calories per serving. You can also customize it by adding your favorite veggies or changing the protein.
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
Creating tasty baked chicken dishes is easy with the right tools. For our chicken broccoli rice casserole, you’ll need a few key items. These will help you make a dish everyone will love.
First, you’ll need a sturdy 9×13-inch baking dish. This size is ideal for casserole recipes that serve 6 people. If you’re cooking for a smaller group, an 8×8 dish is perfect. Remember, you’ll also need measuring cups and spoons for precise measurements.
You’ll also need:
- Mixing bowls for combining ingredients
- A large skillet or pan with high edges for one-pan variations
- Aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking
- Non-stick cooking spray for easy cleanup
A sharp knife and cutting board are essential for dicing the chicken and prepping vegetables. This casserole takes about 10 minutes to prep and 35 minutes to cook. Having all your tools ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
“The right tools make cooking a joy. With these essentials, you’re set to create a delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!”
With these kitchen essentials, you’re ready to make mouthwatering baked chicken dishes. These will become family favorites. Now, let’s move on to the step-by-step preparation method for our tasty casserole.
Step-by-Step Preparation Method
Making this chicken casserole is easy and great for quick dinners. Let’s go through the simple steps to make this tasty meal.
Preparing the Base
First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a big baking dish, mix cream of chicken soup with milk and sour cream. This creamy mix is the casserole’s core. Add Better Than Bouillon for more flavor.
Layering the Ingredients
Next, add uncooked rice to the soup mix. Place raw chicken breasts and frozen broccoli on top. Sprinkle with garlic powder, oregano, and other seasonings. Mix everything gently.
Baking Instructions
Cover the dish with foil. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the rice is soft and chicken is cooked. Then, remove it from the oven, take off the foil, and add shredded cheddar cheese. Put it back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
| Preparation Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 35 minutes |
| Total Time | 45 minutes |
This easy chicken casserole serves 6 and is ready in under an hour. It’s a great addition to your quick dinner recipes.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
Mastering the chicken broccoli rice casserole is easier than you think. With these pro tips, you’ll elevate your baked chicken dishes to new heights. Let’s dive into the secrets of creating a mouthwatering casserole that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Rice Selection and Cooking
For the best chicken broccoli rice casserole, choose long-grain white rice. It absorbs flavors well and maintains its texture during baking. Rinse the rice before cooking to remove excess starch. This prevents clumping and ensures fluffy grains in your finished dish.
Chicken Preparation
Cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. This allows the chicken to cook through without drying out. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before adding it to the casserole to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Broccoli Handling
Opt for frozen broccoli florets in your chicken broccoli rice casserole. They’re convenient and add moisture to the dish. If using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly with the other ingredients.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Preparation |
|---|---|---|
| Chicken thighs | 1 ½ lbs | Cut into bite-sized pieces |
| Basmati rice | 1 ½ cups | Rinsed and drained |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups | Frozen or blanched if fresh |
| Chicken stock | 1 ½ cups | Used for cooking rice |
Remember, cooking time may vary based on your baking dish. Keep an eye on your casserole and adjust as needed. With these tips, you’ll create a delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Our chicken broccoli rice casserole is very flexible. It suits many tastes and diets. It’s great for quick weeknight meals or cozy dinners.
Want to try something new? Swap the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery. This can give your casserole a richer taste. If you’re in a hurry, use a rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken.
Love veggies? Mix in different ones like peas, corn, or mushrooms. They add nutrition and flavor. Reitha, a reviewer, added frozen chopped broccoli and loved it.
| Original Ingredient | Substitution Options |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Tofu, Beans, Rotisserie Chicken |
| Rice | Quinoa, Cauliflower Rice |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Celery |
| Cheddar Cheese | Colby, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella, Dairy-free Cheese |
For cheese fans, Paula suggests adding an extra cup of sharp cheddar. Or, try Colby, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for different tastes.
For a crunchy top, sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers. This adds a nice texture to the creamy dish.
Remember, these recipes are yours to customize. Feel free to make this healthy casserole your own!
Make-Ahead and Storage Guidelines
Our chicken broccoli rice casserole is great for meal prep and easy dinners. It’s flexible in prep and storage, perfect for busy families.
Preparation in Advance
You can make this casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it and refrigerate until baking time. It’s perfect for saving time on busy weeknights.
Proper Storage Methods
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze for up to three months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil to avoid freezer burn.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F. Cover with foil and heat for 20-25 minutes. For individual portions, microwave for 1-2 minutes. Add milk or broth to keep it moist.
| Storage Method | Duration | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 3 days | 40°F or below |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months | 0°F or below |
Follow these guidelines to enjoy this tasty dish many times. Its versatility makes it a great choice for meal planning.
Nutritional Information and Health Benefits
Our chicken broccoli rice casserole is not just tasty, it’s also healthy. It’s a balanced mix of protein, carbs, and veggies. This makes it a great choice for family meals.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 400 | 20% |
| Protein | 25g | 50% |
| Carbohydrates | 30g | 10% |
| Dietary Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Fat | 20g | 31% |
| Sodium | 700mg | 29% |
The chicken in this dish is a good source of lean protein. It’s great for muscle health. Broccoli adds vitamins and fiber, helping with digestion and the immune system. Rice gives energy, and cheese adds calcium for strong bones.
For a healthier option, swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa. This boosts fiber. Using low-fat cheese also cuts down on saturated fat. This casserole is flexible and can fit many diets without losing flavor or nutrition.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
Make your family-friendly recipes even better with the right sides for your chicken broccoli rice casserole. This easy dinner recipe is perfect with many accompaniments. Try it with oven-roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts for extra nutrition. For a southern touch, serve it with cornbread or fluffy biscuits to enjoy the creamy sauce.
Want something fresh? Mix a crisp garden salad with a tangy dressing or a fruit salad with apples or pears. For low-carb choices, try cauliflower mash or a zucchini salad. These sides balance the casserole’s rich flavors and make the meal satisfying.
Pay attention to how you present it! Top your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for color and flavor. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck dish, these pairings will highlight your chicken broccoli rice casserole. With so many options, you can always try something new.
