Description
Savory cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole blends comfort and nutrition in one hearty dish. Creamy textures and bold flavors invite you to enjoy a satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 large rotisserie chicken breast, diced
Vegetables:
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
Starches:
- 1 cup cooked rice
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/3 cup milk
Soup and Seasonings:
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine tender diced chicken, fluffy precooked rice, and vibrant frozen broccoli in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
- Incorporate cream of chicken soup, silky whipped cream cheese, and a splash of milk, whisking the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind the casserole together.
- Infuse the mixture with robust seasonings, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and depth.
- Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to integrate seamlessly throughout the casserole, creating pockets of melted goodness.
- Transfer the rich, creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
- Generously top the casserole with additional Colby Jack cheese, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
- Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the cheese, adding a delightful crunch and textural contrast.
- Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a tantalizingly golden blanket.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked and diced into uniform pieces for even heating and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade version or low-sodium alternative to control salt and preserve healthier profile.
- Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value, providing more fiber and complex carbohydrates compared to white rice.
- Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese and coconut milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary requirements.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 392 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 23 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg