Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole
- Recipe Introduction
- Cheesy Casserole Dreams
- What Makes This Casserole Special?
- Gather Your Ingredients
- Ingredients & Equipment: Your Casserole Toolkit
- Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Elevated
- Recipe Notes: Nailing That Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever stare into the fridge, wondering about casserole ideas ? Honestly, this Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole is your new best friend.
It's like a warm hug, bursting with cheesy, chicken-y goodness.
Brief Overview
This comforting dish has roots in classic American comfort food recipes , perfect for family gatherings. It's an easy level recipe that takes about 50 minutes, yielding 6 generous servings.
Think of it as a one-dish ticket to flavour town!
Main Benefits
This casserole is packed with Easy Protein Meals Dinners . Chicken provides lean protein, and broccoli delivers those essential vitamins. It is a fantastic and satisfying one-dish meals for family and makes you feel good.
It is also great option for Easy Healthy Meals Low Carb High Protein .
Ready to get cooking?
Cheesy Casserole Dreams
This Cheesy casserole recipes is a hug on a plate. I swear, the first time I made it, my kids practically inhaled it! It is also a great option when you are looking for Quick dinner ideas with chicken .
The cheese sauce is what makes it a hit.
It is also a good idea to make it if you are searching Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas .
What Makes This Casserole Special?
Forget bland casseroles. This one is all about flavour. We are talking creamy, cheesy, chicken, and broccoli. And a nice crunchy topping if you are feeling fancy.
Also, it's super versatile. You can swap ingredients, add spices, or even use different cheeses. I've even tried Chicken casserole variations with different veggies.
Gather Your Ingredients
Alright, let's see what you need to make this magic happen. Don't worry, most of it's probably already in your pantry.
Are you ready to learn Easy Supper Ideas Healthy ? You'll need chicken, broccoli, rice, butter, flour, milk, cheese, and a few other bits and bobs.
Ingredients & Equipment: Your Casserole Toolkit
Alright, let's get down to brass tacks. Before we dive into this Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole , let's make sure you've got all your bits and bobs sorted.
No one wants a last minute dash to the shops, right? This is comfort food recipes perfected.
Main Ingredients
Here’s what you need for this cheesy hug in a pan:
Cooked Chicken & Rice Base
- 2 cups (400g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. Honestly, rotisserie chicken is a life saver .
- 2 cups (400g) cooked long grain rice. Day-old rice is ideal !
- 1 large head (about 1 pound/450g) broccoli, cut into florets. Fresh is best! Olive oil 1 tablespoon , salt 1/2 teaspoon and pepper 1/4 teaspoon
Cheesy Dream Sauce
- Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons (57g)
- All-purpose flour: 4 tablespoons (30g)
- Milk: 3 cups (720ml) . Whole milk is richer, but 2% works fine.
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon .
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese: 4 cups (about 1 pound/450g) . Reserve 1 cup for the topping.
Optional Topping (but highly recommended!)
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g)
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (28g)
Quality Check: For the cheese, go for a proper sharp cheddar. It makes all the difference! I once used a cheapo one, and the sauce was just… bland. Never again.
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavor boosters. A little nutmeg in the cheese sauce is divine. It adds a subtle warmth. For a spicy kick , add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
It transforms this Easy Protein Meals Dinners into something special.
Don't have nutmeg? No worries! A pinch of mace will do the trick. Feeling adventurous? A dash of smoked paprika adds depth.
Equipment Needed
Here's the super basic equipment list you'll need:
- Large skillet or saucepan
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Mixing bowls
Don't have a whisk? A fork will do in a pinch! As for the baking dish, any similar sized oven safe dish works.
This is one of those One-dish meals for family and casserole ideas
This recipe is for Easy Healthy Meals Low Carb High Protein and Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas .
Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole: Comfort Food Elevated
Alright, let's talk comfort food recipes . This Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole? It's a total hug in a dish! Seriously, I can almost smell Grandma's kitchen.
Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. Think of it as your ultimate one-dish meal for family .
It's a modern twist on a classic and trust me, even your pickiest eaters will be asking for seconds. Need easy supper ideas ? Keep reading!
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together
First things first: mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything prepped before you start. Essential? You bet.
Chop your broccoli, shred that cheddar, and have your cooked chicken and rice ready to roll. I often use rotisserie chicken to save time.
Boom. It is a great choice for easy protein meals dinners .
Safety tip: Be careful with that grater! We don't want any finger cheese, just the cheddar.
step-by-step: Casserole Magic
Alright, let's get this show on the road.
- Preheat your oven to 350° F ( 175° C) . Grease your 9x13 inch baking dish. No one likes a stuck casserole.
- Toss your broccoli florets with a tablespoon of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Then roast or steam until tender crisp, about 5- 7 minutes .
- Make the cheese sauce: Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Whisk in 4 tablespoons of flour. Cook for 1 minute , making a roux. Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk. Stir until thickened, about 5- 7 minutes . Remove from heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, a pinch of nutmeg (if you're feeling fancy), and 3 cups of cheddar cheese.
- Assemble! Combine the chicken, rice, and broccoli in a bowl. Pour in that cheesy goodness. Stir. Dump into the dish. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar.
- (Optional) Level Up: Combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Sprinkle on top. This gives a nice crunch.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes . Look for golden brown and bubbly.
Pro Tips: Casserole Nirvana
Honestly, don’t overcook the broccoli. Mushy broccoli is a tragedy. Also, shred your own cheese. Pre-shredded stuff doesn't melt as well. Cheesy casserole recipes are a breeze with this recipe.
To make it Easy Healthy Meals Low Carb High Protein , use cauliflower rice.
Want to save time? Make the cheese sauce ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
This is one of my best kept secrets for quick dinner ideas with chicken . Thinking about healthy chicken lunch ideas ? This makes a great next day lunch!
You know, this recipe is awesome because it's so flexible. Add some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick , or swap the chicken for mushrooms if you're going vegetarian.
I've even used quinoa instead of rice before so good! Thinking about Chicken casserole variations ? The possibilities are endless!
Recipe Notes: Nailing That Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole
So, you're ready to dive into this dreamy Chicken, Broccoli & Cheddar Rice Casserole? Awesome! Let's talk about some bits and bobs to make sure it's a total triumph.
This is comfort food recipes at its finest.
Serving It Up: Plating and Pairing
Forget fancy plating! Seriously. Just scoop a generous portion onto a plate. For a little extra something, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley on top.
Think simple green salad with a light vinaigrette it cuts through the richness. Garlic bread is always a winner, too! I usually go for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc.
It just works, you know? These are perfect ideas for a light Healthy supper.
Storage Secrets: Keepin' It Fresh
Alright, leftover casserole? Lucky you! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It's good for about 3-4 days.
You can freeze it. But honestly, the texture might change a bit. To reheat, either microwave it or, better yet, bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through.
Cover it with foil if it starts to get too brown.
Mix It Up: Chicken casserole variations
Want to shake things up? You got it! For a low carb high protein twist, swap out the rice for cauliflower rice.
And for a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce or use pepper jack cheese.
Loads of people also want Easy Protein Meals Dinners and if you're feeling adventurous, throw in some cooked bacon bits.
It’s pure magic! Plus, you can use any of these Chicken casserole variations to make other casserole ideas ! For a Healthy Chicken Lunch Ideas use leftover rotisserie chicken and some whole grain rice.
Nutrition Nuggets: Feeling Good
This casserole is pretty good for you, packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. Plus, broccoli is a nutritional powerhouse.
It's also one of the best One-dish meals for family . I can not tell you exactly all of the nutritional information as the amounts vary widely depending on what you add, but there are ways to improve the nutritional information and include it into your weekly Easy Healthy Meals routines.
Look, cooking should be fun, not stressful! This casserole is all about easy and delicious . Don’t worry about messing up.
Just relax, enjoy the process, and get ready for some seriously yummy cheesy casserole recipes . You've totally got this! With the Quick dinner ideas with chicken included here, you will surely make something everyone enjoys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chicken casserole ahead of time? I'm planning a dinner party!
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When you're ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven, and you might need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
This will ensure it heats through evenly, just like something straight out of Delia Smith's kitchen!
What are some good casserole ideas for using up leftover veggies? I hate food waste!
Casseroles are brilliant for using up leftover veggies! Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, courgette, or even Brussels sprouts (if you're feeling adventurous!) work wonderfully. Simply chop them up and add them to the chicken and rice mixture before baking.
It's a fantastic way to be thrifty and add extra flavor and nutrients, a real win-win like a good Sunday roast.
How long will this casserole keep in the fridge, and can I freeze it?
The cooked casserole will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Make sure it's stored in an airtight container. For freezing, it's best to freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and it should last for up to 3 months.
Thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking, adding a bit more cheese on top if you like.
Is there a way to make this a little healthier? I'm trying to watch my waistline!
Definitely! You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. Using 2% milk or even a plant based milk alternative in the cheese sauce will cut down on fat. You can also increase the amount of broccoli to make a more filling dish, and replace some of the cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavour without the saturated fat.
It's like making a healthy swap on "Eat Well for Less".
My cheese sauce always ends up lumpy. What am I doing wrong?
Lumpy cheese sauce is a common kitchen woe! The key is to whisk the flour and butter together very well (creating a roux) and then gradually add the milk while whisking constantly to ensure no lumps form. Low heat is also key.
If lumps do appear, you can try using an immersion blender to smooth things out, or strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve. Even the best chefs have a lumpy sauce day now and again, so don't fret!
I'm vegetarian. What casserole ideas do you have to replace the chicken?
No problem at all! You can easily swap the chicken for sauteed mushrooms for an earthy flavor. Diced and pan-fried tofu is another great option. For a more substantial vegetarian casserole, consider using lentils or chickpeas for added protein and fiber. This way, it has all the heartiness of a good veggie burger.
Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
