Chicken And Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting chicken and broccoli casserole combining tender chicken, fresh steamed broccoli, and savory mushroom soup, all baked with rice and topped with cheese. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners, offering creamy, cheesy flavors with wholesome ingredients in a simple, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook onions and mushrooms in butter in a large skillet until tender.
- Stir in hot cooked rice, cooked chicken breast cubes, steamed broccoli, and condensed cream of mushroom soup.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered 1 1/2-quart baking dish.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 to 25 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing garlic with the onions and mushrooms. If you don't have fresh broccoli, frozen steamed broccoli works well too. You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with a homemade version or use cream of chicken soup for variation. For a healthier option, brown rice can replace white rice, and you can add shredded cheese into the mixture for a cheesy twist.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is perfect as a main dish and pairs beautifully with a side salad or crusty bread. Consider serving it alongside Creamed Green Beans With Onions for a complete meal. For a twist, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for some heat or serve with a dollop of sour cream for extra creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, approximately 15-20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for quicker reheating, but be sure to cover to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Broccoli Rice Casserole contains roughly 1151 calories, with 16g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 81g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (105% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1034mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor to the casserole. Just make sure to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the mixture.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time, ensuring it's heated through.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and substitute it with additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also use a plant-based cream soup alternative to keep the creamy texture while adhering to vegetarian recipes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).