Chicken Broccoli And Rice
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, broccoli, and cheesy rice, baked to perfection with a crunchy bread crumb topping. This versatile dish offers creamy flavors and hearty textures, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep. Quick to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add quick cooking rice to boiling water; set aside.
- Melt margarine and fry chopped onion until soft.
- Add Cheez Whiz to onion and butter to soften.
- Add cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked rice, thawed chopped broccoli, and cooked chicken.
- Mix everything well.
- Transfer mixture to a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle with buttered bread crumbs on top.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 15 minutes.
- To freeze, mix ingredients and freeze before baking.
- Thaw before baking and add bread crumbs, then bake according to directions.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra tablespoon of Cheez Whiz or a splash of sour cream. If you're looking for a healthier twist, substitute the margarine with olive oil and use brown rice instead of quick cooking rice. You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version using chicken broth and a roux for added flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken Broccoli and Rice dish pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a comforting touch, serve with warm, crusty bread. If you're looking for more easy weeknight meals, check out other American recipes that feature chicken as the star ingredient.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick meal, adding a splash of milk to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli And Rice contains roughly 344 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 24g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1813mg per serving (79% 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 fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli! Just blanch it in boiling water for 2-3 minutes before adding it to the casserole. This will help maintain its vibrant color and crisp texture in the dish.
Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to add the bread crumbs right before baking for the best results.
What can I use instead of Cheez Whiz?
If you prefer a different cheese flavor, you can substitute Cheez Whiz with shredded cheddar cheese or a creamy cheese sauce. This will give the dish a rich, cheesy taste while still being delicious.
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).