Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, And Cheese Casserole
A hearty chicken and broccoli casserole with creamy mushroom and chicken soups, melted cheese, and tender rice, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups water ⓘ
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) cans chunk chicken, drained ⓘ
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 oz.) can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup butter ⓘ
- 1 cup milk ⓘ
- 1 (16 oz.) pkg. frozen chopped broccoli ⓘ
- 1 small white onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 lb. processed cheese food (Velveeta) ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Mix in 2 cups of instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let sit for 5 minutes.
- In a 9x13 inch baking dish, combine the prepared rice, drained chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, frozen chopped broccoli, chopped onion, and processed cheese food.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Stir halfway through cooking to help the cheese melt evenly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the mixture. You can substitute the processed cheese food with shredded cheddar for a sharper flavor, but adjust the baking time as needed. If you prefer a healthier version, opt for brown rice instead of instant rice, which will require additional cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp Reduced Fat Caesar Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider serving with warm crusty bread or a side of steamed vegetables to round out the meal. For a heartier option, a side of Savory Red Beans And Rice complements the casserole well.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, And Cheese Casserole contains roughly 750 calories, with 16g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 30g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (32% of the Daily Value) and iron (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1485mg per serving (65% 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, fresh broccoli can be used in place of frozen. Just steam or blanch it briefly before mixing it into the casserole to ensure it cooks properly in the oven.
How can I make this dish more flavorful?
To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder, black pepper, or your favorite herbs like thyme or parsley. You can also sauté the chopped onion before adding it to the dish for a deeper flavor profile.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by about 10-15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
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).