Chicken Broccoli With Rice
A hearty chicken and broccoli casserole with creamy cheese and rice, baked with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying lunch options.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cubed cooked chicken ⓘ
- chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil ⓘ
- 2 (10 oz.) packages frozen chopped broccoli, cooked ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound pasteurized processed cheese spread, cubed ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package directions, using chicken broth instead of water.
- Saute chopped onion and chopped celery in cooking oil until tender.
- Mix sautéed vegetables, cooked rice, cooked broccoli, cubed cooked chicken, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 4-quart casserole dish.
- Combine processed cheese spread and cream of mushroom soup in a small saucepan and heat over low heat until cheese melts.
- Pour the cheese and soup mixture over the chicken and vegetable mixture in the casserole.
- Sprinkle fine dry bread crumbs over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F for 50 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the cheese and soup mixture. If you don't have processed cheese spread, shredded cheddar or mozzarella can work as a substitute, though melting may take longer. You can also add spices like garlic powder or paprika to enhance the flavor. This dish is part of the collection of American recipes, and similar flavors can be found in the Hot Chicken Bake.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread or garlic knots to soak up the creamy sauce. For a heartier option, serve alongside Deadly Delicious Potatoes for a satisfying dinner experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover, heating in 1-minute intervals until warmed through. For a crispier topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbling.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Broccoli With Rice contains roughly 1160 calories, with 34g protein, 200g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (136% of the Daily Value), iron (102% of the Daily Value), and protein (69% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1521mg per serving (66% 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 mixture to ensure it cooks properly in the casserole. This will help maintain its vibrant color and nutrients.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten this dish, use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber. You can also opt for low-fat cheese spread and a reduced-fat cream of mushroom soup. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots can boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, and then bake as directed.
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).