Chicken, Cheese And Broccoli Casserole
A hearty casserole combining tender chicken, melted cheese, broccoli, and rice, baked to perfection—perfect for comforting family dinners and satisfying any appetite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken breasts until cooked; leave whole or chop into pieces.
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Saute chopped onion until translucent.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cooked broccoli, Cheez Whiz or Velveeta, sautéed onion, cream of celery soup, and cooked rice.
- If chicken is chopped, add it to the mixture. If left whole, place chicken in an oblong baking dish and pour the rice mixture over the top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, you can substitute half of the Cheez Whiz with sour cream or Greek yogurt. If you prefer more flavor, try adding garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. You can also use fresh broccoli instead of frozen; just blanch it before adding to the casserole. For a healthier twist, consider swapping white rice for brown rice or quinoa.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken, Cheese and Broccoli Casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can serve it alongside garlic bread or a side of fruit for a sweeter contrast. For a comforting dinner, consider serving it with a warm bowl of Cauliflower Chowder(Yields 4 To 6 Servings) as a starter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, covering them with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken, Cheese And Broccoli Casserole contains roughly 833 calories, with 38g protein, 118g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (75% of the Daily Value) and iron (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1851mg per serving (80% 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 definitely use fresh broccoli! Just make sure to blanch it in boiling water for a few minutes to soften before adding it to the casserole mixture.
What can I substitute for cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. Alternatively, make a homemade version using chicken broth, milk, and a bit of flour to thicken.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you're ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it's cold 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).