Chicken One-Dish Meal
A hearty one-dish chicken casserole combining tender chicken, rice, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, perfect for family dinners and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Simmer the broiler chicken in salted water with a bay leaf until tender, about 2 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the broth and strip the meat from the bones.
- Cook the rice using the chicken broth instead of water.
- Saute chopped onion and celery in margarine until tender.
- Add the sautéed onion and celery to the cooked rice, along with the cooked broccoli, shredded chicken, and pepper. Mix well.
- Place the mixture in a casserole dish.
- In a small saucepan, combine Velveeta cheese and mushroom soup, heating until the cheese melts and forms a smooth sauce.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken mixture in the casserole.
- Top with buttered crumbs.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the Velveeta cheese with a reduced-fat cheese or a plant-based alternative. Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen, but ensure it's blanched before adding it to the dish. Enhance the meal by adding herbs like thyme or parsley for extra aroma.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken One-Dish Meal pairs beautifully with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete dinner. You can also serve it with crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. For a fun twist, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad to balance the richness of the dish. Browse more American recipes for additional ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a covered dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe dish, stirring occasionally, until hot. Be mindful that the topping may lose some crunch when reheated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken One-Dish Meal contains roughly 1250 calories, with 19g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 87g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (174% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (69% of the Daily Value), and calcium (50% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute Velveeta with any melty cheese you prefer, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as different cheeses may have varying salt levels. Aim for a cheese that melts well to achieve a creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and rice mixture in advance, and then assemble the casserole just before baking. Cover it tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I do if I have too much chicken?
If you have leftover cooked chicken, consider using it in this recipe for a quick meal. Just shred the chicken and skip the simmering step, adding it directly to the rice and vegetable mixture. You can also use it in other chicken recipes like Chicken Salad To Please or Chicken And Rice Casserole (For Microwave).
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).