Creamy Chicken Broccoli-Rice Casserole
A creamy, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese, perfect for cozy family dinners with comforting flavors and satisfying textures.
Ingredients
- 1 cup evaporated skimmed milk
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon granules
- dash minced garlic ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning ⓘ
- 12 ounces cooked chicken, skinned and boned ⓘ
- 4 ounces dried rice, cooked ⓘ
- 1 (8 ounces) can drained mushroom pieces ⓘ
- 1 (10 ounces) package chopped broccoli, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons salad dressing ⓘ
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, diced ⓘ
- 3 ounces grated Cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Dissolve cornstarch in water and add chicken bouillon granules, stirring to dissolve.
- Add diced onion, drained mushroom pieces, evaporated skimmed milk, salt, minced garlic, and poultry seasoning.
- Cook, stirring constantly, over low heat for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat.
- Add cooked chicken, cooked rice, cooked and drained broccoli, and salad dressing. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour mixture into a 9 x 13-inch pan sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
- Sprinkle grated Cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes.
- Let set for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of cream or using full-fat milk instead of evaporated skimmed milk. You can substitute the chicken with turkey for a different flavor or use frozen broccoli for convenience. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking. This dish also works well with leftover rotisserie chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy casserole with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Buttermilk Crunch Chicken for a hearty dinner. For a more filling option, consider serving it alongside baked potatoes or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place in the microwave until warmed through or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Cover with foil to retain moisture during reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creamy Chicken Broccoli-Rice Casserole contains roughly 409 calories, with 9g protein, 85g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (49% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1686mg per serving (73% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven directly; you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I use instead of chicken?
You can substitute the chicken with cooked turkey or even a plant-based protein like chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian version. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to complement the alternative protein you choose.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes with the other ingredients. You could also serve it with a side of hot sauce or add spicy cheese for an extra kick.
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).