Rice Broccoli Dish
A comforting, cheesy rice and broccoli casserole with creamy chicken flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. The combination of tender rice, fresh broccoli, and cheesy goodness makes it a kid-friendly and satisfying dish that comes together easily in one baking step.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large shallow casserole dish, combine the uncooked Minute rice, thawed chopped broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, melted butter, chopped onion, diced celery, and Kraft Cheez Whiz.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
- Cover the casserole dish with foil or a lid.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 40 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for an additional 10 minutes to allow the top to brown slightly.
- Remove from oven, let sit for a few minutes, then serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider sautéing the chopped onion and celery in the butter before mixing them in. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option. If you prefer a bit of crunch, top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before the final bake. This dish can also be enhanced with shredded chicken for a heartier meal, making it a great choice among American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This Rice Broccoli Dish pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a cozy family dinner, serve alongside crusty bread or biscuits. It also makes a great potluck dish, easily feeding a crowd. Consider serving it as a side to accompany heartier entrees like Pork Jambalaya for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Rice Broccoli Dish contains roughly 695 calories, with 7g protein, 54g carbohydrates, and 51g fat. It is a good source of iron (17% of the Daily Value), protein (14% of the Daily Value), and calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 863mg per serving (38% 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 brown rice instead of Minute rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time and liquid. Brown rice usually requires more water and a longer cooking time, approximately 45-50 minutes. You may also want to pre-cook the brown rice slightly before combining it with the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for the cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely! You can use cream of mushroom soup or any other vegetable-based cream soup as a substitute. There are also many homemade recipes available online if you prefer to make your own. This will keep the dish vegetarian-friendly without compromising on flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce into the mixture before baking. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving. This will give the dish a nice kick and elevate the flavors, making it a hit for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
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).