🥦 Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole: A Family Favorite That Brings Smiles Every Time 🥘😊
Picture this: you’ve had a long day. Work was hectic, errands piled high, and the kids just finished soccer practice. Everyone’s hungry, tired, and craving something warm, tasty, and comforting. Well, my foodie friends, I’ve got just the dish for you! Say hello to your new family favorite: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole.
I’m talking about creamy, cheesy goodness that comforts your tummy and soul, bringing everyone around the dinner table with big smiles—even after the most exhausting day. Trust me, once you’ve served this up once, your family (and friends!) will ask for it again and again. 💛
My Family’s Comfort Food Story 🍽️📖
As a mom and chef, meals played a starring role in my household. But when my kiddos were younger, boy was it tricky getting them excited to gather ’round the dinner table. Each kid had their own favorite foods and, of course, their own least favorites. However, there was this one dish that changed it all. Yup, you guessed it—the legendary Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole!
I’ll never forget the first time I made it: the oven timer went ding, I pulled out the casserole, the aromas of rich melty cheese, savory chicken, garlic and herbs filled our kitchen. Minutes later, everyone was at the table—all smiles, chatter, and jokes. No picky eating complaints, no leftovers—just happy faces and full bellies.
From that day on, it became one of our family traditions. Whether it was a busy Wednesday night, a Sunday dinner, or potluck with friends, this casserole always stole the show. And today, I’m sharing our most treasured recipe so it can warm hearts and bellies in your home too!
Ready to get cooking, foodie friends? Let’s roll! 👩🍳👨🍳
📝 Ingredients: Serving 6 Hungry Souls
Gather around your ingredients, because we’re about to whip up something magical:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!)
– 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (you choose your favorite!)
– 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh is wonderful, but frozen works perfectly too!)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping, because cheese is life, am I right?)
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (extra flavor boost!)
– ½ cup milk (for that creamy texture)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, but it adds a yummy smoky note!)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional but great for crunch)
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted (if using breadcrumbs)
Easy as pie, right? Everything here is easy-to-find, family-friendly, and budget-savvy. Let’s dive into cooking heaven!
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Directions for Comfort Filled Goodness 🎯🔥
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish—simple as pie!
Step 2: Prep Your Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes then drain and cool slightly. If using frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain excess water.
Step 3: Combine All That Yummy Goodness
In a large mixing bowl, stir together chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix until creamy and deliciously combined.
Step 4: Spread It Out
Transfer your casserole mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly, so every bite has balanced deliciousness.
Step 5: Add Crispy, Cheesy Toppings (optional & so very tasty!)
Sprinkle extra shredded cheddar on top for a golden, cheesy finish. For extra crunch, mix the breadcrumbs in melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese. Yum!
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling & Golden
Slide your casserole into the oven and bake for approximately 25–30 minutes, until it’s golden brown, bubbly, and deliciously fragrant—your kitchen will smell AH-MAZING!
Step 7: Rest, Then Plate Up
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes (if you can hold back the hungry crowd!), and you’re ready to serve.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions: Make the Meal Even More Memorable 🌿🥖
This hearty casserole goes so well with:
– Fresh crusty bakery bread or fluffy dinner rolls (perfect for sopping up creamy goodness!)
– A crisp, tangy green salad dressed with vinaigrette for freshness and contrast
– Steamed or roasted veggies—such as carrots or green beans—to round out the meal with color and nutrition
✨ Pro Tips: Take Your Casserole to the Next Level 🚀
– Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken and microwaveable rice.
– Meal prep champs: assemble this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready.
– Extra veggies? Feel free to experiment! Mushrooms, spinach, or peas make tasty add-ins.
– Double it up: make an extra tray for busy weeknights and freeze it for later.
🥗 Nutritional Snapshot: Because You Asked! 📊🥦
Approximate Nutrition per serving (~450 calories per serving):
– Calories: 450
– Protein: 28g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 2.5g
Storage and Reheating Tips: Don’t worry if you’ve got leftovers—just refrigerate the casserole in an airtight container; it’ll stay fresh and delicious for 3 days. Reheat individual servings in your oven or microwave, whichever you prefer.
Time to Warm Up Those Ovens, Friends! 🔥👋
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is pure comfort food, effortlessly bringing smiles to the faces of kids and grown-ups alike. Try it out, serve it up, and don’t forget to spread the casserole love by sharing this wonderful recipe with family and friends. Food is love—pass it on!
Got casserole questions or your own comforting tweaks and tips? Drop me a message—let’s continue this delicious foodie conversation!
Until next time, foodie friends—happy cooking, and here’s sending kitchen vibes your way! 🌟🧀🥦💛
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 Minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & pepper to taste
1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional)
2 tbsp butter, melted (optional for topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13″ baking dish.
Blanch fresh broccoli for 2–3 minutes or thaw if frozen.
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients (except toppings).
Pour into dish, spread evenly.
Top with buttery breadcrumbs and more cheddar if desired.
Bake 25–30 mins until golden and bubbly.
Let sit 5 mins before serving. Pair with salad or rolls.
Notes
Storage: Lasts up to 3 days in fridge. Reheat in oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 per serving
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