Introduction
Transform leftover chicken and frozen broccoli into a comforting, cheesy casserole that’s ready in under an hour! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to impress your family with minimal effort!
Why This Works
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a winner because it’s incredibly versatile, uses pantry staples, and requires minimal cleanup. The creamy cheese sauce perfectly complements the tender chicken and broccoli, creating a flavor explosion that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken!
Key Ingredients
- 🐔 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 🥦 10 oz frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
- 🍚 2 cups cooked rice
- 🧀 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 🥛 1 cup milk
- 🧈 2 tablespoons butter
- 🥣 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 🥚 1 large egg, beaten
- 🧂 ½ teaspoon salt
- 🌿 ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice.
3️⃣ In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth.
4️⃣ Gradually whisk in the milk until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Reduce heat to low and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
5️⃣ Remove from heat and stir in the salt and pepper. Gently fold the cheese sauce into the chicken and broccoli mixture.
6️⃣ Stir in the beaten egg.
7️⃣ Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
8️⃣ Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Handy Tips
- For extra flavor, use a combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
- If you don’t have cooked chicken, you can use rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience.
- Feel free to add other vegetables, such as diced carrots or peas.
Heat Control
The key to a perfectly creamy cheese sauce is to cook it over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, to prevent burning. Over high heat will cause the sauce to scorch and become lumpy. The oven temperature of 350°F ensures the casserole cooks through evenly without drying out.
Crunch Factor
While this casserole is primarily creamy and comforting, you can add a bit of crunch by topping it with crushed crackers or bread crumbs during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- To save time, use pre-cooked rice and rotisserie chicken.
- For a richer flavor, use cream cheese instead of some of the milk.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika before baking for a smoky touch.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This casserole makes a great dish for potlucks or gatherings. Package individual portions in disposable aluminum containers and tie with a festive ribbon.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
🌟 Herby: Stir in ½ cup of chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill, before baking.
🌟 Creamy Mushroom: Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms before adding the cheese sauce for an earthy twist.
🌟 Mexican Fiesta: Use Monterey Jack cheese, add diced jalapeños, corn, and black beans for a southwestern flair.
Troubleshooting
- Dry Casserole: If your casserole is too dry, add a little extra milk or cream to the cheese sauce.
- Lumpy Cheese Sauce: Make sure to whisk the flour and butter mixture thoroughly before adding the milk to prevent lumps.
- Overcooked Casserole: If the casserole is overcooked and dry, reduce the baking time next time.
FAQ
- Can I use fresh broccoli? Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but be sure to chop it into small florets and steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, adding about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
- What can I substitute for cheddar cheese? You can use other cheeses, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or a Mexican blend. Just make sure they melt well.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? This recipe is best baked for optimal texture; however, you could adapt it for a slow cooker with adjustments to cooking times and potentially adding more liquid.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a true weeknight lifesaver! It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Share this recipe with your friends and family, and let us know how much you enjoy it! Happy cooking!
30-Minute Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Bliss
A quick and delicious one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup cooked rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 190u00b0C (375u00b0F).
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sautu00e9 broccoli florets for about 5 minutes until tender.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the sautu00e9ed broccoli to the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly in the bottom of a baking dish.
- Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture on top of the rice.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For added flavor, consider using seasoned chicken or rotisserie chicken.
- You can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like spinach or green beans for variety.