Baked chicken broccoli rice casserole
Looking for a delicious and easy dinner option? Try our chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe! Packed with flavor and nutrients, this chicken rice broccoli casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Perfect for a busy weeknight meal or a special occasion, you won’t be disappointed with this tasty twist on classic comfort food. So why wait? Give it a try tonight!
Whenever you get tired of cooking the same old dishes, try something new, and delicious – Chicken broccoli rice casserole! This mouth-watering dish is a perfect combination of chicken, rice and broccoli, making it a complete meal in itself.
How to make chicken broccoli rice casserole?
To make this delicious chicken rice casserole, start by preheating the oven to 350F. The rice doesn’t need precooking. Sauté the onion in butter for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the skinless chicken breasts on medium heat for another 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Combine chicken broth, cooked chicken, sautéed onion, rice, salt, pepper and one cup of cheddar cheese in a large bowl. Broccoli does not need to be added right away, it’s better to add it at the end, allowing it to retain its appetizing green color.
Transfer the mixture from the bowl to a baking dish or Dutch oven. Cover with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes in the oven.
Boil broccoli florets for 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Then put in cold water and let cool. After that, drain the water. After 35-40 minutes, the casserole is almost ready.
Top with broccoli and add the remaining cheddar cheese. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if you like and garnish with parsley or your favorite fresh herbs.
Is chicken rice and broccoli a healthy dinner?
Absolutely! Not only is this easy chicken casserole packed with all the essential nutrients, but it also makes for a well-balanced meal. Plus, by baking it in one dish, you’ll save on clean-up time!
However, feel free to customize this recipe to fit your dietary needs and preferences. Â You can use brown rice instead of white, or substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option. And don’t be afraid to add in some extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots for even more flavor and nutrients!
With its creamy texture and savory flavors, this casserole is also a great way to sneak in some healthy broccoli for picky eaters.
Chicken is a great source of protein and broccoli is loaded with vitamins and minerals. Not only that, but rice adds a hearty touch to the casserole, making it a filling and satisfying meal. This dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner option, but it’s also great for special occasions or potlucks.
Does rice need to be cooked before adding to casserole?
For my baked chicken casserole you don’t need to cook the rice beforehand. Simply combine all the ingredients and let it cook in the oven for 35-40 minutes. This not only saves on time, but it also allows the rice to absorb all the delicious flavors from the other ingredients.
How do you make rice not crispy in a casserole?
By simply cooking the rice together with the rest of the ingredients in the casserole, it will absorb all the liquid and flavors, resulting in a creamy and perfectly cooked rice. No need to worry about any crispy or undercooked rice with this recipe!
Can I use other rice instead of basmati?
Yes, you can use any type of rice for this recipe. Just keep in mind that different types of rice may have varying cooking times, so adjust accordingly. And if you’re looking to add more fiber and nutrients, opt for brown rice instead of white rice.
Can you make chicken and rice casserole with instant rice?
While you can use instant rice for this recipe, keep in mind that it may result in a slightly different texture. We recommend using basmati rice for best results, but if you’re short on time, then go ahead and use instant rice.
How can I improve my casserole flavor?
If you’re looking to add some extra zing to your casserole dish, try incorporating different herbs and spices like thyme, oregano, or even a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes for some heat. You can also experiment with adding mushrooms or different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or Parmesan, for added flavor.
Can you reheat broccoli and rice casserole?
Yes, you can easily reheat this casserole in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to cover it with a lid to prevent it from drying out.
How do you freeze and reheat chicken and rice casserole?
To freeze, let the casserole cool down completely and then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake in the oven at 350F until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal on-the-go.
What goes with broccoli casserole?
This chicken rice broccoli casserole can be served as a main dish on its own, but it also pairs well with a side salad such as this fried zucchini salad in garlic vinegar sauce, some roasted vegetables . You can even serve it alongside some Italian bread or garlic bread chips for a complete and satisfying meal.
Chicken broccoli rice casserole is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Not only is it easy to make, but it also provides a well-balanced meal packed with nutrients and flavor. With its endless customization options and ability to be made ahead of time or frozen for later, this dish is perfect for any occasion.
Chicken rice broccoli casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken fillet cut into cubes
- 1 cup broccoli divided into florets
- 3 ounces basmati
- 1 1/2 cups grated cheddar
- 1 onion finely chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
Equipment
- frying pan
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F.Saute the onion in butter for 5 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Transfer to a plate.
- Fry the chicken breast pieces on medium heat for another 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine chicken broth, fried chicken, rice, fried onion, salt, pepper and one cup of cheddar in a bowl. Broccoli does not need to be added right away, it is better to add it at the end, allowing it to retain its appetizing green color.
- Transfer everything from the bowl to a baking dish or dutch oven. Cover with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes in the oven.
- Boil broccoli florets for 5 minutes in salted boiling water. Then put in cold water and let cool. After that, drain the water.
- After 35-40 minutes, the casserole is almost ready.
- Top the broccoli casserole and add the remaining cheese.
- Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.
Nutrition
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ABOUT PETRO
Hi, I’m Petro, author and founder of Easy Peasy Creative Ideas. Sewist, crafter, avid DIY-er, foodie, photographer, homemaker and mommy to one. I’m an expert at coming up with quick, clever sewing tips, recycling crafts and simple, easy recipes! You can find my ideas featured in reputable publications such as Country Living, Good House Keeping, Yahoo News, WikiHow, Shutterfly, Parade, Brit & Co and more. Thanks for stopping by and hope you’ll stay for a while, get to know me better and come back another time. Stick around for real fun projects! Read more…