FIRST STEP:
Preheat the oven to 350*
Cook the rice according to directions.
SECOND STEP:
In a 9×13 baking pan, put the rice and the chicken in, add in the soups, butter, broccoli and onion.
Stir together with 1 cup of the cheese
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
THIRD STEP:
During the last few minutes, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on the top and allow it to melt.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.
FOURTH STEP:
Serve with a dinner salad or breadsticks.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to make it your own with simple ingredient swaps and additions.
For variety, try different meats like turkey, ham, or ground beef; rotisserie chicken also adds great flavor and saves time.
Experimenting with rice types, such as brown or wild rice, gives a heartier texture, though instant rice works well for quick prep.
For extra veggies, add mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots, which can be sautéed with the onion to deepen their flavor.
You can also mix up the creamy base by using cream of celery, broccoli, or cheddar soup instead of the chicken or mushroom, or lighten it up with low-fat versions.
For added richness, consider stirring in sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Finally, a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top adds a delicious crunch when baked.
To store Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole, let it cool completely to room temperature first.
For refrigeration, transfer the casserole into an airtight container, ideally a shallow one to allow for even cooling.
This way, you can keep it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
If you’re planning to freeze it, portion the casserole into smaller servings and place them in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
Label and date each portion to make tracking easy, and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
To reheat, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot, or use the microwave for quicker reheating.
Adding a sprinkle of fresh cheese before reheating can help refresh its flavor and texture.
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (1 cup) of Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole based on the provided ingredients:
Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 20-25 grams (from chicken and cheese)
Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams (mainly from rice)
Fiber: 2-3 grams (from broccoli)
Fat: 15-20 grams (from butter, cheese, and soups)
Saturated Fat: 8-10 grams
Calcium: About 20% of the daily recommended intake (from cheese)
Vitamin C: 30-40% of the daily recommended intake (from broccoli)
Nutritional Benefits
Protein: Chicken and cheese contribute high-quality protein, which helps with muscle repair and satiety.
Vitamins and Minerals: Broccoli is rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and fiber, while the cheese adds calcium for bone health.
Carbohydrates: Rice provides energy, making this dish filling and satisfying.
Tips for Healthier Variations
To reduce calories and fat, consider using low-fat cheese, light cream soups, or a mix of Greek yogurt with reduced-sodium broth instead of cream soups. Brown rice or cauliflower rice can add fiber and lower carbs.
