Description
Mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy sauce and golden-brown edges. Home cooks will appreciate this simple, satisfying meal that combines lean protein and fresh vegetables in one delicious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups (280 g) chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups (150 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (400 g) white rice (or brown rice), cooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
- 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 cup (240 ml) milk
- ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
- Vegetable Preparation: Steam broccoli florets to vibrant tenderness while simultaneously cooking rice according to package instructions, ensuring optimal texture and color.
- Aromatic Foundation: Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic for a fleeting moment to release its essence, creating a fragrant base.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed aromatics, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic and onion powders, and seasonings into a cohesive mixture that promises depth and complexity.
- Structural Assembly: Evenly distribute the culinary composition in the prepared baking dish, crowning the surface with a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese and crisp breadcrumbs to introduce textural contrast.
- Thermal Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into golden rivers, edges bubble enthusiastically, and the surface achieves a sun-kissed golden-brown hue.
- Culinary Finale: Allow the casserole a brief resting period to harmonize flavors, then serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Prevent Soggy Texture: Steam broccoli briefly to maintain crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy vegetables.
- Enhance Cheese Melt: Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged varieties for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor profile.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
- Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to increase nutrient density and create more complex flavor layers in the casserole.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg