Save A creamy comforting casserole featuring tender chicken fresh broccoli and fluffy rice all baked together in a simple homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights and budget-friendly family meals.
I first made this casserole after a busy workday when I wanted something hearty but simple. Now it is my go-to dish for sharing with family or friends on chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups diced or shredded (about 300 g)
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups fresh or frozen (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup uncooked
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (or vegetable broth)
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) or homemade equivalent
- Milk: 1 cup
- Cheddar cheese: 1 cup shredded plus extra for topping
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon optional
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup optional
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons optional for topping
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat sauté the onion in a splash of oil until soft about 3<4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine the cooked chicken broccoli florets sautéed onion and garlic uncooked rice chicken broth condensed soup milk cheddar cheese salt pepper and thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Topping:
- If using mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10<15 minutes or until the rice is tender the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save This casserole was an instant hit at our Sunday dinner with everyone asking for seconds. My kids especially love the cheesy top and always request it in their lunchboxes the next day.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish large bowl skillet measuring cups and spoons aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains milk wheat and chicken. For gluten-free use certified gluten-free soup and breadcrumbs and always verify ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Per serving calories 470 total fat 19 g carbohydrates 43 g protein 29 g
Save Enjoy your casserole straight from the oven with a glass of crisp white wine or pack leftovers for tomorrow's lunch. Comfort food has never been so easy.
Recipe Guide
- → Can I use frozen broccoli in this dish?
Yes, frozen broccoli florets work well and save prep time. Just thaw and drain any excess water before mixing.
- → Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free condensed soup and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or omit them for topping.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, combine ingredients and refrigerate before baking. Just increase baking time slightly if chilled.
- → What type of rice is best for this bake?
Long-grain white rice is preferred for the best texture, but brown rice can be used with longer cooking time and more liquid.
- → How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Consider mixing in sliced mushrooms, frozen peas, or other favorites to boost flavor and nutrition.
- → Is rotisserie chicken a good shortcut?
Definitely. Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken cuts prep time and adds great flavor to the dish.