Description of this recipe
This Hearty Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering. It combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, creamy cheese sauce, and vibrant broccoli in a single, satisfying dish. This casserole is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. The result is a flavorful, cheesy, and comforting meal that everyone will love. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover cooked chicken, making it both economical and delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and sure to become a family favorite.
Why you will love this recipe
There are countless reasons to adore this Hearty Chicken Casserole. First and foremost, it’s incredibly delicious. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, savory chicken, and tender rice creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying. The addition of broccoli adds a touch of freshness and a nutritional boost, making it a well-rounded meal.
Another reason to love this casserole is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a hearty and wholesome dinner on the table in under an hour. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen.
Furthermore, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Swap out the broccoli for other vegetables like peas, carrots, or green beans. Use different types of cheese or experiment with various seasonings to create your own unique twist on this classic dish.
Finally, this casserole is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, reducing food waste and saving you money. It’s also a crowd-pleaser, making it ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or any occasion where you need to feed a large group.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shredded chicken (cooked) | 1 pound |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Instant rice | 2 cups |
| Cream of chicken soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Cream of onion soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Velveeta (cubed) | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted butter | ¼ cup |
| Milk | ¼ cup |
| Heavy whipping cream | ¼ cup |
| Frozen broccoli (thawed) | 1 bag (12-16 oz) |
| Panko breadcrumbs (optional) | – |
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and that the cheese will melt properly. While the oven is preheating, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the bottom of the dish and make it easier to serve.
Step 2: Cook the rice
In a medium saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over high heat. Once the broth is boiling, add the instant rice. Remove the saucepan from the heat, cover it with a lid, and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the broth and become tender. After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork to separate the grains and prevent it from clumping together.
Step 3: Prepare the cheese sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the cubed Velveeta cheese, milk, heavy whipping cream, cream of chicken soup, and cream of onion soup. Stir the mixture continuously until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
Step 4: Combine the ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, thawed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed and evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite of the casserole will be packed with flavor.
Step 5: Assemble the casserole
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the bottom. If desired, sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs over the top of the casserole for added texture and crunch.
Step 6: Bake the casserole
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. The cheese sauce should be melted and slightly browned on top, and the broccoli should be tender.
Step 7: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the cheese sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny. Serve the casserole hot and enjoy!
COOKING Rating:
- Ease of Preparation: Easy
- Flavor: Rich and comforting
- Overall Rating: 5/5 stars
Serving Suggestions:
This Hearty Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping in the cheese sauce. Here are a few additional serving suggestions:
- Green Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy cheese sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: Steamed green beans, asparagus, or carrots add a healthy and colorful side dish to the meal.
- Cranberry Sauce: A dollop of cranberry sauce adds a sweet and tangy element to the casserole, especially during the holidays.
Tips:
- Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a great way to use leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken.
- Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like peas, carrots, green beans, or corn.
- Add Seasonings: Experiment with different seasonings to enhance the flavor of the casserole. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning.
- Make it Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prepping. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
45 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)
Conclusion
This Hearty Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. It’s also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep time and simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this casserole is a winner. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying meal!
Questions and Answers About This Recipe
Q1: Can I use brown rice instead of instant rice?
A: While you can use brown rice, keep in mind that it will significantly increase the cooking time. Brown rice typically takes 45-50 minutes to cook. You would need to cook the brown rice separately before adding it to the casserole. Also, you may need to adjust the amount of liquid used, as brown rice absorbs more liquid than instant rice.
Q2: Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese with another type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can substitute the Velveeta cheese with another type of cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby. However, keep in mind that Velveeta melts very smoothly, so using a different cheese may result in a slightly different texture. You may also want to shred the cheese before adding it to the sauce to help it melt more evenly.
Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
A: Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile, and you can easily add other vegetables to suit your preferences. Some good options include peas, carrots, green beans, corn, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Just make sure to thaw or cook the vegetables slightly before adding them to the casserole.
Q4: Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
A: Yes, you can easily make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables. You could also add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas or white beans for added protein.
Q5: How long can I store leftovers of this casserole in the refrigerator?
A: Leftovers of this casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.
