Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that brings together tender chunks of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy mushroom sauce and topped with melty cheddar cheese. Inspired by a classic Kraft recipe, this dish is perfect for families, especially picky eaters, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can delight your little ones and nourish them with a wholesome meal they'll devour. It's a great way to sneak in veggies and satisfies both adults and children alike.
4
Servings
312.5
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into chunks)
Frozen broccoli
3 cups (no preparation needed)
Condensed cream of mushroom soup
10 ounces (no preparation needed)
Water
10 ounces (no preparation needed)
Minute Rice
1 1/2 cups (uncooked)
Shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (no preparation needed)
Instructions
1
Preheat your large frying pan over medium-high heat and spray it with cooking spray.
2
Add the cut chicken chunks to the pan and sauté for 2-3 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
3
Once the chicken is browned, add in the frozen broccoli, canned cream of mushroom soup, and water. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
4
After reaching a boil, stir in the uncooked Minute Rice, making sure it's evenly distributed.
5
Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheddar cheese, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low.
6
Let it cook on low for 5 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
7
Remove from heat and let it sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
35g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole?
It is a comforting one-dish meal featuring chicken chunks, broccoli, and rice in a creamy mushroom sauce topped with cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312.5 calories.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli, but you may need to steam it slightly beforehand or increase the simmering time to ensure it is tender.
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, cream of chicken or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives that pair well with these ingredients.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 22.5 grams of protein per serving.
Is this recipe suitable for picky eaters?
Yes, it is specifically described as ideal for families and picky eaters due to its familiar, cheesy flavors.
What type of rice should I use?
The recipe calls for Minute Rice, which is a type of instant precooked rice that prepares quickly.
Can I use regular long-grain rice instead of Minute Rice?
If using regular rice, you will need more liquid and a significantly longer cooking time (usually 15-20 minutes) to ensure the rice softens.
How long should I cook the chicken chunks?
Sauté the chicken chunks for 2-3 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.
What is the total preparation and cooking time?
The dish can be prepared in 30 minutes or less, with a final simmering time of about 5 minutes.
Do I need to precook the broccoli?
No, the frozen broccoli is added directly to the pan and heated with the soup and water.
What size should I cut the chicken into?
The chicken should be cut into bite-sized chunks for even cooking and ease of eating.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will remain very juicy in this casserole.
How much cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe requires 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, the entire meal is prepared in one large frying pan, making cleanup very easy.
Can I use milk instead of water?
Yes, substituting water with milk will result in an even creamier consistency.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 35 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, though the texture of the rice may soften slightly upon thawing.
How should I reheat the dish?
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
As written, it may contain gluten via the condensed soup and rice; check labels specifically for gluten-free certification if needed.
What kind of cheese works best?
Shredded cheddar is recommended, but Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend also work well.
Do I need to drain the broccoli?
If there is significant ice buildup on the frozen broccoli, you may want to rinse and pat it dry, but usually, it can be added directly.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains 10 grams of fat.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes, peas, carrots, or corn would make great additions to this one-dish meal.
What heat setting should I use?
Start with medium-high to brown the chicken, then reduce to low once the rice and cheese are added.
Why do I need to let it sit for a few minutes after cooking?
Resting allows the rice to finish absorbing any remaining liquid and helps the sauce thicken.
Can I use a different type of condensed soup?
Yes, cream of broccoli or even nacho cheese soup can be used for different flavor profiles.
What should I do if the rice is still hard?
Add a tablespoon or two of water, cover, and cook on low for an additional 2-3 minutes.