Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake! This dish combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese, enveloped in a creamy sauce that's sure to delight even the pickiest eaters. Perfect as a side or a satisfying one-dish meal, it brings family together around the table. Serve it up for dinner or potlucks, and watch it disappear quickly. Enjoy the goodness of broccoli hidden beneath all that cheesy deliciousness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen chopped broccoli
10 ounces (Microwaved for about 6 minutes to thaw)
Cooked rice
2 cups (Cook according to package instructions)
Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
2 1/2 cups (Divided)
Cream of chicken soup
2 cans (10 1/2 ounces each) (Ready to use)
Carnation evaporated milk
1 can (5 ounces) (Ready to use)
Onion, diced
1 medium (Raw)
Celery, diced
1/2 cup (Raw)
Premium chunk chicken
1 can (5 ounces) (Ready to use (optional: use 2 cans or a larger can for more protein))
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (To taste)
Butter
2 tablespoons (Melted for sautéing)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onions and celery, and sauté until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the premium chunk chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute, allowing the flavors to integrate.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soups, Carnation evaporated milk, cooked rice, microwaved broccoli, and the sautéed onion and chicken mixture. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
5
Gently fold in 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until thoroughly combined.
6
Pour the mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top.
7
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Bake?
It is a comfort food casserole that combines tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich blend of sharp cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce.
What oven temperature is needed for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should I prepare the frozen broccoli?
Microwave 10 ounces of frozen chopped broccoli for about 6 minutes to thaw it before adding it to the mixture.
How much rice do I need?
The recipe requires 2 cups of cooked rice, prepared according to the package instructions.
What kind of cheese is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided.
What size cans of cream of chicken soup are used?
Use two 10 1/2 ounce cans of cream of chicken soup.
What type of milk is included in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 5-ounce can of Carnation evaporated milk.
How do I prepare the onions and celery?
Dice one medium onion and 1/2 cup of celery, then sauté them in 2 tablespoons of butter until soft and translucent.
Is chicken required for this recipe?
One 5-ounce can of premium chunk chicken is listed as an ingredient, but you can use more or omit it if preferred.
What seasonings are added?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or more to taste.
How much cheese goes inside the mixture?
Gently fold 2 cups of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese into the rice and broccoli mixture.
How much cheese goes on top of the casserole?
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese on top before baking.
What size casserole dish should I use?
A greased 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
How long does the bake take?
Bake the casserole uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes.
How do I know when the bake is done?
It is finished when the top is bubbly and golden.
Should the casserole be covered while baking?
No, the recipe specifies to bake it uncovered.
Can I add more chicken for protein?
Yes, you can use two 5-ounce cans or one larger can of premium chunk chicken if you want more protein.
How long should I sauté the vegetables?
Sauté the onions and celery in butter for about 5 minutes over medium heat.
What are the main tags for this recipe?
Common tags include casserole, comfort food, broccoli, rice dish, and easy recipe.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is perfect as either a side dish or a satisfying one-dish meal.
Is the broccoli cooked before being added?
The frozen broccoli should be microwaved to thaw, then it finishes cooking in the oven.
Do I mix the cheese in all at once?
No, the cheese is divided; 2 cups are mixed into the filling and 1/2 cup is used as a topping.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 total ingredients listed for this bake.
Can I use fresh broccoli?
While the recipe specifies frozen chopped broccoli, you could use fresh broccoli if it is steamed or blanched first.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It is described as having tender broccoli and fluffy rice enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce.
When should I add the salt and pepper?
Stir the salt and pepper into the skillet with the chicken after the vegetables have softened.
Is it suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is an excellent choice for potlucks and family gatherings.
Should I let it cool before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to allow the dish to cool slightly before serving.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is designed to be a family-friendly meal that hides the goodness of broccoli under cheesy deliciousness.