Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and rich cheddar cheese baked to perfection. It's an easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners, delivering a creamy, flavorful, and hearty dish all in one pan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 (10 ounce) package frozen broccoli
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, water, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, white rice, frozen broccoli, and bite-sized chicken pieces. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan, then pour the mixture into the pan spreading it evenly.
- Bake Covered: Cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. This allows the rice to cook properly by absorbing the liquid and the chicken and broccoli to cook through.
- Add Cheese Topping: Remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Final Bake: Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake just a few minutes more, until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly, about 2 to 3 minutes.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup for a different flavor.
- For a healthier option, use brown rice; increase baking time accordingly.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- Use fresh broccoli if preferred; blanch beforehand to ensure tenderness during baking.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving.
