Comforting Harmony: Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole Imagine a casserole that harmoniously combines tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli florets, and a luscious cheese sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole is the epitome of comfort food, offering a satisfying one-dish meal that warms your heart and soul. This recipe promises the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a go-to option for family dinners or potluck gatherings. Prepare to indulge in the comforting harmony of this classic casserole.
Hearty Medley
The star of this casserole is the hearty medley of chicken, rice, and broccoli, which creates a comforting and filling dish.
Cheesy Delight
The creamy cheese sauce drizzled over the casserole takes it to the next level of cheesy delight.
Substitutions and Variations:
Customize your Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole with these variations:
- Mushroom Magic: Add sliced mushrooms for an earthy flavor and extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Incorporate diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Herb Infusion: Stir in fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Closing
Now that you’ve discovered the comforting harmony of Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole, it’s time to savor its hearty medley and cheesy delight. Share it with loved ones, serve it as a complete meal, or enjoy it as a nostalgic comfort food that never goes out of style. Don’t forget to leave a review and share your favorite variations or serving ideas with us. Happy indulging!
Tips or Notes:
- You can use pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, to save time.
- Customize the cheese sauce by using your favorite cheese blend or adding a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness.
- Feel free to steam or blanch the broccoli before adding it to the casserole if you prefer it to be tender.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice in this casserole. However, brown rice may require slightly longer cooking time, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just be sure to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it’s heated through.
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
4
servings30
minutes40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- For Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole:
2 cups 2 (400g) cooked chicken, diced
2 cups 2 (400g) cooked rice
2 cups 2 (200g) broccoli florets, blanched or steamed
1 cup 1 (120g) shredded cheddar cheese
- For Cheese Sauce:
2 tablespoons 2 (30g) butter
2 tablespoons 2 (20g) all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 (360ml) milk
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 (150g) shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 salt
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 black pepper
1/4 teaspoon 1/4 garlic powder
Directions
- For the Cheese Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps.
- Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Remove it from the heat and set aside.
- For the Casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and blanched or steamed broccoli florets.
- Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, and gently mix everything until it’s well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through, and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Savor the comforting harmony of your Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole!
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