Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion? Look no further than this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with flavor and comforting ingredients, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The great flavors of chicken, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce create a mouthwatering combination that’s hard to resist.
- With just a few simple steps, this casserole can be prepped and ready to bake in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- This dish is ideal for meal prep, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flavor to the dish.
- Chicken thighs: Provide juicy and tender meat that pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken thighs and adding extra flavor.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a fragrant and savory taste.
- Chicken stock: Adds depth of flavor and helps create a delicious sauce.
- Cream of chicken with herbs: Creates a creamy and flavorful base for the casserole.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding a cheesy and gooey texture.
- Sour cream: Gives the dish a tangy and creamy element.
- Boursin cheese: Adds a flavorful and creamy twist to the sauce.
- Bayou City all-purpose seasoning, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne: Seasonings that add depth and spice to the dish.
- Broccoli florets: Provide a healthy and colorful addition to the casserole.
- White rice: Adds a comforting and filling component to the dish.
- Salt and pepper: Season to taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to F (C).
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken thighs with olive oil and all-purpose seasoning, then cook until done.
- Remove chicken from skillet, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Cook minced garlic in the same skillet until fragrant.
- Deglaze the pan with chicken stock and let it reduce.
- Add cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and cheddar cheese to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in sour cream until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, and shredded chicken.
- Pour cheese sauce over the rice mixture, season with seasonings, and mix well.
- Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese, and bake.
- Garnish with parsley and paprika before serving.
Prep Time: minutes
Cook Time: minutes
Total Time: minutes
Servings:
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding cooked bacon or diced bell peppers to the casserole.
- Make a vegetarian version by substituting tofu for chicken.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences.
Serving Suggestions:
This casserole pairs well with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine. It’s also great on its own as a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before refrigerating. Reheat in the oven at F (C) until warm throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, but thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze before baking for up to months.
- Can I use different types of cheese? Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses for a unique twist on this recipe.
Conclusion:
Now that you have all the tips and tricks for making this delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, it’s time to get cooking! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or hosting a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your feedback – happy cooking!
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s easy to make and perfect for a family dinner or potluck.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5–6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbs olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
- 1 10.5 oz heavy cream (add heavy cream to cream of chicken can to measure)
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese mild or medium
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
- 3 tbs bayou city all purpose seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp bayou city garlic pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cups broccoli florets cooked
- 4 cups white rice cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C)
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tbs seasoning, cook for 6-7 minutes per side, shred or chop into pieces.
- Make the sauce: Cook garlic, deglaze with chicken stock, add cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, cheeses, and sour cream.
- Combine ingredients: Mix cooked rice, broccoli, and chicken. Add sauce, seasonings, salt, and pepper.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheese, bake covered for 20 mins, then uncovered for 10-15 mins.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and paprika before serving.
Notes
- You can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg