Description
The Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy textures and rich flavors in a single dish. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, offering a satisfying blend of tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and gooey, melted cheese.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 (10.1 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
¼ cup butter
1 cup milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 small white onion, chopped
1 pound processed cheese food
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let the rice stand for 5 minutes.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the prepared rice, chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, broccoli, onion, and processed cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 36 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly. It’s a good idea to stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time to help the cheese melt evenly.
Notes
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture and brighter flavor.
- Replace processed cheese with shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a gourmet touch.
- Swap canned chicken for rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken for a fresher, juicier bite.
- Customization Tips:
- Add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning to elevate the flavor.
- Incorporate additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, peas, or carrots, for added nutrition and variety.
- Make it healthier by using low-fat soups, cheese, and milk, or swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa.
- Storage and Leftovers:
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating Tip:
- To restore creaminess, add a splash of milk before reheating, especially if the casserole has dried out during storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal