Description
Comforting chicken and broccoli casserole blends creamy cheese with hearty rice for a satisfying meal. Warm layers of flavor invite family gatherings around this classic one-dish wonder perfect for nourishing hungry souls.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound processed cheese food
- 2 (10.1 ounces / 286 grams) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 cup water
- 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
Sauces and Soups:
- 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Instructions
- Boil water in a medium saucepan and add instant rice, then cover and remove from heat. Allow rice to absorb liquid for 5 minutes, creating a fluffy base for the casserole.
- Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by combining the softened rice with chunk chicken, creating a hearty protein layer.
- Pour cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups over the rice and chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution of creamy textures.
- Incorporate melted butter and milk into the casserole, which will help bind the ingredients and enhance the overall richness.
- Gently fold in chopped broccoli and diced onions, distributing vegetables throughout the dish for balanced nutrition and flavor.
- Sprinkle processed cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
- Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-36 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through cooking to promote even cheese melting and consistent heat distribution.
- Remove from oven when cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbling, indicating the casserole is thoroughly heated and ready to serve.
Notes
- Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better texture throughout the casserole.
- Swap processed cheese with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
- For a healthier version, use brown rice instead of instant rice and replace cream soups with homemade versions to reduce sodium and preservatives.
- Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 36 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 50 mg