Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole

When you think of ingredients that blend together well for savory meals, what do you think?

Sure, there are a ton of options here, but we are getting pretty basic with our thinking today.  Think of fresh steamed broccoli with creamy cheese and chicken, then add rice into the mix. 

For this reason; we created this Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole. 

A super simple recipe that you can dress up with your favorite seasonings. We give you the simplicity of this recipe and then you can allow your imagination to run wild!

At the end of the week, do you do a fridge clean-out? This Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole has ingredients that we are sure you have in your fridge and freezer that combine for a creamy and smooth flavor that comforts you from the inside out. 

Enjoy this recipe on a warm spring day or a chilly fall afternoon. It’s certainly the epitome of comfort. On top of that, casseroles are everyone’s go-to when you need a meal to serve the masses when you are on a time crunch. 

Cream of onion and chicken soup keeps every ingredient moist while the Velveeta cheese adds extra creaminess and delicious cheddar flavor. While the panko breadcrumbs add a layer of crunch to keep that moisture into the important ingredients. 

What type of chicken did you use?

If you are on a time crunch or truly doing a fridge clean-out, then use any type of chicken you have on hand! Just cook it low and slow with your favorite seasonings so the meat just falls apart either with your hands or two forks. You can also use canned chicken; however, the flavor doesn’t seem as intense and fresh as cooking your own chicken. Another option is buying a pre-cooked chicken from the grocery store and shredding it yourself at home. 

Ingredients:

1 lb. Shredded chicken

2 C. Instant Rice

2 C. Chicken broth

1 Can Cream of onion soup

1 Can Cream of chicken soup

¼ C. Butter unsalted

8 oz. Velveeta cheese food

½ C. Heavy whipping cream

¼ C. Milk

1 Bag frozen broccoli

Panko bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 

Cook the broccoli as directed in the microwave and drain. 

Place the 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil. 

Add the rice to the boiling chicken broth, remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes. 

A)

B)

Stir the butter and Velveeta into the cooked rice in the saucepan. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli. 

Add the cheesy rice mixture to the mixing bowl. 

Place the two cans of soup, milk and heavy whipping cream into the mixing bowl. Stir everything together completely. 

A)

B)

Layer the mixture into a well greased 9×13 baking dish. 

Top with panko bread crumbs if desired. 

Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbling. 

A)

B)

C)

What are you serving with your Broccoli, Rice, Chicken, and Cheese Casserole?

Let us know in the comment section below.