Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

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Ingredients:

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups uncooked rice
  • 1 (10 oz) can of cream of chicken soup
  • 1 (10 oz) can of cream of mushroom soup
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • ¼ cup butter
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1 small white onion, chopped
  • 16 oz broccoli pieces (fresh or frozen)
  • 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

FIRST STEP:

  1. Preheat the Oven:
    • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the Rice:
    • In a pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add the 2 cups of uncooked rice and cook according to the package directions. Once done, set aside.

SECOND STEP: 3. Prepare the Casserole:

  • In a 9×13 inch baking pan, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, both cans of soup (cream of chicken and cream of mushroom), ¼ cup of butter (cut into small pieces), broccoli, and chopped onion.
  • Stir everything together, and then mix in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese.
  1. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through.

THIRD STEP: 5. Add Remaining Cheese:

  • During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese on top of the casserole and allow it to melt.
  1. Cool:
    • Remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.

FOURTH STEP: 7. Serve:

  • Serve hot, paired with a dinner salad or breadsticks. Enjoy your delicious casserole!

Tips:

  • Variations: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Make it Ahead: This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking.

1. What is Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole?

  • It’s a hearty and comforting dish made with cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cheese, and creamy soups, baked together for a flavorful casserole.

2. What ingredients do I need?

  • You’ll need:
    • Water
    • Uncooked rice
    • Cream of chicken soup
    • Cream of mushroom soup
    • Cooked chicken (shredded)
    • Butter
    • Milk
    • Onion
    • Broccoli pieces
    • Cheddar cheese

3. Can I use leftover chicken?

  • Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and saves time!

4. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

  • Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount since brown rice typically takes longer to cook.

5. How long does it take to prepare?

  • The total time is about 45-55 minutes, including cooking the rice and baking the casserole.

6. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

  • Yes, you can prepare it the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

7. What can I serve with this casserole?

  • It pairs well with a side salad, breadsticks, or steamed vegetables.

8. Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

  • Yes! Substitute the chicken with a plant-based protein or additional vegetables, and use vegetable broth instead of water.

9. How do I store leftovers?

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

10. Can I freeze this casserole?

  • Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. If freezing before baking, ensure to cover it well. Thaw in the refrigerator before baking.

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