Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Comfort Food Recipe

Are you ready for a meal that warms your heart and fills your belly? My Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the perfect comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese, it’s super easy to make. Whether you need a quick dinner idea or a dish for a gathering, this casserole delivers flavor and satisfaction. Let’s dive into the simple steps to create this tasty classic!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

– 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

– 1 cup uncooked brown rice

– 3 cups chicken broth

– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

– 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

– 2 tablespoons olive oil

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Gather these ingredients when you make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. Each one plays a key role in creating a rich and creamy dish. The cooked chicken gives protein and flavor. The fresh broccoli adds crunch and color. Brown rice is a hearty base that fills you up. Chicken broth adds depth to the flavor.

Cheddar cheese and cream cheese create a creamy texture and cheesy goodness. Greek yogurt or sour cream adds tanginess and richness. Garlic powder and onion powder provide savory notes. Salt and pepper help balance the flavors. Breadcrumbs give a crispy topping, while olive oil adds a bit of richness.

Fresh parsley is not just for looks; it adds a bright, fresh taste. Use this complete list of ingredients to create a dish that brings comfort and joy. Check the Full Recipe for the detailed steps to follow.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Rice and Broccoli

To start, you need to cook the brown rice. In a large pot, mix the uncooked brown rice with chicken broth. Bring it to a boil, then cover. Let it simmer on low heat for about 25-30 minutes. The rice will absorb all the broth and become fluffy.

While the rice cooks, it’s time to steam the broccoli. Place the broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water. Steam them for about 4-5 minutes. You want them tender but still bright green. Drain and set them aside.

Mixing Ingredients

Now, let’s mix the main ingredients. In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken with softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything until it is smooth and well combined.

Once your rice is done, add it to the chicken and cream cheese mix. Then, fold in the steamed broccoli. Stir gently until all the ingredients are mixed well.

Baking the Casserole

Next, transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Spread it evenly. Now, sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.

For the topping, take a small bowl and mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until the breadcrumbs are coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.

Bake your casserole in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want it to be bubbly and the breadcrumbs to be golden brown. When done, let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. For a fresh touch, add some chopped parsley on top.

For the full recipe, refer back to the ingredients list and instructions provided.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Casserole

To get the best texture, aim for a creamy mix. The key lies in balancing the chicken, cheese, and rice. If your mix feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it seems too thin, let it cook a bit longer.

To avoid overcooking, keep an eye on your baking time. Check it around the 25-minute mark. You want the cheese bubbly and gold, but not brown. If you notice the top browning too fast, cover it loosely with foil.

Useful Kitchen Tools

A good 9×13 inch baking dish works wonders for this recipe. I love using glass or ceramic for even cooking. A large mixing bowl is also essential. It helps combine the creamy ingredients without spills.

For best results, use a sharp knife for cutting chicken and broccoli. A sturdy wooden spoon is perfect for mixing. Having a steamer basket makes broccoli easy to cook. It keeps the color bright and the crunch intact.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your casserole with a fresh side salad. A crisp green salad brightens the meal. Garlic bread also makes a great side. It soaks up the cheesy goodness.

Serve the casserole warm. It tastes best right out of the oven. If you have leftovers, heat them gently in the oven. This keeps the flavors fresh and delicious.

For the full recipe, click [here](#).

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily change some ingredients for your casserole. If you want to skip cream cheese, try sour cream or Greek yogurt. They add a nice creaminess without losing taste. For cheese, cheddar is great, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack work too. They can give a different flavor and melt nicely.

Dietary Adjustments

If you need gluten-free options, use brown rice or quinoa. Both are tasty and safe for gluten-free diets. For low-carb choices, swap rice with cauliflower rice. It keeps the dish light while still filling.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding spices can elevate your casserole. Try paprika or cayenne for a little kick. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also add great flavor. You can mix in other veggies too. Bell peppers, carrots, or even spinach can make it colorful and healthy.

Check out the Full Recipe for a delicious way to enjoy this meal!

Storage Info

Best Storage Practices

To store leftovers, wait until the casserole cools. Place it in a container with a tight lid. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy it later, freezing is a great option. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These help keep your food fresh and safe.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely. Cover it with plastic wrap, then foil. This prevents freezer burn and keeps all the yummy flavors. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to enjoy it, remove it from the freezer. Thaw it in the fridge overnight.

To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. Make sure it’s hot all the way through before serving. Enjoy the comfort of Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole again with a simple reheat! For the full recipe, check out the earlier section.

FAQs

Common Questions

How long can I store the casserole?

You can store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure to place it in an airtight container. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it. Frozen casserole lasts for about two to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it and drain any extra water before adding it to the mix. Frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh, so keep an eye on it to avoid mushiness.

What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?

This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. You can also serve it with rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. If you want to keep it light, a fresh fruit salad works great too. For the full recipe, check here: [Full Recipe].

This blog post covered everything you need for a tasty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, simple steps to make it, and tips for perfecting the dish. We explored variations and storage options that fit different diets. With these insights, you can create a flavorful meal that all family members will enjoy. By following these steps, you’ll serve a warm dish that keeps everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Discover the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe! Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese, this dish is a family favorite. Perfect for meal prep, it’s easy to make and full of flavor. Bake it to golden perfection and enjoy a hearty meal any day of the week. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your dinner table tonight!

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Ingredients

  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup uncooked brown rice

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

In a large pot, combine the uncooked brown rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer on low heat for 25-30 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed the broth.

While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets until just tender (about 4-5 minutes). Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.

Once the rice is cooked, add it to the chicken and cream cheese mixture, followed by the steamed broccoli. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Spread evenly and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese layer.

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 6-8 servings