The Best And Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream: A Comforting Meal for Any Night

Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream is perfect if you’re looking for a simple and comforting dinner that’s easy to prepare and delicious. This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream dish combines tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream dish is a one-pan meal that will satisfy the whole family. Whether new to cooking or an experienced chef, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps for making this hearty, Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream dish.

Ingredients for Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream

To make this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven with Cream, you’ll need the following ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless fresh chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of fresh chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour Cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional for greasing the casserole dish)

Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream

1. Preheat the Oven up to 350°F (175°C).

Ensure your Oven is hot and ready before assembling the casserole.

2. Cook the rice if you haven’t already.

Depending on your preference, you can use white or brown rice. Cook it with the package instructions and set it aside.

3. Steam the broccoli.

Steam the fresh broccoli florets for 5-7 minutes until tender but still bright green. You can use a steamer basket, microwave, or stovetop method.

4. Shred the chicken.

If you’re using cooked chicken breasts, shred them into bite-sized pieces with a fork or your hands. If you haven’t cooked the chicken, bake or pan-sear until fully cooked and then shred.

5. Prepare the creamy sauce.

In a medium bowl, please combine the Cream of chicken soup, sour Cream, milk, fresh garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well-mixed.

6. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl.

Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Pour the creamy sauce over everything and mix it all together until evenly coated.

7. Transfer to a casserole dish.

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with fresh olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the rice mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

8. Top with cheese.

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese over your casserole for a cheesy, golden finish.

9. Bake the casserole.

Place the casserole in the preheated Oven and then bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted entirely and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.

10. Serve and enjoy.

Once the casserole is out of the Oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Ladle the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream into bowls and enjoy a warm, comforting meal.

Serving and Enjoying Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream

To serve, scoop generous portions of the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream onto plates or bowls. The creamy sauce and the tender chicken, rice, and broccoli create a deliciously satisfying bite with this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream. Encourage your guests to savor each spoonful of this warm and hearty casserole. It pairs perfectly with a simple salad or garlic bread for a more fulfilling Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream meal.

Here are some Chef’s Tips for making the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream even more delicious and foolproof

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Extra Flavor

For a quicker and more flavorful casserole, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. It adds a rich depth of attractive flavor and saves you time when cooking the chicken. Just shred it and mix it into the casserole!

2. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli

When steaming the broccoli, be careful not to overcook it. You want it to stay bright green and slightly firm to maintain its texture in the casserole. Overcooking will make it mushy when baked.

3. Use Full-Fat Cream for Richness

For the creamiest, richest casserole, opt for full-fat Cream of chicken soup and sour Cream. This will ensure the casserole has a thick, indulgent sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use reduced-fat options, but the texture may be thinner.

4. Add Extra Cheese for a Crispy Top

Don’t be shy with the cheese if you love a crispy, golden-brown top. Layer a bit of extra cheddar and Parmesan on top before baking, and for even more crunch, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking.

5. Try Brown Rice for a Nutty Flavor

Swap white rice for brown rice if you prefer a more hearty, nutritious casserole. Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but you’ll need to cook it before adding it to the casserole since it takes longer than white rice.

6. Make It One-Pot by Cooking Rice in the Casserole

Try cooking the rice directly in the casserole dish to simplify the recipe further. Combine the uncooked rice with the sauce ingredients and a bit more liquid (water or broth) to help it cook through while baking. Cover the dish with a clean foil and bake at 350°F for a minimum of 45 minutes.

7. Add a Crunchy Topping

For extra texture, top the casserole with crushed crackers (like Ritz crackers) or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking. This adds a nice crunch that complements the creamy interior.

8. Customize with Vegetables

You can customize the casserole by adding more veggies, such as peas, carrots, or even mushrooms. These will boost the flavor and increase the dish’s nutritional value.

9. Check for Doneness

Every Oven is different, so check the casserole toward the end of baking. The cheese on top should be bubbly and slightly golden, and the casserole should be hot all through. If it’s not entirely done, give it a few more minutes.

10. Serve with a Side Salad or fresh Garlic Bread.

To balance the casserole’s richness, serve it with a fresh side salad or some crispy garlic bread. This makes for a well-rounded meal that feels indulgent yet balanced.

Following these Chef’s Tips will make the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream even more flavorful, satisfying, and impressive. Whether cooking for your family or hosting a dinner, these tips will elevate your dish every time!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: 350–400 kcal
• Protein: 30–35g
• Carbohydrates: 35–40g
  • Fiber: 2–3g
  • Sugars: 3–5g
• Fat: 15–20g
  • Saturated Fat: 7–10g
• Cholesterol: 60–70mg
• Sodium: 600–750mg
• Potassium: 450–500mg
• Vitamin A: 15–20% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C: 25–30% of the DV
• Calcium: 15–20% of the DV
• Iron: 6–8% of the DV

Key Ingredients Breakdown:

1. Chicken Breast: Lean protein, low in fat and high in protein.

2. Broccoli: High in fiber, vitamins C and K, and a good source of antioxidants.

3. Cream of Chicken Soup: It adds creaminess and contributes sodium and fat. Opting for a reduced-fat or low-sodium version can make it healthier.

4. Sour Cream: Adds richness but also contributes fats and calories.

5. Cheese (Cheddar and Parmesan): High in protein and calcium, adding calories, fat, and sodium.

6. Rice: Depending on whether you use white or brown rice, it will contribute varying levels of carbohydrates and fiber. Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients than white rice.

Health Considerations

• Protein: This casserole is a good source of protein, which is absolutely essential for muscle repair and overall bodily functions.

• Carbs: While the rice adds carbohydrates, using brown rice can increase fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps regulate blood sugar levels.

• Fat: This dish contains moderate fat, mainly from the cheese and sour Cream. Reducing fat or light versions of these ingredients can help lower fat intake.

• Sodium: Depending on the type used, cream soup and cheese can be high in sodium. Opting for low-sodium Cream of chicken soup can help reduce sodium intake.

• Vitamins & Minerals: Broccoli contains significant vitamins (especially vitamins C and K) and proper minerals (such as potassium), contributing to immune health, bone health, and overall well-being.

Healthier Modifications

• Lower Fat: For a lighter version, use low-fat Cream of chicken soup and low-fat sour Cream or Greek yogurt.

• Increase Fiber: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.

• Less Sodium: Choose reduced-sodium chicken broth or make your sauce to control the sodium content.

Here are some related recipe names for Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream, focusing on similar comforting casseroles with chicken, rice, and creamy ingredients

1. Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake
2. One-Pot Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
3. Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake
4. Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole with Creamy Sauce
5. Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole with Cheddar Cream
6. Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole with Garlic Cream Sauce
7. Easy Chicken and Broccoli Cheese Casserole
8. Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
9. Simple Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Creamy Cheese
10. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Creamy Mushroom Soup
11. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
12. Comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in the Oven
13. Baked Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice with Cream of Chicken Soup
14. Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole with Sour Cream

These recipes emphasize the core ingredients of chicken, broccoli, and rice, often paired with creamy elements like cheese, sour Cream, or soups, to create flavorful and comforting baked casseroles like the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream.

FAQ for Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a quick, satisfying meal that everyone will love, the Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream is the answer. This dish combines the perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and healthy broccoli. It’s easy to prepare, full of flavor, and ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Try this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Oven With Cream recipe and enjoy a comforting, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. You’ll be glad you did!