Description
Chicken broccoli casserole delivers a hearty dinner that brings comfort to your table with lean protein and wholesome veggies. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with nutrition, this simple casserole becomes a family favorite that satisfies hunger and nourishes bodies.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups chicken broth
Vegetables and Grains:
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
Seasonings and Dairy:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly coat the dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Pour 1 cup white rice and 2 cups chicken broth into a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is fully absorbed.
- Season 1 pound chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Sear the seasoned chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. The chicken doesn’t need to cook completely through at this stage.
- Chop 2 cups broccoli florets into bite-sized pieces while the chicken cooks.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, broccoli, ½ cup shredded cheddar, and ½ cup cream of chicken soup. Mix thoroughly.
- Spread the rice and broccoli mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish.
- Arrange the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the entire casserole surface.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until cheese turns golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve warm directly from the baking dish.
Notes
- Choose chicken breasts of similar size to ensure even cooking and prevent dry spots in the casserole.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or homemade white sauce for a fresher, lower-sodium option.
- Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition and create more texture in the dish.
- For gluten-free adaptation, use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free certified.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Casseroles
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 375 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg