What’s “Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole”?
As its name indicates, the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a wonderful and filling meal based on chicken, broccoli, and rice mixed with a creamy sauce. Suitable for all occasions as lunch or dinner with family or friends.
Why this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
You will absolutely fall in love with this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole simply because:
- Rich, smooth and creamy: The creamy sauce of Cheddar and Boursin cheese makes it so delicious and rich.
- Fast and easy to make: Easy, quick, and simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.
- Cheerful: Even the pickiest eater will fall in love with the savory and cheesy flavors of this dish.
- Can be customized: You can simply switch up the ingredients or add additional vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredients and tips for this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Chicken thighs.
- Broccoli.
- Cooked white rice.
- Butter.
- Cream of chicken soup.
- Heavy cream.
- Cheddar cheese.
- Boursin cheese.
- Sour cream.
- Bayou city seasonings.
How to make this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
- Start with the Chicken:
Melt the butter over medium heat in a large saucepan and add the seasoned chicken thighs, cook until they change color to brown. Slice the chicken into strips as it cooks to ensure it is browned evenly and add chopped onion as soon as the beef is almost completely cooked.
- Then make the Sauce:
While the chicken is still cooking, stir the minced garlic, heavy cream, Boursin and cheddar until creamy and consistent.
- Mix the ingredients:
Mix together cooked rice, peeled broccoli and chicken with cream cheese sauce until well coated.
- Then to the oven:
Pour the mixture into a casserole dish and top with more cheese and put it in the oven until the cheese is golden.
Here’s how to cook Broccoli:
Preparing broccoli for this meal is quick and easy, all to make sure it remains tender and a little crispy.
- Grab a pot and add water and salt and boil.
- Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2 to 3 minutes or until it’s light green in color and slightly tender.
- Instantly move the broccoli to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
- Before using the broccoli in the casserole, drain and pat dry.
Tips for the perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
You’ll be able to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole by:
- Using fresh broccoli: it gives the best texture, but if you don’t have it, frozen broccoli works just as well, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
- Chop your own cheese: For a heartier sauce, shred cheddar cheese from a block instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which contains additives that prevent it from melting smoothly.
- Make it in advance: Make the casserole in advance, then refrigerate and bake it when needed. Add a few more minutes to the baking time if it’s coming directly from the refrigerator.
- Additional vegetables: You can easily add additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to boost the nutritional value.
Frequently asked questions:
Q: Can I substitute chicken breasts for the thighs?
A: Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as the thighs. Be careful not to overcook them so that they remain tender.
Q: Can I freeze this soup?
A: Of course. But while doing so, the consistency of the cream and cheese may change slightly when reheated. In order to freeze, do it without the noodles and add fresh cooked macaroni when reheated for the best results.
Q: Can I make this casserole gluten free?
A: Sure! Use gluten free cream of chicken soup and make sure all other ingredients are gluten free.
