When the chill of winter sets in, nothing feels quite as comforting as a warm dish bubbling away in your oven. Picture this: a creamy, cheesy Savory Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for Cozy Nights, filled with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and the kind of gooey cheese that melts in your mouth. Creamy Spinach Turkey Meatballs Ground Turkey Rice Bowls The rich aroma wafts through your home like a warm hug on a cold day, instantly transporting you to your coziest memories. For more inspiration, check out this Marry Me Chicken Soup recipe.
I remember the first time I made this casserole on a frigid December evening. My family gathered around the kitchen table, their eyes lighting up as I pulled it from the oven. The laughter echoed as we dug in, each bite a reminder of why comfort food is so beloved during chilly nights. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply treating yourself after a long day, this dish promises to deliver warmth and joy with every bite.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Savory Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is super easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze. The flavor profile bursts with cheesy goodness and fresh veggies that everyone will adore. Its inviting visual appeal brightens up any dinner table and guarantees smiles all around. Plus, it’s versatile enough for leftovers or meal prep for busy days ahead! [/info_box]
My friends couldn’t stop raving about how delicious it was when I first made it for our potluck dinner.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well; adjust depending on your hungry crowd.
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Fresh Broccoli: Opt for bright green florets; they add nutrition and color to the casserole.
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White Rice: Use uncooked white rice; it cooks perfectly while soaking up all those flavors.
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Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth enhances flavor without being too salty; use homemade if possible.
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Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Go for sharp cheddar for an extra burst of cheesy goodness that melts beautifully.
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Sour Cream: This adds creaminess and tang; full-fat sour cream works best for rich texture.
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Garlic Powder: Sprinkle garlic powder for an aromatic boost that enhances the overall flavor profile.
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Pepper and Salt: Season generously to taste; don’t shy away from giving it that extra punch!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your favorite baking dish and give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Your Chicken & Broccoli: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown—about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped broccoli during the last minute so it turns bright green and slightly tender.
Mix Ingredients Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken and broccoli with uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream, half of the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cottage Cheese Pesto Wraps Stir until everything is well-coated.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour this delightful mixture into your prepared baking dish evenly. Make sure every bit of rice has its chance at soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Add Remaining Cheese & Bake: Top the casserole with the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese before sliding it into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for about 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let It Rest & Serve Up!: Once out of the oven, let it rest for about 10 minutes—this helps everything settle nicely. Serve warm and enjoy those cozy vibes while you dig in!
Remember to savor each spoonful as it warms you from head to toe!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This savory chicken broccoli rice casserole is a heartwarming dish that turns cozy nights into culinary adventures. The aroma wafting through the kitchen will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in veggies without any complaints. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing onions and garlic until fragrant, then add chicken, followed by cooking rice and broccoli simultaneously. This sequence ensures all flavors meld beautifully.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the broccoli for spinach or kale, or add some cheese for extra creaminess. Personalizing this dish makes it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best results.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] For perfect casserole texture, use day-old rice; it absorbs moisture better and avoids sogginess. Ensure your chicken is diced evenly for uniform cooking. Finally, don’t skimp on seasoning; it transforms this dish from bland to grand! [/info_box]
Cooking this savory chicken broccoli rice casserole brings back memories of chilly evenings where comfort food was a must. Savory Turkey Chili Friends would gather around my table, their smiles growing wider with every bite.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli in my casserole?
Yes, but thaw and drain excess water before adding it.
How long does it take to bake the casserole?
Bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes or until bubbly.
What can I serve alongside this casserole?
A simple salad or crusty bread complements the dish perfectly.
Savory Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Savory Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This creamy, cheesy dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, ensuring warmth with every spoonful. Perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in, this casserole is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown for about 5-7 minutes. Add broccoli in the last minute to steam slightly.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken and broccoli with white rice, chicken broth, sour cream, half of the cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
