Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

There’s something magical about a warm, hearty casserole straight out of the oven, especially one that’s packed with creamy, cheesy goodness. This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is perfect for any night of the week. It’s comforting, nutritious, and bursting with flavor, making it an excellent choice for family dinners, potlucks, or even a cozy solo meal.

What makes this dish stand out is its rich, velvety cheese sauce, combined with tender chicken, broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice. The crispy panko breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch, contrasting beautifully with the creamy interior. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious casserole:

100 grams cooked, crumbled chicken
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup instant rice
0.5 ounces (1 can) cream of chicken soup
0.5 ounces (1 can) onion soup mix
0.8 liters Velveeta cheese, cubed
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup milk
1 (12-16 ounces) bag frozen broccoli, thawed
Optional: Extra panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions: How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Before you begin, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil.
Once the broth is boiling, stir in the instant rice, cover the pan, and remove it from heat.
Let the rice sit for about 5 minutes to absorb the liquid, then fluff it with a fork and set it aside.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

In a separate large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Stir in the cream of chicken soup, onion soup mix, Velveeta cheese, heavy whipping cream, and milk.
Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, and the cheese sauce.
Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into the greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Step 6: Add a Crispy Topping (Optional)

If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. This step adds a golden, crispy texture that complements the creamy filling.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will help the flavors set and make it easier to cut and serve.

Tips for Making the Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

1. Use Leftover Chicken for Convenience

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken, baked chicken breast, or even grilled chicken. Just shred or crumble it and add it to the casserole.

2. Customize with Vegetables

While broccoli is a classic choice, feel free to mix in other vegetables like peas, carrots, or cauliflower. This can add more color and variety to your casserole.

3. Make It Lighter

For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy whipping cream with half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use low-fat cheese and cream of chicken soup to reduce the overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.

4. Freeze for Later

This casserole freezes well, making it perfect for meal prepping. After assembling the casserole, cover it tightly with foil and freeze it before baking. When you’re ready to cook, bake it straight from the freezer, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

5. Get Creative with Toppings

If you want to add even more flavor, consider mixing some grated parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for an extra savory topping. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheddar or mozzarella on top for extra cheesiness.

FAQs: Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

1. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can! If using fresh broccoli, make sure to steam or blanch it beforehand to ensure it cooks evenly in the casserole. Simply cut the broccoli into bite-sized florets, steam until just tender, and proceed with the recipe.

2. Can I substitute the Velveeta cheese?

Velveeta gives this casserole its creamy texture, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with shredded cheddar cheese or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and gouda. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.

3. How can I store leftovers?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

4. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free instant rice and gluten-free soup mixes. Also, make sure to check the labels on all ingredients, including the Velveeta and breadcrumbs, to ensure they are gluten-free.

5. Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a great option for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting guests.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. It’s loaded with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, all baked together in a cozy casserole dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out, and enjoy the satisfying combination of creamy, cheesy, and crispy goodness in every bite!