There’s something truly comforting about a White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice dish. It’s a delicious blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, all nestled in fluffy rice. Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a favorite in my household, especially on busy weeknights. The magic lies in its simplicity and ability to bring warmth and flavor with every bite.
I love how chicken and rice come together in this dish, creating a satisfying meal that doesn’t take a lot of effort. You can play around with ingredients and add your touch to make it your own. Thaw some frozen broccoli or use fresh if you have it. The cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole brings everything together in a single baking dish for easy cleanup, making it even more appealing.
This chicken broccoli rice casserole has a versatile charm, perfect for a quick family dinner or even a potluck. Rice casserole recipes like this are lifesavers when you want something hearty and scrumptious. Whether you choose to use instant rice or make a more traditional version, the result is bound to be delightful.
Why You Will Love White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice
I love this dish because it’s the perfect comfort food. The blend of cheesy chicken and fresh broccoli cheese creates a rich and satisfying flavor. When I need a meal to warm my soul, this is my go-to.
Preparing this dish is a breeze. It’s an easy dinner option that fits well into my busy schedule. I simply gather a few ingredients, and everything comes together in one pot. This means less cleanup, which makes me happy.
Weeknight meals can be a challenge, but this recipe is a lifesaver. With its simple steps and quick cooking time, I can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. It’s perfect for when I don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen.
The creamy sauce mixed with the tender chicken and crisp broccoli makes each bite delightful. Every time I make this dish, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with cooking. The balance of ingredients highlights the best of white cheddar goodness.
How To Make White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice
This delicious dish combines the flavors of white cheddar cheese and broccoli with tender chicken and rice. By using pantry-friendly ingredients, this is a perfect meal to whip up any day of the week.
Ingredients
For this dish, I gather a handful of simple ingredients. I use cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken works great—uncooked rice, and a mix of broccoli, either fresh or frozen broccoli florets. The cheesy flavor comes from white cheddar cheese.
Along with these, I keep on hand cream of chicken soup, milk, butter, and some spices like garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. To add a crunchy topping, I often use crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.
Instruments
To prepare this dish, I need a few cooking tools. A casserole dish is essential for baking. I use a large saucepan for preparing the cheese sauce, and a medium pot for cooking the rice.
A baking dish will be useful for putting everything together. Additionally, I use a spatula or spoon for mixing and spreading. Measuring cups are handy for accuracy, especially when dealing with liquids like milk and chicken broth.
Step By Step Instruction
First, I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, I cook the rice—jasmine rice is my favorite, but any cooked rice works.
In a saucepan, I melt butter and add all-purpose flour, stirring to create a roux. Then, I slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk until it thickens. After that, I mix in shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts.
Next, in the casserole dish, I combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, and the cheese sauce. I stir everything together, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
For a crunchy top, I sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs over the mixture. Finally, I bake it for about 25 minutes until the top is golden brown. Then, it’s ready to serve. Enjoy this wonderful blend of flavors!
Ingredient Substitute
When making White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice, I often need to adjust based on what’s in my pantry. Below are some substitutes that still bring out great flavors.
If I don’t have fresh broccoli, I can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and pat it dry before use. Frozen broccoli works well, especially when pre-steamed for a few extra minutes.
For the cheese, I sometimes swap out white cheddar for broccoli cheddar soup. It adds a tangy twist while keeping the dish creamy. If I need a canned soup, Campbell’s Soup options often fit the bill nicely.
For the cream base, cream of mushroom soup or cream of broccoli can replace homemade cream of chicken. This tweak brings a rich flavor to the dish without compromising on texture.
If I’m short on classic long-grain rice, I might use instant rice or Minute Rice. These options save time and require minimal changes to the cooking process.
Using leftover chicken is a fantastic way to make this meal more affordable. It blends seamlessly into the rice and veggies, making prep a breeze.
Lastly, I sometimes add a pinch of chili powder for a subtle kick. This addition isn’t traditional but can enhance the dish’s flavor profile, making it even more enticing.
What To Serve With White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice
When I make White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice, I like to keep the sides simple. A fresh green salad pairs beautifully, adding a crisp contrast to the creamy casserole. I prefer a mix of spinach and arugula topped with sliced almonds and a light vinaigrette.
Garlic bread is another favorite of mine to serve alongside this easy casserole recipe. The warm, buttery bread complements the cheesy flavors of the broccoli casserole. Plus, it helps scrape up every last bit of the sauce from the plate.
For a more colorful plate, I sometimes add roasted vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, and Brussels sprouts can add texture and flavor, matching well with the easy chicken broccoli rice casserole. Try seasoning them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting in the oven until tender.
If you’re preparing this for a larger gathering, you might want to include a sweet side dish. A fruit salad with berries, grapes, and a drizzle of honey can offer a refreshing balance to the richness of the casserole.
How To Store White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice
When I have leftovers of my White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice, keeping them fresh is essential.
Refrigeration is my first choice. I let the dish cool to room temperature. Then, I transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It can stay there for about 3-4 days.
If I want to save it for later, freezing is a great option. I ensure the casserole is completely cooled first. After that, I put it in a freezer-safe container. This way, it stays good for up to 2-3 months.
When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I thaw it overnight in the fridge. I reheat it gently in an oven or microwave, making sure it’s heated through.
Airtight containers are a must to keep the flavors and freshness intact. This is the way I ensure my White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice remains delicious even after storing.
Is White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice Healthy
When I make White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice, I think about nutrition. The dish is packed with tender chicken, providing a good source of protein. Protein helps in building and repairing tissues.
Broccoli is a key ingredient and it’s a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It adds fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to the meal, which can benefit my health.
Rice is another component, offering carbohydrates for energy. Choosing brown rice instead of white rice can increase the fiber content, promoting better digestion.
Cheddar cheese contributes flavor and creaminess, but it’s also higher in fat and calories. Using reduced-fat cheddar can help manage calorie intake while still enjoying the rich taste.
The recipe can be modified for additional health benefits:
- Use fresh broccoli for more nutrients.
- Opt for grilled or shredded chicken to reduce the use of extra oil.
- Incorporate herbs and spices for seasoning instead of salt to keep sodium levels down.
A simple table might help compare some nutritional aspects:
| Ingredient | Nutritional Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tender Chicken | High in protein |
| Broccoli | Rich in vitamins and fiber |
| Rice (Brown/White) | Energy from carbohydrates |
| Cheddar Cheese | Adds flavor, contains fat |
Balancing these ingredients can make this dish a healthier choice.
Nutrition Facts In List Form
When I look at the nutrition facts for White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice, several important items stand out.
- Calories:
- A typical serving of this dish contains 160-260 calories depending on the brand and ingredients used.
- Macronutrient Breakdown (Example from Knorr):
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 76% of the calories come from carbs.
- Protein: About 11%-13% of the calories are from protein.
- Fat: Around 11%-12% of calories are due to fat content.
- Ingredients:
- Key components include cooked rice, broccoli, and white cheddar cheese.
- Chicken breast is a common protein source, adding flavor and nutrition.
- Micronutrients:
- Calcium: Provided by cheddar cheese, it’s important for bones.
- Vitamin C: Found in broccoli which supports your immune system.
- Additional Ingredients:
- Some recipes use whole milk and cream of chicken soup for creaminess.
- Brands:
- Cracker Barrel and Signature Cafe are popular brands offering variations of this dish. Each has unique nutritional profiles.
White Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Rice
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- Medium pot
- casserole dish
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice jasmine or long-grain
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs optional topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook rice and prepare shredded chicken.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, add flour, and whisk to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking until thickened.
- Stir in shredded white cheddar until melted.
- In a casserole dish, combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Notes
- Calories: ~260 kcal
- Fat: 12g
- Protein: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Vitamin C: 20% DV
- Calcium: 15% DV
