Here’s a delightful twist on the classic broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole. This recipe is not only incredibly tasty but also incredibly simple to prepare. It can even be scaled down for a smaller batch.
I like to use creamy mushroom soup in half portions, and you can also skip the onion if you prefer a milder flavor, although it does add a nice touch.
Let’s delve into the ingredients and the steps to prepare this mouthwatering dish:
To begin with, gather your ingredients:
- Chicken Broth: Providing a savory base for the dish, chicken broth infuses the rice with flavor and moisture.
- Long-Grain Rice: The mainstay of the casserole, long-grain rice cooks up fluffy and tender, providing a hearty foundation.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast: Tender and protein-packed, shredded chicken breast adds substance and satiety to the dish.
- Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup: Offering rich and creamy texture, condensed cheddar cheese soup lends a decadent cheesiness to the casserole.
- Condensed Broccoli and Cheese Soup: Adding depth and complexity, condensed broccoli and cheese soup brings a comforting broccoli-cheese flavor to the mix.
- Unsalted Butter: Adding richness and flavor, unsalted butter contributes a luxurious mouthfeel to the dish.
- Whole Milk: Providing creaminess and richness, whole milk helps bind the ingredients together while adding a hint of sweetness.
- Frozen Broccoli Florets: Bursting with vibrant color and nutrition, frozen broccoli florets add a pop of freshness to the casserole.
- Shallot: Providing a subtle yet distinct flavor, finely chopped shallot adds a savory sweetness to the dish.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offering bold and tangy flavor, sharp cheddar cheese provides a gooey, melty topping that’s irresistibly delicious.
Now, let’s walk through the steps to create this delectable casserole:
- Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C), ensuring that it’s ready to bake your casserole to perfection.
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium-sized saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Stir in the long-grain rice, then cover and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes to allow the rice to absorb the flavorful broth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, condensed cheddar cheese soup, condensed broccoli and cheese soup, butter, milk, frozen broccoli florets, and finely chopped shallot. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the cheese is beautifully melted and bubbling, and the casserole is heated through. To ensure even cheese distribution, remember to stir the casserole halfway through the cooking time.
Once the casserole emerges from the oven, it’s ready to be served and enjoyed by all. With its irresistible combination of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and wholesome broccoli, this unique variation of the classic casserole is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your soul with every comforting bite. Whether you’re serving it up for a family dinner or a potluck gathering, this crowd-pleasing dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to savor the deliciousness of this mouthwatering broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole!
CONCLUSION :
As the tantalizing aroma of melted cheese and savory goodness fills your kitchen, you know that something truly special is about to emerge from the oven. With its blend of comforting flavors and easy preparation, this broccoli, rice, and cheese casserole is a testament to the joy of home cooking. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones around the dinner table or savoring it as a comforting solo meal, this dish is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. So, take a forkful, close your eyes, and savor the deliciousness of this delightful twist on a classic favorite.
