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For the best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, you need these main ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup uncooked brown rice - 3 cups chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream These ingredients form the base of the dish. The cooked chicken adds protein, while broccoli brings in nutrients and color. The rice helps to bind everything together. To make your casserole even tastier, add these seasonings and toppings: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping) - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These seasonings enhance the flavors of the dish. The breadcrumbs create a crunchy topping, while the parsley adds a touch of freshness. You may want to change some ingredients based on your taste or what you have. Here are some ideas: - Use cooked turkey instead of chicken. - Swap brown rice for quinoa or white rice. - Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream or cottage cheese. These substitutions can still give you a great flavor and texture. Feel free to experiment with what you have on hand. You can find the full recipe to guide you through the cooking process and make this dish your own. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gets it ready for baking. In a large saucepan, add 1 cup of uncooked brown rice and 3 cups of chicken broth. Bring this to a boil. Once it boils, cover it and lower the heat. Let it simmer for 25-30 minutes. The rice should be tender and soak up all the broth. While the rice cooks, steam 3 cups of fresh broccoli florets for about 4-5 minutes. They should be bright green and just tender. Drain the broccoli and set it aside to cool. In a big mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked chicken, 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until everything is smooth and creamy. When the rice is ready, add it to this mixture. Gently fold in the steamed broccoli, making sure every bite has a bit of everything. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicken, rice, and broccoli mix into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Top it with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. For a crunchy topping, mix 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle this over the cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. It's done when it bubbles and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli casserole! For more details, check the Full Recipe. To get the best texture, cook the rice just right. Use a mix of creamy and crunchy. The rice should be tender but not mushy. Steam the broccoli until it's bright green and slightly crisp. This keeps the bite in every forkful. When you bake, the cheese should melt into a gooey layer. Top with breadcrumbs for crunch. This balance makes every bite delightful. You can prep this casserole a day early. Cook the rice and steam the broccoli, then mix them with the chicken and sauce. Put everything in a baking dish but skip the cheese and breadcrumbs for now. Cover tightly and store in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add the cheese and breadcrumbs. Then, bake right away. This keeps the dish fresh and tasty. Serve the casserole warm right from the baking dish. Scoop portions onto plates for a nice look. Add a sprig of parsley on top for color. This makes the dish pop! Pair it with a crisp green salad. A simple side adds freshness and balance. For a fun twist, serve with crusty bread to soak up the cheesy goodness. Enjoy your meal! {{image_4}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. Instead of chicken, try turkey or cooked sausage. Both add unique flavors. You can also use shredded pork for a smoky twist. For a quick option, use rotisserie chicken. This saves time and still tastes great. If you want a meatless dish, swap the chicken for chickpeas or lentils. These beans add protein and texture. Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth for a full vegetarian option. You can also increase the amount of broccoli or add other veggies, like mushrooms or bell peppers. There are many ways to enhance the flavor of your casserole. Adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper gives it a kick. You can also mix in sun-dried tomatoes for a rich taste. For a herby flavor, try fresh thyme or oregano. These simple changes make the dish exciting and new. For the full recipe, check out Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. You can store leftovers in the fridge. Place the casserole in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. If you plan to reheat, cover it well to keep moisture in. This helps maintain the cheesy goodness. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the casserole cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. It can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, you can use the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until it's hot all the way through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but be careful not to dry it out. Enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli casserole just as good as when it was fresh! If you want more details, check the Full Recipe for optimal tips on this dish. You can use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt. Both add creaminess and tang. If you prefer, cottage cheese is another option. Just blend it smooth before adding it to the mix. Yes, you can prepare this casserole a day ahead. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you are ready to bake, let it sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Then, bake as directed. The casserole is done when it bubbles around the edges. The top should be golden brown too. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. This casserole pairs well with a crisp green salad. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a tasty side. Roasted vegetables add color and flavor too. In this blog post, we covered how to make a cheesy chicken broccoli casserole. We explored the main ingredients, seasoning options, and substitutes. I outlined step-by-step instructions for preparing the dish, with tips for texture and storage. Variations let you customize the flavors to your taste. Feel free to use leftovers creatively. This dish is easy to make and delicious, making it perfect for any meal. Enjoy cooking, and have fun sharing it with loved ones.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Savor the flavors of this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy goodness all in one dish! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and can feed the whole family. Discover how to create this comforting meal in just one hour, from cooking the rice to achieving that golden breadcrumb topping. Click now to explore the full recipe and bring this delicious dish to your table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

3 cups fresh broccoli florets

1 cup uncooked brown rice

3 cups chicken broth

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened to room temperature

1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it's hot and ready for baking.

    In a large saucepan, combine the uncooked brown rice with the chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil, then cover it with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

      While the rice is cooking, prepare the broccoli by steaming the florets until they are just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Drain them and set aside to cool slightly.

        In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, Greek yogurt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir or whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, creamy mixture.

          Once the rice is finished cooking, add it to the creamy chicken mixture and gently fold in the steamed broccoli. Make sure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

            Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top it with the shredded cheddar cheese to create a deliciously cheesy layer.

              In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, tossing until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the layer of cheese.

                Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. The casserole is ready when it is bubbling around the edges and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

                  Once done, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 1 hr | 6-8 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the casserole directly from the baking dish, or scoop portions onto individual plates. Adding a small sprig of parsley on each plate can enhance the visual appeal. Pair with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.