Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole contains broccoli, rice and chicken (optional) baked in a creamy cheese sauce.  Serve as a side or main dish.

This family favorite is easy to make with simple ingredients.   It is very popular with holiday meals.  

EDITOR’S NOTE (December 10, 2020):  Updated recipe.  Use 3 cups of cooked/chopped chicken instead of two.  Instructions updated.  Sprinkle one cup of chicken over top before adding shredded cheddar cheese.

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Serve as a side (without chicken) or main dish (with chicken).  This delicious dish is baked in a hearty cream sauce.  

Although I used fresh broccoli, frozen/thawed will also work.  

I discovered the original recipe on Allrecipes.  Added my own twists to create this hearty, savory and delicious dish.

Pairs well with a green salad and buttered dinner rolls.

Helpful Tips For Beginners:  How To Read & Follow Any Recipe

Reading a recipe is an important life skill.  It starts with knowing how to read a recipe’s ingredients, follow the instructions, prep ingredients, and knowing what type of equipment to use. 

The following tips and strategies will help beginners or experienced cooks use a recipe to create a delicious dish. 

Start with clean hands and organized kitchen.  Wash hands thoroughly.  Make sure kitchen and countertops are clean before making a recipe.

Create a relaxing environment.  Play favorite music while in the kitchen.  I love listening to classical or gospel music. 

Read the recipe.   Don’t just quickly skim it.  Thoroughly read from start to finish.  Visualize doing each step which will help you follow each step.  No misses! 

If you see ingredient that you and your family don’t use for whatever reason, try a substitute or omit the ingredient.

Pay attention to the order in which ingredients are prepped.  For example, 1 cup of  chopped walnuts is not the same as walnuts, chopped (measure whole walnuts and then chop).  

Know the assumptions.  For example, when my recipe calls for “sugar,” use granulated sugar.  If brown sugar is an ingredient, it will be written that way in the recipe.  

Figure out the timing. Check the listed “prep time” and “total time” to be sure you have enough time to complete the recipe.

Look for hints, such as the words “meanwhile” or “at the same time,” which indicate two or more steps can happen simultaneously.  

Watch Recipe Videos.    If you’re a visual learner (like me), watch recipe videos.  Perfect for when you’re learning a new skill or just want to see how a recipe is made.    

Mise en place is a super time saver. This French cooking term translates as “putting in place.”   It means prepping/measuring ingredients and chopping food before you start cooking. It’s the perfect way to get organized, use each ingredient and complete each step.  Nothing is overlooked.

Organize your tools and kitchen equipment.  Mise en place isn’t just for ingredients.   Before starting, make sure you have parchment paper, aluminum foil, measuring cups, measuring spoons, the right pans, mixing bowls, and other equipment.

Make notes in your recipe. Note any special prep instructions and highlight cooking times.  Make note of ingredients omitted,  favorite substitutions and creative twists.   The notes will be very helpful the next time you make this recipe. 

Enjoy!

Enjoy!

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Broccoli Rice Casserole

Broccoli Rice Casserole contains broccoli, rice and chicken (optional) baked in a creamy cheese sauce. Easy to make with simple ingredients. Original recipe by Allrecipes. Adjusted recipe and photography by Beverly Davis for CornbreadMillionaire.com.

Prep Time20 mins

Cook Time35 mins

Total Time55 mins

Servings: 12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 stick unsalted butter Plus 1 tablespoon to grease baking dish.
• 1 large onion
• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
• 2 cups broccoli Use frozen/thawed OR fresh broccoli cooked until fork tender.
• 3 cups cooked white rice or cooked wild rice
• salt to taste
• black pepper to taste
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1-1/4 cup milk
• 2-1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Mild, medium or sharp. I used medium.

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
• Grease bottom and sides of a 9x9 baking dish with about 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter. Set aside.
• Melt 1 stick of butter in a medium-sized skillet over low-medium heat.
• Add chopped onions. Stir constantly until onions are translucent.
• Pour translucent onions and remaining melted butter in a medium mixing bowl.
• Add 2 cups of chopped chicken, broccoli, cooked rice (white or wild), salt and black pepper to taste.
• Add cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
• Pour mixture into buttered baking dish. Scatter remaining 1 cup of chopped chicken over the top. Cover with with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
• Bake in preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes OR until dish is bubbly and cheese is melted. This will take about 30 minutes. Time may vary based on oven type.
• Serve hot.