Easy Chicken and Rice Broccoli Casserole

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Our Classic Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the epitome of comfort food and an ideal choice for stress-free weeknight family dinners. This timeless family favorite delivers a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, making it a great dinner recipe for several reasons:
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Nutrient-packed: Chicken and broccoli are both nutritious ingredients, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and protein that your family needs for a balanced meal.
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Kid-friendly: Even the pickiest eaters tend to love this casserole because the creamy sauce and familiar flavors make it a crowd-pleaser among children.
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Quick and easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, and you can make it ahead of time, saving you valuable family time in the evening.
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Versatile: You can customize the casserole with additional ingredients like cheese, breadcrumbs, or even rice, making it adaptable to your family's tastes.
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Leftovers: This casserole reheats well, so you can enjoy it as a delicious and convenient leftover meal for the next day's lunch or dinner.
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Warm and comforting: The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and broccoli provides a warm and comforting meal that brings a taste of home-cooked goodness to your dinner table.
Whether you're looking for a convenient weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with your family, our Classic Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the perfect choice. It's a timeless classic that will leave everyone at the table satisfied and content.
You Will Need
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
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1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup cooked rice
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/2 cup sour cream
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1/2 cup chicken broth
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon dried thyme
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1/2 tsp Salt
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1/4 tsp pepper, to taste
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Salad Recipes
Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
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Set your Instant Pot to sauté mode. Add a bit of oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant.
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Add the uncooked rice to the Instant Pot and sauté for a couple of minutes until it becomes translucent.
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Stir in the mayonnaise, sour cream, chicken broth, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
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Add the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
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Close and seal the Instant Pot. Set it to Manual or Pressure Cook mode for 6 minutes.
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After the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release to release the pressure. Carefully open the lid once the pressure valve drops.
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Stir the casserole to make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
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Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top.
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You can either serve the casserole directly from the Instant Pot or transfer it to a baking dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the top for a more traditional casserole appearance.
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Serve your Instant Pot Chicken and Broccoli Casserole while it's hot and enjoy!
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Stove Top Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, and cooked rice.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the chicken and broccoli mixture. Stir everything together until well coated.
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Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Casserole Variations
Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Casserole:
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Add sliced mushrooms to the casserole for an earthy flavor. Sauté the mushrooms in a little butter until they're tender before mixing them in.
Lemon Parmesan Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
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Incorporate lemon zest and juice for a zesty twist. The lemon adds brightness and complements the flavors well.
Herb-Infused Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
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Include fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a fragrant, herbaceous touch. Add a tablespoon of chopped herbs when mixing the ingredients.
Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice:
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If you prefer not to use white rice, you can substitute it with brown rice for a nuttier and healthier option.
Cheddar and Swiss Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
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Use a mix of cheddar and Swiss cheeses for a more complex cheesy flavor. You can also add a layer of cheese on top for extra cheesiness.
Bacon-Topped Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
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Sprinkle crumbled bacon on top of the casserole before baking for added savory flavor and a crispy texture.
Onion and Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
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Sauté finely chopped onions and garlic in a little butter before adding them to the casserole for a fragrant, savory twist.
Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Casserole:
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Replace the Zesty Ranch Sauce with Alfredo sauce for a rich and creamy version of the casserole.
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