Here's a classic recipe for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that serves 6-8 people. You can adjust the ingredients and cooking steps to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
**Required Ingredients:**
* 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
* 3 chicken breasts, boned and cut into 1-inch pieces
* 3 cups broccoli florets
* 2 tablespoons butter
* 1 medium onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* Salt and pepper, to taste
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
**Cooking Steps:**
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package instructions until it's tender and fluffy. Set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Add the broccoli florets to the skillet and cook until tender, about 3-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. In a separate saucepan, whisk together the flour and chicken broth until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and forms a smooth sauce.
7. Stir in the milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli mixture, and sauce. Stir until everything is well combined.
9. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese (if using).
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley (if using) and serve hot.
**Tips and Variations:**
* To make the casserole more flavorful, add 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley or chives to the rice mixture before baking.
* Use chicken breast tenders or bite-sized pieces for a more uniform texture.
* Add 1/2 cup of diced bell peppers or carrots to the broccoli mixture for extra color and nutrition.
* Substitute 1/2 cup of cooked shrimp or 1 cup of diced cooked ham for the chicken for added protein and flavor.
* Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey for an easy make-ahead casserole.
* Experiment with different seasonings, such as dried thyme or oregano, to give the casserole a unique flavor.
* Add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce for an extra burst of flavor.
**Other Versions:**
* **Spicy Version:** Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
* **Mexican-Inspired Version:** Add 1/2 cup of canned black beans, 1/4 cup of chopped scallions, and 1/4 cup of crumbled queso fresco to the rice mixture. Top with sour cream, salsa, and crushed tortilla chips.
* **Italian-Style Version:** Add 1/4 cup of chopped prosciutto or pancetta to the sauce and top the casserole with melted mozzarella cheese and fresh basil leaves.
I hope you enjoy this recipe for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create your own unique variations.
Must Tried Recipes :
