If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, look no further than this delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a hearty and satisfying dish that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways:
- This chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken is a convenient and tasty meal for busy weeknights.
- You only need a few simple ingredients to make this dish.
- Customize the casserole with your favorite seasonings and toppings.
- Leftovers can be stored and reheated for easy meal prep throughout the week.
What You’ll Need
To make this chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Amount |
|---|---|
| Canned chicken | 2 cups |
| Broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| White rice | 2 cups |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup, shredded |
| Butter | 3 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tbsp |
| Milk | 2 cups |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/2 tsp |
| Garlic powder | 1/2 tsp |
Note: You can use fresh or frozen broccoli for this recipe. If using frozen, thaw before assembling the casserole.
Preparing the Ingredients
Before you start assembling the casserole, you’ll need to prepare the ingredients. Here’s how:
| Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|
| 1 can of chicken | Drain the can of chicken and shred the meat into small pieces using a fork or your fingers. |
| 2 cups of broccoli florets | Wash and chop the broccoli into small bite-sized pieces. |
| 1 cup of rice | Rinse the rice in a fine mesh strainer and add it to a pot with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 18-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water has been absorbed. |
You can also add any additional seasonings or toppings at this stage, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, or cheese.
To save time, you can also use precooked rice or frozen broccoli, but be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Assembling the Casserole
Now that all your ingredients are ready, it’s time to assemble your chicken broccoli rice casserole! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
Start by spreading half of the rice evenly in the bottom of the dish. Layer half of the canned chicken and broccoli on top of the rice. Repeat with the remaining rice, chicken, and broccoli.
If you’d like to add a little more flavor to your casserole, mix together a can of cream of chicken soup with a cup of milk. Pour this mixture over the top of the casserole, spreading it out evenly. You can also sprinkle shredded cheese on top for an extra cheesy touch.
Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 45 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
Once it’s finished baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Baking Instructions
Once you’ve assembled your chicken broccoli rice casserole, it’s time to bake it to perfection! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the casserole dish on the center rack. Bake for approximately 30-35 minutes, or until the top layer is golden brown and the casserole is heated through. To ensure that the casserole is cooked completely, insert a knife into the center of the dish and check that it comes out clean.
If you’re finding that the top of the casserole is browning too quickly, you can cover it with a layer of aluminum foil. This will prevent the top layer from burning while the rest of the dish cooks through. For an extra crispy topping, you can remove the foil during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Variations and Substitutions
If you don’t have canned chicken, don’t worry! You can easily substitute it for cooked chicken breasts or thighs. Simply chop the cooked chicken and add it to the casserole dish in place of the canned chicken. You could also use canned tuna for a different twist on this recipe.
If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it for another vegetable such as cauliflower or green beans. You could also add in some diced carrots or bell peppers.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can mix some sour cream or cream cheese into the rice before adding it to the casserole dish. You can also mix in some shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor.
For a spicier version, add some diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the rice mixture. You could also add some buffalo sauce or sriracha to the canned chicken before mixing it with the rice.
Serving Suggestions
Once your chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken is hot and ready, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some serving ideas:
- Pair with a side salad: The fresh greens add a nice contrast to the warm, creamy casserole.
- Serve with crusty bread: Toast up a few slices of bread and butter them for a perfect accompaniment.
- Garnish with additional cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Parmesan over the top of the casserole for an extra cheesy boost.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings and sides! This casserole is versatile enough to pair with a variety of different foods.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers of this chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply spoon out the desired portion and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a damp paper towel and reheat in intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until heated through.
If you’re reheating the entire casserole, place it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. You may want to cover the casserole with foil before reheating to prevent it from drying out or burning.
When reheating, the casserole may become slightly dry or lose some of its creaminess. To restore its texture, you can drizzle a little bit of milk or cream over the top before reheating. This will help moisten the casserole and bring back its original creaminess.
Nutritional Information
Chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken is a filling and flavorful meal that can provide a variety of essential nutrients. One serving of this casserole can contain:
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 |
| Protein | 20-25g |
| Fat | 10-15g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45g |
| Fiber | 3-5g |
| Vitamin A | 10-15% of daily value |
| Vitamin C | 50-60% of daily value |
| Calcium | 15-20% of daily value |
| Iron | 10-15% of daily value |
The nutritional value of this casserole can vary based on the specific ingredients used and serving size. To make the dish more nutritious, consider using brown rice instead of white rice, adding more vegetables like onions or peppers, and reducing the amount of cheese or creamy sauce used in the dish.
Tips and Tricks
Are you ready to make the perfect chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken? Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your dish turns out delicious every time:
- Don’t overcook the rice: Overcooked rice can become mushy and ruin the texture of your casserole. Be sure to follow the recommended cooking time and let the rice rest before using it.
- Drain the canned chicken: While canned chicken can be a convenient option, it can also be quite salty. To avoid making your casserole too salty, be sure to drain the canned chicken before using it.
- Season in layers: Adding spices and seasonings in layers can help build flavor and ensure that every bite is delicious. Consider adding salt and pepper to each layer of the casserole, or try adding garlic powder or Italian seasoning to the rice.
- Use fresh broccoli: While frozen broccoli can be a convenient option, fresh broccoli will give your casserole a better flavor and texture. Be sure to chop it into small pieces so that it cooks evenly.
- Top with cheese: For an extra cheesy and delicious casserole, try topping it with shredded cheddar or Parmesan cheese before baking.
By following these tips and tricks, you’re sure to make a mouthwatering chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken that your family will love.
Reviews and Feedback
If you’re still not convinced that canned chicken can result in a delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole, take it from these satisfied home cooks:
“I was skeptical at first but after trying this recipe, I’m sold on using canned chicken! The casserole turned out creamy and flavorful.”
— Sarah B.
“This is a staple meal in our house now. It’s so easy to throw together and everyone loves it. We’ve even started experimenting with different cheese toppings!”
— Mark R.
These positive reviews prove that convenience doesn’t have to come at the cost of taste. Give this recipe a try and see for yourself!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an easy, budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, this chicken broccoli rice casserole with canned chicken is a great option. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can have a delicious dinner on the table in no time.
Don’t be afraid to customize this recipe to your tastes and preferences. Add some extra spices or swap out the canned chicken for another protein, such as ground beef or turkey. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or vegetables.
If you give this recipe a try, we’d love to hear your feedback. Share your thoughts and any modifications you made in the comments below. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Q: Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
A: Yes, you can substitute fresh chicken for canned chicken in this recipe. Simply cook and shred the chicken before proceeding with the recipe.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli?
A: Yes, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain the frozen broccoli before adding it to the casserole.
Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can use brown rice instead of white rice. Keep in mind that brown rice may require a longer cooking time.
Q: Can I freeze this casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe dish. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: To reheat leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil. Bake for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Yes, you can customize this casserole by adding other vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free rice and ensure that all other ingredients, such as seasonings and toppings, are also gluten-free.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A: Yes, you can use a different type of cheese. Cheddar, mozzarella, or even a combination of cheeses would work well in this casserole.