If you’re looking for an easy and flavorful meal that the whole family will love, look no further than Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole made with Knorr seasoning. This satisfying casserole is the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What makes this recipe so great is not only its simplicity, but also the use of Knorr seasoning. With the addition of Knorr chicken and broccoli seasoning, this casserole is bursting with flavor, making it a guaranteed hit with everyone who tries it.
Key Takeaways:
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole made with Knorr seasoning is a simple and delicious recipe that the whole family will enjoy.
- The use of Knorr chicken and broccoli seasoning enhances the flavor of the casserole and makes it stand out among other casseroles.
- This casserole is versatile and can be paired with a fresh salad or crusty bread to create a well-rounded family meal.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To make a delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken breasts | 1 pound |
| Broccoli florets | 2 cups |
| Long-grain white rice | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Knorr chicken seasoning | 1 packet |
| Butter or olive oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Make sure you select high-quality ingredients for the best results!
Preparing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To start making your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, preheat your oven to 375°F, and prepare your ingredients. Rinse 1 pound of boneless skinless chicken breasts, and pat them dry with paper towels.
Cut the chicken into small pieces, and season it with your preferred amount of Knorr chicken seasoning and black pepper. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add one tablespoon of olive oil, and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes until fully cooked. Set it aside.
Next, rinse 2 cups of long-grain rice and add them into a large saucepan. Add 4 cups of water, one tablespoon of olive oil, and one teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil over high heat, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 18-20 minutes until the water is fully absorbed.
While the rice cooks, prepare the broccoli. Cut one large head of broccoli into small florets. Rinse them with cold water, and steam them over boiling water for about 5-6 minutes until they turn bright green. Set them aside.
Assembling The Casserole
Now that you have cooked all the ingredients, it’s time to assemble your casserole. Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray. Add half of the cooked rice to the bottom of the dish, spreading it evenly.
Next, add all of the cooked chicken pieces on top of the rice. Sprinkle half of the steamed broccoli florets over the chicken. Then, add the remaining rice on top of the broccoli, spreading it evenly. Finally, add the rest of the broccoli florets on top of the rice.
Sprinkle the top of the casserole with Knorr broccoli seasoning and black pepper, to your liking.
Note that you can customize the recipe with additional ingredients of your choice, such as diced onions, canned mushrooms, or shredded cheese.
Assembling the Casserole
Now that you have all the components of your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ready, it’s time to assemble them. Follow these steps to create your delicious casserole:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Take a 9×13 inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the cooked rice evenly on the bottom of the baking dish.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the rice, spreading it out in an even layer.
- Add the steamed broccoli on top of the chicken layer.
- Sprinkle Knorr broccoli seasoning over the broccoli layer, to taste.
- Repeat the layers of rice, chicken, and broccoli until all ingredients are used up, finishing with a final layer of rice on top.
Make sure that each layer is evenly distributed, and try to avoid leaving any gaps. This will help ensure that each serving of your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has an equal amount of each component.
If you prefer, you can also add a layer of shredded cheese on top of the final layer of rice before baking. This will give your casserole a crispy, cheesy crust.
Baking the Casserole
Once you have assembled all the ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole dish in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
To check for doneness, use a fork to pierce the center of the casserole. If the fork goes through the chicken and rice easily, the casserole is ready. If it doesn’t, bake for an additional 5-10 minutes and check again.
After taking the casserole out of the oven, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will prevent it from falling apart and make it easier to cut into portions.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Now that you’ve made this delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr, it’s time to serve it up! This casserole is a versatile dish that goes well with a variety of sides and can be served for any meal. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair with a fresh garden salad tossed with your favorite dressing
- Top with chopped scallions or cilantro for added freshness
- Serve with garlic bread or crusty French bread for a tasty complement
- Add a side of steamed green beans or carrots to round out the meal
- For a heartier dinner, serve with mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes
This casserole is perfect for a family-friendly meal, and everyone is sure to love it! The tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and aromatic rice make for a filling and satisfying dish that is sure to please both kids and adults.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Properly storing your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is important to maintain its freshness and flavor. If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool, cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for up to three days.
When reheating, you can use a conventional oven or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil, and bake for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. To use the microwave, place a serving of the casserole onto a microwave-safe dish and heat for two minutes or until thoroughly warmed.
For best results, avoid reheating the casserole more than once, as it can cause the dish to dry out and lose flavor. Instead, portion out the leftovers and only heat what you intend to eat.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Variations
While the classic Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr is already a crowd-pleaser, there are several variations you can make to switch up the flavor profile or accommodate dietary restrictions.
Brown Rice Option
If you prefer brown rice or have it on hand, you can substitute it for white rice in the recipe. Keep in mind that brown rice may require more water and a longer cooking time.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brown Rice | 2 cups |
Vegetarian Twist
If you’re looking for a meatless version of this casserole, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for added flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegetable Broth | 2 cups |
Cheesy Goodness
Add some ooey-gooey goodness to your casserole by sprinkling shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese over the top before baking. You can also mix the cheese into the casserole before baking for a more uniform cheesy flavor.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Shredded Cheddar or Mozzarella Cheese | 1 cup |
Spicy Kick
To spice things up, add some diced jalapenos or chili powder to the casserole before baking. You can also serve it with hot sauce or a side of salsa.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Diced Jalapenos or Chili Powder | 1-2 tablespoons |
With these variations, you can customize the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole to your liking or dietary needs. Get creative and experiment with different ingredients to make it your own!
Tips for Success with Knorr Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Creating the perfect chicken broccoli rice casserole is easy when you follow these tips:
- Use quality ingredients: The flavor of your casserole will depend largely on the quality of the ingredients you use. Choose fresh, high-quality chicken, broccoli, and rice for the best results.
- Cook the chicken properly: Make sure your chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. This will prevent any bacteria from growing and ensure that the chicken is tender and juicy.
- Season liberally: Don’t be afraid to use plenty of Knorr chicken and broccoli seasoning to enhance the flavor of your casserole. Season the chicken, rice, and broccoli separately for maximum flavor.
- Layer your ingredients: Layering the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli in the casserole dish ensures that each bite is packed with flavor. This also helps to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the dish.
- Cover and bake: Covering the casserole with foil while it bakes helps to lock in the moisture and prevent the top layer from drying out. Remove the foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to achieve a golden crust on top.
- Serve with a side: Pair your chicken broccoli rice casserole with a side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to create a well-rounded meal.
- Store and reheat properly: Allow any leftovers to cool before storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F until heated through.
Follow these tips to make a delicious and flavorful chicken broccoli rice casserole that your whole family will love. With Knorr seasoning, this easy casserole recipe is sure to become a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You now know how to make a delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr seasoning. This easy casserole recipe is perfect for a family-friendly meal that everyone will love.
As a reminder, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including chicken, broccoli, rice, and Knorr chicken and broccoli seasoning. Follow the provided steps to cook and assemble the casserole, and then bake it in the oven until golden and bubbly.
Consider serving the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with a fresh salad or warm bread to complete the meal, and don’t forget to store any leftovers properly and reheating them with care.
You can also get creative with this recipe by trying out different variations and ingredient substitutions to suit your preferences.
Finally, to ensure your success with this Knorr seasoned casserole, always use high-quality ingredients, follow the cooking tips and hacks provided, and adjust seasoning levels to taste.
Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole and impress your family and friends with this delicious and easy-to-make dish!
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different seasoning instead of Knorr?
A: Yes, you can use any seasoning of your choice to customize the flavor of the casserole.
Q: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use beef, pork, or even tofu as a substitute for the chicken.
Q: How long does the casserole need to bake?
A: The casserole should bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it?
A: Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Q: What side dishes pair well with the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
A: A fresh salad or some crusty bread make excellent side dishes to complement the flavors of the casserole.
Q: How long can I store leftovers of the casserole?
A: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: Can I freeze the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
A: Yes, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it before reheating.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables to the casserole for added flavor and nutrition.
Q: How can I make the casserole spicier?
A: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the casserole.
Q: Can I use instant rice instead of regular rice?
A: Yes, you can use instant rice as a time-saving option. Just follow the instructions on the packaging for proper cooking.