Description
This Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish combining tender rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy chicken soup, baked to golden perfection. It’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks, delivering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors with minimal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ cups long-grain white rice
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 16 ounces chopped broccoli florets (fresh or thawed and drained if frozen)
Creamy Mixture
- â…“ cup milk
- 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can)
- 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prepare it for the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, enhancing the base flavor.
- Cook Rice: Stir in the long-grain white rice to coat it in the butter and aromatics. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 10 minutes to partially cook the rice.
- Steam Broccoli with Rice: Remove the lid and add the chopped broccoli florets on top of the rice. Do not stir. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Add Dairy and Soup: Turn off the heat. Stir in the milk, cream of chicken soup, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to create a creamy mixture, melding the flavors together.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the rice and broccoli mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth it to an even layer, then sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in while baking.
- Bake Covered: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to heat through and blend flavors while keeping it moist under the foil.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 minutes to let the cheese on top brown and become bubbly and delicious.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking. This resting period helps it firm up, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Notes
- Using fresh broccoli currently available enhances texture, but frozen can be used if fully thawed and drained.
- Low-sodium chicken broth controls salt levels; adjust seasoning as preferred.
- Covering the casserole during initial baking prevents the dish from drying out.
- Letting the casserole rest before serving helps it hold together when sliced or scooped.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute cream of chicken soup and chicken broth with vegetable-based alternatives.
