Description
This Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a nutritious, comforting dish featuring shredded chicken, fresh broccoli, and brown rice combined with low-fat cheddar cheese and a light cream sauce. Baked to perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup brown rice, cooked
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can low-sodium cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked brown rice, shredded low-fat cheddar cheese, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, low-fat milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour and spread the mixture evenly into a greased casserole dish to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and ingredients to cook through.
- Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly, indicating the casserole is fully cooked and ready to serve.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken and brown rice ahead of time speeds up preparation.
- Feel free to substitute low-fat cream of mushroom soup for a variation in flavor.
- For extra crunch, top with bread crumbs or crushed crackers before the final baking step.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated until ready to bake.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.
