About This Recipe
Continuing with the comfort food trend, this recipe for Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole is another easy one to make with foods you probably have in the house. It’s creamy and rich, spiked with tender broccoli florets and filled with a smooth sauce and lots of cheese.
There are several ways you can get the cubed cooked chicken. You can use leftover baked or grilled chicken, or you can buy a rotisserie chicken from the store and use that. Or you can cube up two or three chicken breasts and cook them in olive oil just before you make this recipe.
Same with the rice. I myself prefer to use frozen cooked brown rice because it always turns out perfectly and is so simple. But you can cook the rice yourself. (Food safety note: if you cook rice ahead of time and save some for this recipe, be sure that you refrigerate the rice promptly. Cooked rice can contain bacterial spores that can make you sick if you don’t cool it quickly and then reheat it to 165°F.)
So. Enjoy this delicious recipe that will warm you up.
Tips for the best Baked Chicken and Rice Casserole:
- I know I’ve said this before, but a rotisserie chicken fresh from the supermarket is the best way to get tender cooked chicken.
- If you choose to cook the brown rice yourself, cook it to al dente. That means the rice is tender but still has a bit of heft in the center. The only way to tell if it’s done is to taste it.
Why this recipe works:
- The combination of Alfredo sauce and cream cheese is so delicious and rich and perfect for a comforting casserole.
- When you thaw the broccoli, be sure to drain it or the excess water can make the casserole runny. I put it into a colander and run cool water over it, then drain. Put the thawed florets onto some layered paper towel to remove more water.
- You can use any kind of cheese in this recipe. Try Muenster or Pepper Jack if you like things spicy.
Steps
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1
Done
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Preheat the oven to 400°F. Spray a 13-inch by 9-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. |
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2
Done
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In a large saucepan, combine the Alfredo sauce, cream cheese cubes, and light cream over low heat. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. |
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3
Done
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Stir in the Swiss cheese until smooth, then add the chicken, brown rice, and broccoli, and half of the Parmesan cheese. |
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4
Done
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Pour the mixture into the casserole and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese. |
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5
Done
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Bake for 25 to 35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the top has started to brown. Serve. |
