Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious side dish featuring tender broccoli and fluffy rice baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with crunchy crushed potato chips for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines the classic flavors of cheddar cheese and cream of chicken soup for a rich, satisfying casserole.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 cups quick cooking white rice (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 medium white onion, chopped
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can cream of chicken soup (1 and 1/4 cups)
- 8 ounces processed American cheese, divided (such as Velveeta) or 2 cups good-melting shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup crushed potato chips
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it’s at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the quick cooking white rice according to package directions until it’s tender, then set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and fresh broccoli florets, cooking gently until the onion becomes transparent and the broccoli slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the can of cream of chicken soup, 4 ounces of the cheese, and the milk into the skillet. Continue stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Rice Mixture: Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the cooked rice thoroughly, ensuring it’s well coated with the cheesy sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the rice and broccoli mixture into a lightly greased 8×8-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Shred or crumble the remaining 4 ounces of cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, then sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, the potato chips are golden brown, and the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegetarian version, use a cream of mushroom soup and omit the processed American cheese or use a vegetarian-friendly cheese.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, ensure the soup and potato chips are certified gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding a pinch of black pepper or garlic powder to the sautéed vegetables can enhance the flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 45mg