Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Carrots: Recipe

Easy and Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Carrots is a delightful and delicious dish, which I find to be sufficiently wholesome. I appreciate the style of preparing a complete meal, placing it in the center of the table among hungry friends, and observing them relish each bite. Personally, I feel more at ease with this approach than asking everyone about their meat preferences, side dishes, and specific desires.

If a bowl of vegetable salad is also placed on the table, everyone can enjoy a well-rounded meal featuring delectable chicken and vegetables.

Recipe

Ingredients in this recipe

• 1 1/2 cups uncooked white rice
• 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into cubes or small strips
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup diced carrots
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of minced garlic
• 15 ml (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh herbs to taste and grated parmesan for sprinkling

Step-by-step instructions

Step 1

• Cook the white rice according to the package instructions. It usually takes 20 to 25 minutes with a water-to-rice ratio of 2:1.

Step 2

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and fry until golden brown on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Step 3

• In the same pan, add a little more butter as needed. Sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and fragrant. Add diced carrots and broccoli florets and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until soft.

Step 4

• In a bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken stock, cream or milk, grated cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, dried thyme, salt, and pepper.

Step 5

• At this point, turn on and preheat the oven to 190 °C (375 °F). Consider saving electricity by not preheating right at the beginning.

Step 6

• In a large bowl, mix the cooked rice, sautéed vegetables, and prepared chicken. Pour the cream sauce over the mixture and stir until well combined.

Step 7

• Put the prepared mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 8

• Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is tender and the top is golden. Chicken and vegetables require minimal baking time.

The finished creamy chicken and rice casserole with broccoli and carrots can be garnished with grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, depending on your preference. This versatile dish allows for personal adjustments, and its simplicity, combined with flavorful chicken and vegetables, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. When served among hungry people, you’ll be pleased if there’s some left for you too.