CHICKEN BROCCOLI RICE CASSEROLE

Packed with cheese, chicken, broccoli, and rice, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that comes together in no time.

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 cups cooked white rice
  • 3 cups diced cooked chicken
  • 12 ounces frozen chopped broccoli
  • 12 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
  • In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken stock, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth.
  • In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, diced chicken, broccoli, and half of the shredded cheese.
  • Pour the soup mixture into the bowl with the rice and chicken, stirring to combine everything evenly.
  • Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top.
  • Cover the dish with foil and bake for 50–55 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and heated through.
  • Remove the foil, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted.
  • Garnish with parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

NOTES

  • Chicken options: Rotisserie chicken works well, or you can boil and chop fresh chicken.
  • Broccoli: Both fresh (cooked) and frozen broccoli can be used.
  • Rice substitution: Swap white rice for brown or wild rice if preferred.
  • Soup substitution: Cream of chicken can be replaced with

CREAMY SPINACH AND MUSHROOM CHICKEN

Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or a dish for a special occasion, this Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Chicken recipe is an ideal choice! Tender chicken breasts, buttery mushrooms, and fresh baby spinach are enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce—no flour, cornstarch, or roux required.

Equipment

  • Heavy-Bottomed Skillet or Dutch Oven

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 8 ounces cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 ¼ cups heavy cream, divided
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano Reggiano recommended)
  • 2 handfuls baby spinach (about 5-6 cups)

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare the Chicken:
    • Slice each chicken breast in half widthwise to create two thinner pieces. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
    • In a small bowl, combine ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and dried thyme. Set the seasoning mix aside.
  • Cook the Chicken:
    • Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and swirl until melted, then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the skillet. Sprinkle half of the seasoning mix over the chicken. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side.
    • Flip the chicken and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • Cook the Mushrooms:
    • Off the heat, add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Swirl to melt.
    • Add the mushrooms and toss to coat in butter. Sprinkle in the remaining seasoning mix.
    • Sauté the mushrooms over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until soft and most of the liquid has evaporated. If browning on the skillet makes it hard to cook, deglaze the pan with wine, broth, or water.
  • Make the Sauce:
    • Pour in ¾ cup of heavy cream, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the skillet with a wooden spoon. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
    • Simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring and scraping until the sauce thickens.
    • Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully melted. Add the remaining ½ cup of heavy cream to thin the sauce, stirring well.
  • Add Spinach and Combine:
    • Add 2 large handfuls of fresh baby spinach (3-4 cups) to the sauce. Stir until the spinach wilts and reduces in volume, about 1-3 minutes. Add more cream if needed.
  • Finish the Dish:
    • Return the chicken to the skillet, spooning the sauce over each piece or tossing them to coat evenly. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
    • Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

NOTES

  • Serving Suggestions: Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, cooked rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, or a simple tossed salad.
  • Lighter Option: Substitute half the cream with chicken broth for a lighter version.

Nutrition Information

  • Calories: 555 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Protein: 31g
  • Fat: 45g
  • Saturated Fat: 26g
  • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
  • Trans Fat: 0.4g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg
  • Sodium: 732mg
  • Potassium: 778mg
  • Fiber: 0.5g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Vitamin A: 1609 IU
  • Vitamin C: 2mg
  • Calcium: 181mg
  • Iron: 1mg