Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Rice is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It’s a creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, all topped with melty Velveeta cheese. This hearty casserole is a family favorite and a great way to enjoy a wholesome meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
| Servings | Total |
| 8 | 50mins |
History of Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice
This dish has its roots in the traditional American casserole, a staple in households since the early 20th century. Casseroles became popular due to their simplicity and convenience, often combining protein, vegetables, and starch in one dish. The introduction of processed cheeses like Velveeta in the 1920s made it even easier to create creamy, cheesy casseroles that quickly became beloved comfort foods.
Why Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice
This casserole is beloved for its rich, cheesy flavor and its ability to bring together a variety of ingredients into one delicious dish. It’s perfect for feeding a family, and the combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice makes it a balanced meal. The creamy Velveeta cheese sauce ties everything together, making it a comforting and satisfying option for any night of the week.
What is Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice Made of?
This casserole has cooked chicken, fresh broccoli, cooked rice, and a creamy Velveeta cheese sauce. The sauce is made from Velveeta cheese, milk, and a few seasonings, creating a smooth and melty topping for the casserole. These ingredients are combined and baked until bubbly and golden.
What to Have with Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice
This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. A fruit salad or a light dessert like sorbet can be a refreshing end to this comforting dish.
Is Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice Healthy?
While this casserole is rich and delicious, it’s also fairly calorie-dense due to the cheese and sauce. However, it does include healthy ingredients like broccoli and chicken, which provide essential nutrients. You can use less cheese for a lighter version and opt for low-fat milk in the sauce.
Kitchen Equipment
To make this casserole, you will need the following equipment:
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Tips
- For added crunch, top the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking.
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots for more variety.
Conclusion
Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Rice is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy cheese sauce and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family. Easy to prepare and versatile, this casserole is a great addition to your recipe collection.
MORE RECIPES
Velveeta Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole With Rice
Equipment
- Large pot
- Medium saucepan
- Baking dish (9×13 inches)
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F).
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until completely melted and smooth. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is slightly golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.