Oh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort dishes: Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Casserole! This dish holds a special place in my heart—and my stomach—because it blends all the flavors and textures that I adore. It’s creamy, it’s cheesy, and it’s so incredibly easy to whip up, especially when you’ve got that trusty rotisserie chicken from the grocery store in your fridge.
I remember the first time I made this casserole—it was on a chilly autumn evening, and my family gathered around the table, sharing stories about our day. The air was filled with laughter and the delightful aroma of cheesy goodness baking away in the oven. Now, this dish has become a family staple that I reach for time and again. It’s perfect for busy weekdays and cozy weekend dinners alike!
What’s in Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Rotisserie Chicken: This is the star of the show! I love using rotisserie chicken for its convenience and flavor. It saves me time and adds that delicious roasted taste to the casserole.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh, steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and a nutritional punch! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even swap it out for other vegetables, like cauliflower or spinach.
Cooked Rice: Whether you choose white or brown rice, this ingredient adds heartiness to the dish. I often use leftover rice from another meal, which makes it even easier!
Cream of Mushroom Soup: A rich and creamy base that ties everything together. Feel free to use low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake!
Sour Cream: This gives the casserole that delightful creaminess we all crave. You could use Greek yogurt for a lighter twist if you want.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Because we can never have too much cheese! It melts beautifully on top and adds a rich flavor.
Sliced Mushrooms: Fresh or canned mushrooms work well here. They add an earthy flavor and a nice texture to the casserole.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These pantry staples pack a punch of flavor without the chopping. A real time saver!
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life. Don’t be shy; taste as you go!
Breadcrumbs: Optional, but if you’re like me and love a crunchy topping, this is where it’s at! Mixing them with olive oil or melted butter makes them golden and delicious.
Is Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Casserole Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish packs a nutritious punch with its inclusion of broccoli, which is loaded with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants. The rotisserie chicken provides lean protein, while sour cream adds calcium. But hey, I believe in balance—while it’s not exactly a salad, it’s way more wholesome than your average casserole, and sometimes, comfort food is exactly what we need.
Keep in mind that the cream of mushroom soup can be high in sodium, so opting for a low-sodium version might be a good idea if you’re watching your salt. And if you’re trying to reduce your calories, consider swapping sour cream for Greek yogurt or reducing the amount of cheese you use.
Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
– 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
– 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
– 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (fresh or canned)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)
*Servings: 6-8*
How to Make Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, sliced mushrooms, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
6. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly golden.
8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy rotisserie chicken broccoli casserole!
Variations & Serving Suggestions Galore!
You can really get creative with this casserole! If you’d like, you can swap out the broccoli for other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or asparagus. Want to jazz it up? Add some cooked bacon or even a hint of hot sauce for a kick!
And let’s talk about serving: this casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for family gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.
I hope you give this Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Casserole a try. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how comforting it feels on your plate. Don’t forget to share your creations and any fun variations you come up with! Happy cooking, my friends!
