This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, yummy home cooked dinner! Whether you use rice or quinoa, you have a filling, simple meal option.Â
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a recipe my Mom made ALL the time when we were kids and we always devoured it. The only difference is, she always used rice instead of quinoa. We know it works either way, so feel free to do it the original way with rice — white or brown— if you aren’t in the quinoa mood.
I wasn’t sure how it would come out with the quinoa instead of rice, but I loved it! I hardly noticed a difference at all (and neither did my 2-year-old, so big win!). If you aren’t the biggest fan of quiona and want to ease your way into making it a part of your diet, this quinoa casserole is a good place to start. Oh and another added note, this also tastes great if you do 1 cup of Greek yogurt instead of the 1/2 c. mayo & sour cream.
Rice vs. Quinoa
There is so much talk about switching to whole grains for healthier, more filling meals. For a while it seemed it was admirable to swap white rice for brown, but now there is such an emphasis on other forms of carbohydrates, such as quinoa. So, what’s the deal? Is it really that much better for you?
When it comes to food, taste matters. So if you prefer the taste of rice with this Chicken Broccoli Casserole, by all means, you go right ahead. But you just might find you like quinoa’s texture and taste too. Plus, there are a few added bonuses when you jump on board the quinoa wagon.
For starters, quinoa is not actually a grain as some people think. It is a seed. But either way, both rice and quinoa have been on the earth for a long, long time. Although quinoa takes on a texture similar to rice and other grains when cooked, it is actually more closely related to spinach and beets. As such, it’s nutritional value is more closely related to its leafy green veggie relatives. Basic benefits of quinoa include the fact that it is a complete protein, it is high in fiber and it is high in minerals. But be aware that brown rice also has a high fiber content, and may help reduce blood pressure.
When it comes to flavor, you really can’t go wrong either way. So we say, give them both a try. You may like them each for different reasons.
More Meals to Try
Looking to mix up your dinner time plan? There are loads of great ideas on our web site. Check out a few of these for starters.
- Creamy Broccoli Cauliflower Soup is a rich, creamy, cheesy bowl of goodness.
- Poppyseed Chicken Casserole offers a tangy, filling meal the whole family will enjoy. Perfect for busy nights.
- Crock pot Salsa Verde Chicken is packed with delicious Mexican flavors. Everyone will think you spent all day working on it.
- Chicken Tikki Masala is chicken in a creamy, curry sauce and is so easy to make at home.
How To Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- ½ c. sour cream
- ½ c. mayonnaise
- ¼ c. lemon juice
- 1 c. milk
- salt & pepper to taste
- 3 c. cooked rice or quinoa prepared according to package directions
- 3 c. shredded chicken
- 2 c. cooked broccoli
- 2 c. cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350-degrees. In a large bowl combine cream of chicken, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, milk, and salt & pepper.
- Gently stir in quinoa, chicken, and broccoli.
- When evenly covered in sauce, spoon mixture into 9x13 glass baking dish and bake at 350-degrees for 25 minutes.
- Remove from oven, sprinkle with cheese, and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch pan
