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- 2 cups cooked brown rice - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - 1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained) - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade) - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a key role in creating a rich, flavorful dish. The brown rice adds heartiness, while the chicken provides protein. Broccoli and corn add nutrition and crunch. Cheddar cheese gives that gooey, cheesy goodness we love. The cream of chicken soup brings it all together, making it creamy and delicious. You can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time. Fresh or frozen broccoli works well, so use what you have. This dish is all about convenience and flavor. Make sure to have garlic powder and onion powder on hand. They bring out the best flavors in the casserole. The paprika adds a nice touch of color and warmth. Don't forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, green onions are used for garnish. They add a fresh crunch on top. This simple list of ingredients makes a comforting meal. - First, take a large mixing bowl. - Combine 2 cups of cooked brown rice, 2 cups of shredded chicken, 1 cup of broccoli florets, and 1 cup of corn. - Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to this mix. - In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of chicken broth, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of paprika. - Add salt and pepper to taste. - Blend until smooth. - Pour this creamy sauce over the rice and chicken mix. - Stir gently until all is coated well. - Now, transfer the mixture to the slow cooker. Spread it out evenly. - Set your slow cooker to low for 3-4 hours or high for 1.5-2 hours. - About 10 minutes before it’s done, sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Cover it to let the cheese melt nicely. - To check if it’s done, ensure the broccoli is tender and heated through. - Stir gently before serving to mix in that melted cheese. - Best practices for ingredient substitution: If you don’t have brown rice, use white rice. You can swap out broccoli for green beans or peas. If you lack cream of chicken soup, use a homemade version or cream of mushroom soup. Adjust spices to your taste. - Temperature settings for optimal results: I recommend cooking on low for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld well. If you are in a hurry, use high for 1.5-2 hours. Always check the doneness of the broccoli; it should be tender but not mushy. - Importance of gentle stirring: When mixing ingredients, stir gently. This helps keep the chicken and rice intact. Don’t over-mix; you want those layers of flavor to shine through. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the casserole in a large, shallow dish for a beautiful display. The melted cheese should be the star of the show. For a pop of color, sprinkle chopped green onions over the top. - Ideal side dishes to complement the casserole: A side salad pairs perfectly with this dish. You can also serve garlic bread for a comforting touch. Steamed veggies work well too, adding freshness to your meal. - Garnishing ideas for visual appeal: Consider adding diced tomatoes or sliced olives on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can add a nice touch. A sprinkle of paprika also enhances the look and adds a hint of flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily swap ingredients in this cheesy chicken rice casserole. For added color and flavor, try adding bell peppers or peas. These veggies bring a nice crunch and extra nutrients. You can also use different cheeses. If you love a stretchier cheese, go for mozzarella. For a spicy kick, pepper jack works great! If you need gluten-free options, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. You can find this at most stores. Or you can make your own using gluten-free ingredients. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, substitute the cheese with a dairy-free cheese. You can also use coconut milk instead of cream of chicken soup for a lighter option. Low-fat versions of cheese also work well if you're watching calories. To store your Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole, let it cool first. Use an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh. Place the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for about 3 to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This helps you track how long it's been stored. You can also freeze this casserole for later use. To do this, let it cool down fully. Then, divide it into portions. Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag. This will help keep the dish fresh for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm. If using a microwave, heat it on medium power in short bursts. Stir in between to heat evenly. Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked? No, you should not use raw chicken. This recipe calls for cooked, shredded chicken. Raw chicken needs longer cooking times to ensure it is safe to eat. Using cooked chicken saves time and makes the dish easier to prepare. How do I adjust cooking times for high altitude? At high altitudes, food cooks faster. You may need to check the casserole a bit earlier. Start checking for doneness 30 minutes before the suggested time. This helps prevent overcooking. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, just add them to the slow cooker. This saves time on busy days. What to do if the casserole turns out too dry or too wet? If your casserole is dry, add a splash of chicken broth. Stir it well to mix. If it’s too wet, let it cook longer with the lid off. This helps reduce extra moisture. How to fix an overcooked casserole If you overcook the casserole, it may become mushy. To fix this, try adding some fresh ingredients. A bit of fresh broccoli or a sprinkle of cheese can help balance the texture. This blog post provided a complete guide to making a delicious casserole. We covered the required ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to adjust the recipe for your needs and store any leftovers properly. In conclusion, this dish is not only easy to make but also versatile. Experiment with ingredients and flavors to make it your own. Enjoy sharing this meal with family and friends. You can make mealtime special with this comforting dish.

Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole (Slow Cooker)

Savor the rich flavors of Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole, your new go-to comfort dish! This easy recipe combines wholesome brown rice, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies in a creamy, cheesy blend that everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights, it cooks effortlessly in your slow cooker. Ready to dive into deliciousness? Click to explore this recipe and whip up a family favorite that’s sure to impress at your dinner table!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked brown rice

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 cup broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 cup corn (frozen or canned, drained)

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of chicken soup (or homemade)

1 cup chicken broth

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked brown rice, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, corn, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.

    In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.

      Pour the soup mixture over the rice and chicken mixture, stirring gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.

        Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and spread it out evenly.

          Cover and cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2 hours, until the broccoli is tender and heated through.

            About 10 minutes before serving, sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top and cover to let it melt.

              Once done, stir the casserole gently to mix in the melted cheese and serve hot.

                Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 4 hours | Servings: 6-8

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve in a large dish or bowl, garnished with chopped green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy with a side salad for a complete meal!