It is no secret that our family LOVES casseroles — and my extremely simple recipe for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (shared on the blog 5 years ago) has always been a favorite.
It is requested on a very regular basis, leftovers are fought over, and it’s just SO simple that I rarely ever complain when the kids request this meal.
Over the past 5 years, I’ve experimented with several different version of this recipe — some using cream of chicken soup, different cheeses, different types of rice, etc. — all of which we seem to enjoy.
However, a few months ago, I started experimenting with my own homemade sauce… and the kids really like it.
Then, last month, during my Aldi shopping experiment, I found cauliflower rice in their frozen section for only $1.50 for a one-pound bag — already riced, parboiled, and ready to go.
I figured my family would freak out if I took their beloved rice out of chicken broccoli rice casserole… but to my surprise, no one even noticed!
If you’ve never used cauliflower rice before, you’ll most likely be shocked with how similar the flavor and texture are!
Of course, you may gladly use regular rice in place of the cauliflower rice — I just wanted to mention how pleased I’ve been with the taste and texture of frozen cauliflower rice, in case you’ve wondered about giving it a try.
Since I use frozen “rice”, frozen broccoli, frozen spinach, and pre-cooked chicken from my own freezer, I can get this meal in the oven in roughly 15 minutes. Then I use the baking time to clean up the kitchen, set the table, make a few simple side dishes (applesauce, rolls, leftover oven roasted veggies, fresh fruit, etc.) and we’re ready to eat a pretty substantial meal just over 30 minutes after I entered the kitchen.
Not too shabby, my friends!
If you’re looking for a slightly more nutritious, veggie-loaded, completely from-scratch, yet still VERY simple alternative to this family favorite recipe… I’ve got you covered!
Seriously, it’s good (and oh so easy!)
Recipe for From-Scratch Chicken Broccoli “Rice” Casserole
makes one 9″ x 13″ pan
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 pound broccoli florets (I used frozen*)
- 2 c. cauliflower rice (or cooked regular rice**)
- 2 c. spinach; chopped (I usually chop and freeze 2 c. portions)
- 3 c. chicken; cooked and shredded or diced
- 1 c. liquid (broth, water, or milk — I use 1/2 c. milk + 1/2 c. broth)
- 1 t. dried basil leaves
- 1 t. minced onion
- 1/2 t. garlic powder
- 1/2 t. black pepper
- 1 T. flour
- 2 T. Dijon mustard
- 1/2 c. plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- 1/2 c. shredded cheese (I use cheddar)
- salt as necessary
- 1 c. additional shredded cheese for the top (optional — but really good!)
* you can easily use fresh broccoli, but you’ll need to boil it for 5-7 minutes before adding it to the casserole
** you can swap regular rice for the cauliflower rice, but you’ll need to cook it first, and then use 2 cups COOKED rice in place of the 2 c. frozen cauliflower rice.
DIRECTIONS:
Preheat oven to 375ºF.
Grease a 9″ x 13″ casserole dish and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix chopped broccoli florets, cauliflower rice, chopped spinach, and cooked chicken. Set aside.
In a sauce pan, heat broth, milk, spices, and flour over medium heat. Use a whisk to incorporate the flour and stir until mixture thickens (7 minutes or so).
Remove pan from heat and stir in mustard, yogurt, and 1/2 c. shredded cheese. Taste the sauce and add salt as necessary.
Pour sauce over chicken, broccoli, and “rice” and stir to combine.
Scoop mixture into greased baking pan and add additional 1 c. shredded cheese.
Bake in preheated oven for 20 minutes or until center is hot and cheese is bubbly.
Serve and enjoy!
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Obviously, the ingredient list is longer than my super simple recipe from 5 years ago… BUT, they are (in my opinion) very regular ingredients that I always have in the house.
Just a bunch of spices, some broth, a few condiments, and then the chicken, broccoli, spinach, and “rice”.
I was honestly SO shocked when no one mentioned anything about the different rice — in fact, Nora and Simon ate their first portion so quickly and were asking for seconds before Dave and I even finished half our plate!
In my opinion, there is nothing bad or wrong about including real rice instead of cauliflower rice; however, in an effort to eat more veggies these past several months, the cauliflower rice has been a great swap for our family!
What is your favorite casserole recipe?
And as always, visit my virtual recipe box for more simple, delicious, family friendly recipes?
Echo says
Does anybody know the WW points on this?
For blue specifically?
Andrea says
don’t know this — sorry!
Suzanne Logsdon says
I’ve been super excited to try this recipe for some time and did last night! I had to use 10-12.5 oz. packages of frozen broccoli, spinach, and cauliflower rice, plus had just 2 c. of grilled chicken to dice, so I modified to make a little less along the way. My husband and I loved the dish, and it felt so healthy! I served it with sliced bread/butter and cut up berries. Our 12-year-old, however, who seems to have sensory issues when it comes to foods being blended (he likes the individual parts, but can’t handle them together), struggled with it. He also loves cheese, but doesn’t like it mixed into foods. Any suggestions on how to help him love it? I was thinking of cooking some additional chicken on the side, as he loved the chicken, and maybe doing it more as a side dish for him?
Suzanne Logsdon says
Oh, I did chicken broth for the liquid and it was so tasty. Mine was a bit watery too, but I am guessing from the frozen items. Should I defrost them before cooking do you think?
Andrea says
and if it’s too liquidy, just leave some broth out or defrost/cook the veggies more before adding to the rest of the ingredients.
Andrea says
yay — glad it was a hit for many in your family! You can’t please everyone I suppose! 🙂
if he doesn’t like mixed foods — I’d say just keep some of the chicken, broccoli, and rice separated and feed him that instead of in casserole form
Julie says
I have made this a few times, subbing all of your seasonings/liquid/Greek yogurt with a can of cream of chicken soup (I have a 3 year old, 1 year old, and am pregnant. Homemade cream soups aren’t on my radar ). Every time I have made it, it comes out quite watery. Any suggestions? I also shop at aldi so that’s the exact same “rice” and spinach I use. Also, I have chopped up a few carrots and cooked them for a few minutes before throwing them in and we really enjoy the additional flavor of the carrots (and, more veggies!)
Andrea says
hmmm, if anything, I would think making it with the cream soup would make it THICKER?? Maybe try draining the spinach (thawing it and pressing the water out) — or just adding some flour to absorb the liquid as it bakes.
A T says
Making this for the second time today. Really good and healthy. I may try ham in place of chicken. Great leftovers, Cheesy, satisfying, filling in the best way. I will send some to my aging parents, as well.
My husband and kids enjoyed this! Thanks so much for your blog and recipes. I have learned so much!
A T says
Oh, and I added some sauteed mushrooms. Fabulous!
Andrea says
oh good — glad to hear this! We love it too (and I often add bacon or ham in with it — and mushrooms too!)
Megan says
Just made this (with a few changes, didn’t measure anything except the rice and subbed cauliflower for the broccoli) – so good!! Thanks!!
Andrea says
good to know! Thanks for sharing your successes!
Gabriela says
So excited to try this! I love all the veggies in it. And I do love casseroles – the healthier the better.
I have everything in the house so I will make it tomorrow after church. 🙂
Also…i just made some rice today and I have a bunch left over – I might have to just make your fried rice again…yum yum!
Andrea says
hope you enjoyed your casserole and fried rice this past weekend 🙂
Liane says
This is one of our favorites too! People need to be aware that some riced cauliflower has additional ingredients that are not cauliflower! Trader Joe’s has a frozen bag — it’s cut in itty bitty cubes and takes three times what the package say for cook time. They have it fresh also in the produce aisle. Or you can use a food processor and do it yourself very quickly and it’s easy cleanup since it’s not sticky or greasy. Just rinse the bowl and blade well.
My other trick is to use an additive free cream cheese. Soften in microwave in a big measuring cup and whisk in the milk and broth to the right consistency. Gluten free this way and no cooking and stirring to thicken. We use the cream cheese for our faux twice baked potatoes (steamed chunks of cauliflower with faux white sauce, tons of cheese, green onions and broken up pieces of uncured bacon. Macaroni (we call it Mac A Phony ) made same way using smaller chunks. No bacon or green onions, just a touch of good quality mustard.
Finding gum free cream cheese is such a challenge. I’ve found a brand in California from the Sierra Nevada Cheese Company. Not sure if they ship. I’m lucky it’s only 5 miles to the store that has it.
Liane
Debbie says
I can’t wait to try this! I like simple recipes that will give us leftovers or one that can be made for when we have company. Healthy and delicious at the same time!
Andrea says
yes, leftovers are one of my favorite things about casseroles!
Amie says
You won’t have leftovers long…four growing kids! I have three teens and the days of leftovers are over!
Andrea says
haha — probably not!
Lauren K says
Yay! Thanks for this. Your original is in regular rotation at my house. I’m excited to give this one a try.
Andrea says
yay — hope you like it!
Michelle says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I know how time consuming it can be to take a recipe that’s in your head and put it on “paper”. I appreciate you taking the time to do that for us.
I am so excited to see it without the canned soup also.
I can’t wait to try it!
Michelle says
Sorry for the second comment, but I forgot to ask.
I don’t usually keep Dijon mustard on hand, can regular mustard be substituted without altering the taste too much?
Thank you.
Liane says
Dijon mustard is amazingly versatile. I use it in a lot of cooking like rolling boneless chicken breasts strips in it with green onions and then baking. Whisk it into oil and vinegar dressing and it makes an emulsion and the dressing won’t separate. Whisk a little bit into home made mayo and drizzle on asparagus or broccoli. It doesn’t cost much and a little goes a long way. Yellow mustard can contain gluten or other allergens, so I try to use brown grainy or Dijon. And you haven’t lived till you’ve driven through the area of France where it’s made. It’s beautiful. Yellow as far as the eye can see. We brought 4 jars back only to find it’s sold here. Maile is the best!
Michelle says
Thank you very much for this information. Perhaps I’ll buy a bottle and experiment a little.
Andrea says
I’ve never tried it with regular mustard — they do have quite a bit different taste though. I’m sure you could give it a try — maybe use a little less, or even sub in ground mustard powder instead (probably only 1 or 2 teaspoons of the powder though. That said, Dijon mustard is super cheap and has a really long shelf life so it might be worth the “investment” 🙂
Jenny says
They even have Dijon mustard at Aldi, although I prefer the Grey Poupon. Try it and see.
Andrea says
yes, that’s where I found my dijon mustard! I think it was only $0.69!
Aggie says
Chicken Broccoli and Rice is my favorite casserole too! Can’t wait to try it with the riced cauliflower. So glad to see that you made your own sauce, I try to stay away from canned soup whenever possible. Thanks for posting the recipe.
Andrea says
thanks Aggie! Hope you love it!!!