Rotisserie Chicken And Broccoli Bake
Highlighted under: Hearty Delights
I absolutely love this Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake! It's a quick and satisfying dish that I often whip up on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese creates a delightful flavor and texture contrast. Plus, using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes the preparation effortless. This bake is perfect for getting a nutritious meal on the table in no time, and it’s sure to please the whole family while requiring minimal cleanup.
When I first tried making this dish, I was blown away by how easy it was to prepare. Using store-bought rotisserie chicken not only saved time but also infused the bake with incredible flavor. I've experimented with various ingredients over the years, and adding a sprinkle of garlic powder elevates it to a whole new level. It's now a go-to recipe in my home.
Each time I make this bake, I find that adding a touch of lemon zest brightens the flavor and contrasts deliciously with the creamy sauce. It's also a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables for my kids, and they never seem to realize they’re eating healthy!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to assemble with minimal prep.
- Rich, creamy sauce complements the tender chicken and crunchy broccoli.
- A family-friendly meal that pleases even the pickiest eaters.
Key Ingredient Insights
The use of rotisserie chicken is a game changer in this recipe, significantly reducing prep time without sacrificing flavor. The well-seasoned chicken contributes a depth of taste that you won't achieve with plain, cooked chicken. If you're looking to customize the flavor profile, feel free to experiment with different rotisserie chicken flavors, such as lemon herb or BBQ, to add a unique twist to your bake.
Broccoli not only adds a nutritious element to the dish, but it also brings a crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. Be sure to blanch the broccoli just enough to maintain that crunch—about 2 minutes in boiling water will do the trick. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture, so keep an eye on it!
Tips for Perfect Execution
When mixing the ingredients, make sure not to overmix; you want to retain some of the chicken's and broccoli's individual textures. Just fold everything together gently until combined. This helps create a more interesting mouthfeel in your bake—not everything should be uniform mush!
For the best cheesy topping, use a blend of cheeses or increase the amount of cheddar and Parmesan based on your preferences. A mix of mozzarella can add extra stretchiness, while a bit of pepper jack can introduce a subtle kick. Just make sure to keep an eye on the bake towards the end, looking for that golden-brown topping.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to create your Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake:
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
With these ingredients ready, let’s move on to the cooking process!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious bake:
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Broccoli
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, blanched broccoli, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Assemble the Bake
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake!
Enjoy this bake as a satisfying main dish!
Pro Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or use leftover roasted vegetables. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake can be assembled ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep. Once you have mixed all the ingredients and placed them in your baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you're ready to cook, simply remove it from the fridge and bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it's cold.
If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire dish back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until hot throughout, usually around 15-20 minutes. Just be cautious not to dry it out; covering the dish with foil helps retain moisture during reheating.
Variations and Additions
This recipe serves as a fantastic base for experimentation! Want to add more veggies? Chopped bell peppers, spinach, or even peas can be incorporated into the mix for added nutrients and flavor. Just ensure all vegetables are prepped accordingly, whether by blanching or lightly sautéing them beforehand, to lock in their vivid colors and crunch.
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or mushrooms right into the mix. These will enhance the dish's earthiness and provide a lovely aromatic element. Adjust the seasoning accordingly, particularly salt and pepper, to balance out any additional ingredients you introduce.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the mixture.
→ How long can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture in advance and refrigerate it. Just add the cheese before baking.
→ Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free rice and soup. Check all labels for potential gluten content.
Rotisserie Chicken And Broccoli Bake
I absolutely love this Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake! It's a quick and satisfying dish that I often whip up on busy weeknights. The combination of tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheese creates a delightful flavor and texture contrast. Plus, using store-bought rotisserie chicken makes the preparation effortless. This bake is perfect for getting a nutritious meal on the table in no time, and it’s sure to please the whole family while requiring minimal cleanup.
Created by: Olivia Barrett
Recipe Type: Hearty Delights
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, blanched broccoli, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Rotisserie Chicken and Broccoli Bake!
Extra Tips
- For added flavor, try incorporating different vegetables like bell peppers or carrots, or use leftover roasted vegetables. You can also substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken or a homemade white sauce for a different twist.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 32g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 30g