Budget-Friendly Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

I’m back with another budget-friendly, wholesome recipe that costs less than $15 to make! This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole checks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal prep work, and it’s sooo delicious!

As a mom and a busy wife, I’m always on the lookout for ways to save money without sacrificing the quality and taste of our meals. Balancing a budget while ensuring my family gets nutritious, delicious food can be a challenge, but it’s totally doable! Today, I’m excited to share a budget-friendly recipe that costs less than $15: Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole. This dish is not only cost-effective but also packed with essential nutrients, thanks to the addition of broccoli.

Nutritional Benefits of Broccoli

Adding broccoli to this casserole not only enhances the flavor but also boosts its nutritional value. Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in Vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and Vitamin K, which is essential for bone health. Additionally, broccoli provides dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and satiety. Including this green vegetable ensures that your family gets a good dose of essential nutrients in every bite.

How to Make Chicken & Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Price Breakdown: (from Walmart)

• 1 lb cooked boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced- $4.97
• 1 (10.5 oz) can low-sodium cream of chicken soup – $1.12
• Instant white rice (28oz) – $2.62
• 1 (12.6 oz) bag frozen baby broccoli florets – $1.98
• Light sour cream (16 oz) – $1.97
• Shredded Colby jack cheese- $2.22
• Garlic powder – already had this ingredient at home
• Paprika – already had this ingredient at home
• Salt & pepper – already had this ingredient at home

Total Cost: $14.88

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.

In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, frozen broccoli florets, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and the broccoli is tender. Serve hot and enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with your family!

Money-Saving Tips

• Buy in Bulk: Purchasing ingredients like rice, cheese, and spices in bulk can save you money in the long run. These items have a long shelf life and can be used in multiple recipes.
• Use Leftovers: If you have leftover cooked chicken from a previous meal, use it in this casserole. It’s a great way to reduce food waste and save money.
• Frozen Veggies: Frozen vegetables, like the broccoli florets used in this recipe, are often cheaper than fresh ones and can be just as nutritious. Plus, they’re convenient and reduce prep time.

Feeding a family on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on taste or nutrition. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is a testament to that. It’s a delicious, hearty meal that’s light on the wallet and packed with nutrients. I hope this recipe becomes a staple in your household, just as it has in mine. Happy cooking, and here’s to more budget-friendly, nutritious meals! 

Print Pin

Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Servings 8

Author Beautiful Eats & Things

Ingredients

• 1 lb cooked boneless skinless chicken breast, diced
• 1 10.5 oz can low-sodium cream of chicken soup
• 3 cups cooked long grain white rice
• 1 12.6 oz bag frozen baby broccoli florets
• 1 & ¼ cups light sour cream
• 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
• 1 & ½ tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
• In a large bowl, add in the chicken, cream of chicken soup, rice, broccoli, sour cream, ½ cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and salt/pepper to taste. Mix together until combined.
• Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the rest of the shredded cheese on top.
• Bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden, and broccoli is tender.
• Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition Info: About 1 Serving: Calories: 351| Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g| Sodium: 422mg