Low Sodium Cheesy Comfort Casserole
Indulge in the cozy decadence of this Low Sodium Cheesy Comfort Casserole, the ultimate guilt-free comfort food! Perfect for those watching their sodium intake, this casserole combines tender chunks of diced chicken, vibrant broccoli florets, and hearty brown rice, all smothered in a luscious homemade low-sodium cheddar cheese sauce. With a crunchy breadcrumb topping and just the right blend of seasonings like garlic and onion powder, each bite is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and satisfying texture. Ready in just under an hour, this family-friendly classic is ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a wholesome and flavorful dish that promises comfort without compromise.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded low-sodium cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken breast
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 0.5 cup plain breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Heat the unsalted butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until melted.
Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, for about 1 minute until the mixture is golden and bubbly.
Slowly whisk in the low sodium chicken broth and milk, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes or until it thickens, stirring frequently.
Remove the pan from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of the shredded low-sodium cheddar cheese until melted.
Season the cheese sauce with black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cooked brown rice, and cheese sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil until the crumbs are lightly moistened.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, followed by the breadcrumbs.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3356 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 153.3 g | 197% | |
| Saturated Fat | 81.2 g | 406% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 779 mg | 260% | |
| Sodium | 3852 mg | 167% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 244.5 g | 89% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.2 g | 65% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.9 g | ||
| Protein | 250.6 g | 501% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.9 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 2242 mg | 172% | |
| Iron | 16.7 mg | 93% | |
| Potassium | 2863 mg | 61% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
