Transform Leftover Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Into Soup

Dollar Tree Dinners

Video Stats

Host: Dollar Tree Dinners
Published: Aug 12, 2025
Views: 30.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 15 min
Cook: 30 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

Overview

This recipe takes the concept of leftovers to a new level by transforming a chicken broccoli rice casserole into a hearty soup. The process begins with some fridge foraging, where you gather any wilting vegetables and leftover ingredients. The addition of chicken stock and milk creates a creamy base, while the leftover casserole adds flavor and substance.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. You can use whatever vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach and carrots, to enhance the nutritional value. The use of chicken schmaltz as a fat not only adds richness but also complements the flavors of the casserole. As the soup simmers, the flavors meld together, creating a comforting dish that feels entirely new.

Seasoning is key in this transformation. The recipe encourages experimentation with spices and seasonings, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking. If you find the soup lacking brightness, a splash of vinegar or lemon juice can elevate the dish further. This soup is not just a meal; it’s a creative way to breathe new life into leftovers, making it a perfect solution for those who want to minimize waste while enjoying delicious food.

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
01:03

Gather chicken stock, spinach, carrots, onion, milk, and fats from the fridge.

2
01:58

Take leftover chicken broccoli rice casserole from the fridge.

3
03:12

Wash the small carrots thoroughly without peeling.

4
03:44

Add a heaping spoonful of chicken schmaltz to a pot.

5
03:58

Sauté onions and carrots in the melted fat, seasoning with salt and pepper.

04:01

Tip: Use this soup as an opportunity to make up for any lack of seasoning in the original dish.

05:10

Tip: Add flour to make a roux for thickening the soup.

6
05:17

Add all-purpose flour to the sautéed vegetables to make a roux.

7
05:49

Gradually add chicken stock, starting with half a cup.

8
06:09

Eyeball and add an equal amount of milk to the pot.

9
06:38

Add the chicken broccoli rice casserole to the pot.

07:22

Tip: Taste the soup to adjust seasoning as needed.

10
07:26

Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

08:38

Tip: Adding lemon juice can brighten the flavor of the soup.

11
08:47

Add spinach to the soup and allow it to wilt.

10:05

Tip: Consider adding an acid like lemon juice to enhance the soup's flavor.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Carrots1 cup
Spinach1 cup
Onion1
Milk1 cup
Chicken Stock1 cup
Butter2 tbsp
Crackers1 cup
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Dairy

    → Substitution: Almond Milk

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Crackers

Nutrition

Calories
350
kcal per serving
Protein
15
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

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Interesting Tidbits

  • Using leftover casserole to make soup is a great way to reduce food waste.
  • Adding a variety of fats like chicken schmaltz can enhance the flavor of soups.
  • Incorporating vegetables like spinach and carrots adds nutrition and color to the soup.
  • Using crackers as a thickener in soup can create a unique texture.