Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole sparks culinary joy in busy kitchens everywhere.

Comfort meets convenience through this one-pan wonder that promises delicious simplicity.

Weeknight meals need reliable solutions, and this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice combine into a creamy, satisfying dish.

Packed with nutrients and warmth, the casserole becomes a go-to meal for hungry households.

Seasoned with classic herbs and a touch of creativity, you’ll find this recipe both nourishing and exciting.

Grab your baking dish and let’s transform ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that everyone will love.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Comfort

• Craft Quick Comfort Meal: Combines protein, veggies, and grains in one delicious dish perfect for busy families seeking satisfying dinner solutions.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows substitutions like different proteins, cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to match personal taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup required since ingredients mix directly in the baking dish, reducing time spent washing multiple pots and pans.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Kid-friendly flavors and creamy texture make this casserole a guaranteed hit for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A protein-rich base that provides hearty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: A classic starch that creates a comforting and filling foundation for the dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Ingredients that create a rich, creamy sauce with deep flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a tangy, savory taste.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole.
• Butter, Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that provides a crunchy, golden-brown layer for extra texture.

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350 degrees Fahrenheit to get ready for baking.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Fluffy rice
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Smooth milk
• Half of the shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until well blended.

Step 3: Enhance The Flavor

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Transfer And Top

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Scatter the remaining cheese across the top for a golden, melty finish.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)

Melt butter in a small skillet and mix with breadcrumbs until perfectly combined.

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the casserole for extra crunch.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, golden-brown top that signals it’s ready.

Step 8: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

This helps the dish set and makes cutting easier.

Hacks For Creamy Broccoli Rice Bake

• Use rotisserie chicken for quick, flavorful protein that saves cooking time and adds extra richness to the casserole.
• Select fresh broccoli florets for crunchier texture and brighter green color compared to frozen vegetables.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier, less processed alternative that controls sodium levels.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately before adding to create a more golden, crispy topping with enhanced nutty flavor.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or pepper jack to customize the dish's taste profile and add unexpected depth.

Remix Ideas For Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade alternative with cornstarch.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or vegetable broth-based sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach to boost nutrition and replace some of the rice volume.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast. Replace sour cream with coconut cream or cashew cream for similar texture and richness.

Pairings For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Family Comfort Platter: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners, packed with protein, veggies, and comforting flavors that everyone will love.
• Potluck Party Star: Bring this casserole to gatherings where friends and family share dishes, as its creamy texture and golden top will make it a crowd-pleasing centerpiece that disappears quickly.
• Quick Meal Prep Champion: Portion the casserole into individual containers for easy lunches during the week, ensuring a delicious and nutritious meal that reheats beautifully and saves time for busy professionals and students.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Use rotisserie chicken or previous night's roasted chicken to create this recipe, turning remnant ingredients into a fresh, exciting dinner that feels like a brand new meal.

Storage Tips For Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Allow casserole to cool completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
• Store individual portions in sealed containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick meals.

FAQs

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate. Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 3 days before baking.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain frozen broccoli completely before adding to the mixture to prevent excess moisture.

• What if I don't have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole combines comfort and nutrition in one hearty dish. Cheesy layers of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice will satisfy you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

Starches and Vegetables:

• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or fresh)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, and chopped broccoli florets in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, blending ingredients until uniformly mixed.
3. Introduce garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the creamy concoction to a thoroughly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
6. Generously scatter remaining cheese across the top surface of the casserole.
7. For added texture, melt butter in a small skillet and toss with breadcrumbs until golden and crisp.
8. Delicately sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the cheese layer.
9. Position the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes.
10. Monitor until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges become bubbly and slightly crisp.
11. Remove from oven and permit the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing flavors to settle and texture to set.
12. Serve warm, scooping generous portions directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Swap chicken for tofu or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version of this comforting casserole.
• Use brown rice instead of white for added fiber and nutty flavor, boosting the nutritional profile.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Gruyère to customize the taste and add complexity.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time to make this dish a quick weeknight meal solution for busy families.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg