Comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe For Families

Crafting a comforting chicken broccoli rice casserole might just become your new weeknight dinner obsession.

Hunger strikes differently when creamy, cheesy goodness calls from the kitchen.

Home cooks adore simple meals that deliver maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Nutritious ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

Proteins and vegetables dance together in a harmonious mix of flavors and textures.

Weeknight meal planning suddenly becomes exciting with this crowd-pleasing classic.

Dive into this recipe, and you’ll be serving up smiles around the dinner table in no time.

How To Keep Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Will maintain quality for up to 3 months.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, then remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this casserole because it combines cheesy flavors with tender chicken and soft rice, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, use low-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or carrots to boost nutritional value.

• What protein alternatives work in this recipe?

You can easily swap chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, canned tuna, or even cooked ground beef for variety and different flavor profiles.

Comfort In Every Bite: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Whip Up a Wholesome Meal: This casserole packs nutritious ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and rice into one delicious dish, making it a perfect balanced dinner for families.
• Customize with Ease: The recipe offers flexible options like adding breadcrumbs or extra cheese, allowing home cooks to personalize the flavor and texture to their liking.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: With simple mixing and minimal preparation steps, this one-pan meal comes together quickly, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious evening time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal solution for picky eaters and busy households.

Essential Ingredients For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded protein that provides a hearty base for the casserole.

• Rice: Cooked white or brown rice that creates a filling foundation for the dish.
• Broccoli: Steamed green vegetable that adds nutrition and color to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Creamy ingredients that bind the casserole together and create a rich, smooth texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty dairy component that adds flavor and creates a golden, bubbly topping.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crunchy topping that provides additional texture when mixed and sprinkled over the casserole.

Stepwise Preparation Of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Vibrant steamed broccoli florets
• Creamy condensed chicken soup
• Tangy sour cream
• Smooth milk
• Melted shredded cheese
• Zesty garlic powder
• A pinch of salt
• A dash of black pepper

Stir everything together until the ingredients are beautifully blended and create a mouthwatering combination.

Step 3: Spread and Prepare

Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula to ensure every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 4: Add Crunchy Topping

If you’re craving extra texture, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle generously over the casserole.

For cheese lovers, add an extra handful of shredded cheese on top.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

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

Watch for the cheese to melt into a golden, bubbly blanket that signals it’s ready to devour.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes.

This helps the dish set and makes serving easier.

Cut into generous portions and enjoy the comforting, cheesy goodness.

Expert Tips For Mastering Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Add diced ham or cooked bacon bits for extra protein and a smoky flavor boost.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade Greek yogurt sauce to reduce calories and increase nutrition.
• Use gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade white sauce with cornstarch instead of traditional flour-based roux.
• Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or spinach to add more nutrients and color to the casserole.
• Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

Creative Twists To Try With Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup alternative.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use dairy-free cheese substitutes, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup for those with lactose intolerance.

Tasty Ways To Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Crisp Green Salad Companion: Serve alongside a light, zesty mixed green salad with cucumber and cherry tomatoes to balance the casserole's richness.
• Fresh Veggie Side Kick: Add roasted asparagus or glazed carrots to introduce extra vegetable variety and nutritional balance to the meal.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Pair with warm garlic bread, crusty French rolls, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
• Tangy Condiment Complement: Offer a small side of fresh salsa, ranch dressing, or herb-infused sour cream for guests who enjoy additional flavor drizzles and dipping options.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy, cheesy goodness. Families and friends will savor this classic one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice in a satisfying blend.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
• 3 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Creamy Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Seasoning and Topping:

• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. Combine shredded chicken, warm rice, and tender steamed broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Fold in cream of chicken soup, creamy sour cream, and smooth milk until ingredients are thoroughly blended.
4. Incorporate shredded cheese, garlic powder, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper into the mixture, stirring until evenly distributed.
5. Transfer the creamy concoction into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer across the surface.
6. If utilizing breadcrumbs, gently melt butter and toss with breadcrumbs, then delicately scatter over the casserole’s top.
7. Optionally, sprinkle an additional layer of cheese for extra richness.
8. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for golden edges and bubbling cheese.
9. Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes, enabling the ingredients to set and flavors to meld.
10. Serve warm, scooping out hearty portions directly from the baking dish.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a time-saving shortcut and extra flavor boost.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa to increase nutritional value and add more fiber.
• For a gluten-free version, replace cream of chicken soup with homemade sauce and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Customize the dish by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg