Quick & Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a delectable chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to your dinner table.

Savory ingredients meld together in a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Hearty chicken pieces nestle among tender broccoli florets and fluffy rice grains.

Cheese creates a golden, bubbling blanket that promises pure satisfaction.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with minimal preparation.

Busy families will love this nutritious and filling one-dish wonder that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for those nights when simplicity meets deliciousness.

Highlights of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Create a Comfort Food Masterpiece: This casserole transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that hugs your taste buds with warmth and nostalgia.
• Maximize Nutrition in One Dish: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and hearty rice, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that keeps everyone feeling full and happy.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Minimal prep work and just a few steps make this dish perfect for busy households, turning weeknight cooking from stressful to delightful.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, add extra cheese, or include different vegetables to match your family's preferences, making this recipe wonderfully adaptable for any palate.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Shredded protein that provides the primary meaty flavor and substance to the casserole.
• Rice: Cooked grain that serves as the hearty base and adds texture to the dish.
• Broccoli: Steamed green vegetable that brings nutritional value and a fresh element to the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and moist consistency.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that provides a sharp, savory flavor and creates a golden, bubbly topping.

• Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Optional topping that adds a crunchy texture to the casserole.

How to Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Vibrant steamed broccoli
• Creamy chicken soup
• Silky sour cream
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir everything together until beautifully blended.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until every ingredient is perfectly coated.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and gently transfer the mixture inside, spreading evenly.

Step 5: Top With Extra Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. For extra crunch, scatter breadcrumbs if you’d like.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and the casserole to become wonderfully bubbly.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, then dig in and enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep and deeper flavor profile.
• Swap regular rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutritional benefits and different textures.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and unsalted chicken broth.
• Experiment with adding diced onions or bell peppers for extra crunch and vegetable variety.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein content and lower fat calories.

Flavorful Twists on Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers, and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the casserole celiac-friendly.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra protein with diced almonds or sunflower seeds on top.

Serving Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Cassero

• Family Feast Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal for busy weeknight dinners, perfect for gathering everyone around the table and enjoying a comforting, filling dish together.
• Potluck Party Superstar: Bring this crowd-pleasing casserole to gatherings, where its cheesy goodness and easy transportability will make you the hit of the event, delighting friends and family with minimal effort.
• Meal Prep Champion: Divide the casserole into individual portions for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, offering a convenient and delicious solution for those seeking tasty, nutritious make-ahead meals that reheat beautifully.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Box: Pack cooled casserole portions in meal containers for kids' school lunches or adult work meals, providing a balanced, satisfying midday meal that keeps energy levels high and taste buds happy.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent a watery dish.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator before baking.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, use low-fat cheese, and add more vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition.

• What protein alternatives can I use besides chicken?

Rotisserie turkey, canned tuna, or cooked ground turkey are excellent substitutes that work well in this casserole recipe.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole melds creamy cheese sauce with tender protein and green vegetables. Comforting layers of savory ingredients create perfect dinner harmony you can easily enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Soup and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• Breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Blend shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
3. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
4. Fold in one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until thoroughly integrated.
5. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and potential burning.
6. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
7. Generously top the casserole with remaining cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty surface.
8. Optional: Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added crunch and texture.
9. Place in a preheated oven at 350F (175C) for 25-30 minutes, watching for bubbling edges and melted cheese.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, enabling the casserole to set and cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed taste and lower sodium content.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein and reduce fat while maintaining creamy texture.
• For gluten-free version, replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal for added crunch.
• Roast broccoli beforehand to intensify its flavor and prevent watery consistency in the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg