Cheesy Broccoli, Rice, and Chicken Casserole Recipe for Ultimate Comfort

Comfort hits different when a hearty broccoli and rice casserole arrives at your table.

Creamy cheese melts beautifully throughout tender chicken pieces nestled between green florets.

Weeknight dinners demand simple solutions that pack serious flavor.

Home cooks appreciate meals where minimal effort generates maximum satisfaction.

Nutritious ingredients combine perfectly in this one-pan wonder that everyone will love.

Childhood memories of warm, cheesy goodness resurface with each delightful bite.

Grab your appetite and let’s make something deliciously memorable tonight!

What Makes Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole Loved

• A quick and satisfying one-dish wonder that brings everyone together around the dinner table without complicated cooking techniques.
• Requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients most home cooks already have in their kitchen, making it a stress-free dinner solution that comes together in under an hour.
• Combines lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and calcium-packed cheese, delivering a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating without sacrificing flavor.
• Transforms affordable ingredients into a delicious, filling casserole that stretches your grocery budget while providing maximum satisfaction and leftovers for lunch the next day.

What You’ll Need for Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that provides the hearty base of the casserole. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for even cooking and easy shredding.

• Rice, Broccoli: Comforting base that adds texture and nutritional value. Long-grain white rice provides a fluffy foundation, while fresh broccoli brings a crisp vegetable element. Choose fresh broccoli with bright green, firm florets for the best flavor and nutrition.

• Cheese, Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Creamy components that bind the casserole and add rich flavor. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides a tangy note. Full-fat options enhance the overall creaminess of the dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile. Freshly ground black pepper offers the most robust flavor. Adjust to personal taste preferences.

Cooking Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole the Way

Step 1: Prepare Oven And Baking Dish

Warm up your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder

Step 3: Prepare Rice

Cook rice according to package instructions. For extra flavor, use chicken broth instead of water.

Step 4: Steam Broccoli

Steam broccoli florets until they’re bright green and slightly tender but still crisp. Chop into smaller pieces after cooking.

Step 5: Create Cheese Sauce

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Cream cheese
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Mix chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a large mixing bowl. Ensure everything is evenly coated.

Step 7: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.

Step 8: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden, bubbly crust.

Step 9: Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and edges are bubbling.

Step 10: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce set and makes cutting easier.

Tips for a Better Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole

• Prep Like a Pro: Chop broccoli into uniform, bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking and a consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Boost Flavor Power: Sauté chicken with garlic and onions before adding to the casserole for a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother melting and richer flavor that coats every bite.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use gluten-free cream of chicken soup for a gluten-sensitive diet.
• Texture Tip: Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes after baking to allow the ingredients to set and make serving easier and more cohesive.

Save Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container, where it can maintain quality for up to 2 months. Seal tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Warm refrigerated casserole at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
• Heat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly and maintain moisture.

Best Matches for Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole

• Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that cuts through the richness and complements the creamy cheese sauce.
• Serve a bright, tangy arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty and creamy texture.
• Add a side of roasted asparagus with garlic and sea salt to introduce a crunchy element that enhances the soft casserole.
• Drizzle a zesty chimichurri sauce over the chicken for an herbaceous kick that lifts the entire dish's flavor profile.

Switch Things Up with Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace regular rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a wheat-free alternative. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to ensure the entire dish meets dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to boost protein and nutritional content.
• Low-Carb Version: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to dramatically reduce carbohydrate content. Use full-fat cheese and add extra protein to maintain the dish's satisfying qualities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk-based cream of chicken soup to maintain creamy texture while eliminating dairy.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 11 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken casserole blends broccoli, rice, and melted cheese into a comforting family meal. Savory layers of protein and vegetables promise a satisfying dinner that brings everyone together at the table.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups white or brown rice, cooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray or butter.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions, ensuring grains are fluffy and separated.
3. Dice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Steam broccoli florets until vibrant green and tender-crisp, then roughly chop into smaller segments.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, seasoned chicken pieces, and steamed broccoli.
6. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well-blended.
7. Pour the cheese sauce over the rice, chicken, and broccoli mixture, gently folding to ensure even coating.
8. Transfer the combined ingredients to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle additional shredded cheese on top for a golden, crispy surface.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and casserole to set.

Notes

• Opt for fresh broccoli for maximum crunch and nutritional value, ensuring florets are cut to similar sizes for even cooking.
• Consider using brown rice instead of white for added fiber and a heartier texture that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
• Swap chicken with tofu or chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version that maintains the dish’s comforting essence.
• For a gluten-free alternative, replace regular cream of chicken soup with a homemade version using cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickener.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg