Comforting Hearty Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable chicken broccoli and rice casserole that combines creamy textures and robust flavors.

Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among vibrant green broccoli florets and fluffy rice grains.

Every bite promises a wholesome and satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

The casserole brings together simple ingredients in a harmonious blend of nutrition and taste.

Cheesy layers add a rich, golden touch that makes this dish irresistible.

Weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings will never be the same with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Prepare to savor a meal that feels like a culinary hug on a plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

• Rice: Provides hearty foundation, select long-grain white rice for best texture.
• Chicken: Protein powerhouse, use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
• Broccoli: Adds vibrant green nutrition, choose fresh florets with tight, deep green clusters.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates silky base, opt for low-sodium version for controlled saltiness.
• Milk: Ensures smooth consistency, whole milk provides richer flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic depth, look for fresh, fragrant spices.

• Cheddar Cheese: Brings sharp, tangy richness, select medium or sharp for bold flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty complexity, freshly grated offers superior melting quality.

• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use kosher salt for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Provides gentle heat, freshly ground offers more robust flavor.

• Fresh Parsley, Chives: Introduces bright color and fresh herbaceous note, choose crisp, vibrant herbs.

Tools to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Effortless

• Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all casserole ingredients thoroughly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect size for creating and baking the casserole.
• Measuring Cups: Precise measurements for rice, milk, and cheese.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add spices like garlic and onion powder.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly.
• Steamer or Steaming Basket: Cooks broccoli to tender perfection.
• Grater: For shredding fresh cheddar and Parmesan cheese.
• Oven Mitts: Protects hands when handling hot baking dish.

How to Bake a Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

• Warm Up The Oven

Get your oven toasty at 350F and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray or butter rub to keep things from sticking.

• Cook Your Base

Simmer rice according to package directions. While that’s happening, steam broccoli until it’s tender but still vibrant green. Keep both ready.

• Mix Everything Together

Grab a big bowl and toss in cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice. Pour in cream of chicken soup, splash of milk, and sprinkle some garlic and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything looks happily combined.

• Cheese It Up

Fold in a generous handful of cheddar and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Watch those cheesy ribbons weave through your mixture.

• Create Your Casserole

Slide the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and crown the top with another layer of cheese for maximum deliciousness.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and let it bubble away for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese turns golden and starts dancing with bubbles.

• Serve With Love

Pull out your masterpiece, let it rest for a quick moment, then serve. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Extra Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Cook extra chicken and rice ahead of time to slash preparation time and make weeknight dinners faster and easier.
• Replace regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or plant-based shredded cheese for lactose-intolerant friends.
• Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the same delicious flavor profile.
• Experiment with different protein sources like rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even plant-based protein crumbles to add variety and nutritional diversity.
• Swap broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or mixed frozen vegetable blends to keep the dish exciting and use what's available in your kitchen.

Plating Ideas for This Classic Chicken Casserole

• Family Feast Companion: Pair this comforting casserole with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and refreshing contrast.
• Protein Power Plate: Serve alongside grilled or roasted chicken for extra protein, perfect for hearty eaters looking for a substantial meal.
• Elegant Side Showcase: Complement the dish with roasted asparagus or honey-glazed carrots to add colorful vegetable variety and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Include warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, providing a delightful textural accompaniment.

Chicken Casserole Storage Tips That Work

• Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture when sealed properly.
• Wrap the entire casserole or individual portions tightly in aluminum foil and freezer-safe containers. Frozen meals remain tasty for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway. Oven reheating works best at 350F, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.
• Prep the entire casserole up to 24 hours before baking. Cover and refrigerate unbaked dish, then bake directly from the cold state. Add 10-15 minutes to original cooking time to ensure thorough heating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, shredded chicken breast, or leftover grilled chicken all work great. Choose whatever is convenient and on hand.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You might need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Hearty Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli and rice casserole delivers comfort in a single dish. Creamy cheese sauce and tender ingredients blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal for families seeking delicious nutrition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) white rice (or brown rice), cooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 2 cups (200 g / 7.1 oz) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 oz) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Ignite the oven to 350F (175C) and delicately grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Rice and Broccoli Foundation: Cook rice according to package instructions and steam broccoli until vibrant green and tender, creating a harmonious base for the casserole.
3. Mixture Composition: Combine cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice in a large mixing bowl, introducing condensed soup, milk, seasonings, and salt to create a rich, creamy blend.
4. Cheese Integration: Fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheese, ensuring an even distribution that promises a velvety, indulgent texture throughout the casserole.
5. Baking Process: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and crowning with an additional layer of cheese for a golden, melted topping.
6. Culinary Transformation: Bake for 25-30 minutes, with an optional 2-3 minute broiler finish to achieve a crispy, caramelized surface.
7. Serving Presentation: Allow the casserole to rest briefly, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs to elevate the dish’s visual and aromatic appeal.

Notes

Optimize Rice Texture: Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that absorb flavors more effectively in the casserole.

Chicken Prep Perfection: Use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken for faster assembly and ensure meat is thoroughly shredded or diced into consistent bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

Moisture Management: Avoid overcooking broccoli to prevent watery consistency; steam until bright green and slightly crisp to maintain structural integrity and prevent diluting the creamy sauce.

Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese freshly for superior melting quality and consider mixing cheese types for complex flavor depth, combining sharp cheddar with creamy mozzarella or nutty Parmesan.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg