Creamy Family-Favorite Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this delectable chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises to warm your soul.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory ingredients in every delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary when this simple yet satisfying dish hits the table.

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

Cheesy goodness weaves through each layer, creating a harmonious meal that feels like a warm embrace.

A sprinkle of golden breadcrumbs adds a delightful crunch to this ultimate crowd-pleasing recipe.

Gather your ingredients and prepare for a culinary experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole That Hit the Spot

• White Rice: Fluffy foundation that absorbs flavors and provides hearty texture, select long-grain variety for best results.
• Chicken: Lean protein source that adds substantial filling, choose boneless skinless breasts or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable bringing vibrant color and crisp texture, opt for fresh florets or frozen pieces.

• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Silky binding agent creating rich consistency, select low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Smooth liquid enhancing creaminess and helping ingredients meld together, whole milk delivers richer flavor.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty topping providing golden crust and tangy depth, select aged variety for more intense taste.
• Garlic Powder: Aromatic seasoning adding subtle warmth, choose pure granulated version without additional salt.
• Onion Powder: Subtle savory undertone complementing other ingredients, look for finely ground option.
• Salt And Pepper: Essential seasoning balancing overall taste, use freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb adding fresh finish and visual appeal, select crisp flat-leaf variety.

What You’ll Need to Assemble Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): Essential for holding and baking the casserole, provides perfect size for even cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining all ingredients thoroughly and creating the casserole mixture.
• Cheese Grater: Needed to shred fresh cheddar cheese for maximum flavor and melting.
• Measuring Cups: Important for accurately measuring ingredients like milk and rice.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for mixing ingredients smoothly and spreading in the baking dish.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes and preventing burns.

Directions to Pull Together a Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F and grab a baking dish. Give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

• Create Your Flavor Fusion

In a big mixing bowl, toss together your cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour in cream of chicken soup and milk, then sprinkle in garlic and onion powder. Mix in most of the cheese, saving some for the golden topping. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to make those flavors dance.

• Build Your Comfort Dish

Spread the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Shower the remaining cheese across the top like a delicious blanket.

• Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the hot oven and let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes. Watch for the cheese to turn gorgeous and golden, with tempting crispy edges.

• Serve And Enjoy

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes so it sets beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Expert Tweaks for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Cook rice and chicken ahead of time to cut down meal preparation time.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
• Replace regular cheese with dairy-free cheese alternatives and use coconut milk instead of dairy milk for lactose-intolerant friends.
• Add cooked quinoa or lentils to increase protein content and create a more nutritious meal.
• Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to change up the flavor profile and nutrition.

How to Plate and Present Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Family Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the creamy casserole.
• Protein Power-Up: Pair with grilled or roasted chicken breasts for extra protein and a delightful meat variation that satisfies hearty appetites.
• Comfort Food Sidekick: Add warm garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and complete this comforting dinner experience.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a convenient next-day lunch that reheats perfectly and keeps you full all afternoon.

How to Store Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for Later

• Keep leftovers in airtight containers inside the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The casserole maintains best texture when stored flat.
• Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe containers. Frozen meals stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, covering with a damp paper towel to prevent dryness. For larger portions, use the oven at 350F, adding a splash of milk to restore moisture.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate for 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice for white rice. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing with other ingredients, which might require slightly longer cooking time.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

• Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free cream of chicken soup, dairy-free milk, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

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

You can replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, cream of mushroom soup, or a mixture of sour cream and chicken broth to maintain the creamy consistency.

Hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across America. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli combine in this satisfying one-dish meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 mL) milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly blend cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets, ensuring even distribution of components.
3. Create Creamy Sauce: Incorporate cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese, stirring until a smooth, cohesive mixture forms with balanced seasoning and rich flavor profile.
4. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheddar cheese to create a tantalizing golden crust.
5. Bake to Perfection: Place in preheated oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, monitoring until the cheese melts into a bubbling, bronzed surface that signals complete cooking.
6. Rest and Serve: Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes to allow ingredients to settle, then optionally garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before presenting to the table.

Notes

• Optimize Rice Texture: Use long-grain white rice or pre-cooked rice to prevent mushiness and ensure each grain remains distinct and fluffy.
• Prevent Dry Casserole: Don’t skimp on liquid ingredients; the cream of chicken soup and milk are crucial for maintaining moisture and creating a creamy consistency.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that maintains the dish’s core flavor profile.
• Enhance Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrient content and introduce additional color and texture to the casserole.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg