Comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty chicken broccoli and rice casserole that promises warmth on any evening.

Perfectly balanced ingredients meld together, creating a dish you’ll crave repeatedly.

Creamy cheese weaves through tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, making each bite irresistible.

Home cooks can easily assemble this one-pan wonder without complicated techniques.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal prep and maximum flavor.

Robust ingredients guarantee a satisfying meal that fills hungry bellies and delights picky eaters.

This recipe offers a foolproof solution for quick, nutritious family dining that everyone will love.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Creamy Layers

• Perfect for busy parents seeking a nutritious, one-dish meal that satisfies everyone's hunger in under an hour.
• Streamline cooking by using pre-cooked chicken and simple ingredients, reducing kitchen time and cleanup stress while delivering maximum flavor.
• Swap proteins like turkey or swap broccoli for different vegetables, making this recipe adaptable to dietary preferences and pantry availability.
• Combines affordable ingredients like rice and chicken with pantry staples, creating a delicious meal without breaking the bank while providing substantial nutrition.

Ingredients List for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the main substance of the casserole, best when cooked and shredded or diced.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creamy texture and enhances overall flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Rich, melty cheeses that create a luxurious and comforting texture, sharp cheddar works best for bold flavor.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy consistency, whole milk recommended for richness.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture, fresh florets preferred.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provides depth of flavor without adding chopped vegetables.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Rice: Serves as the foundational starch, long-grain white rice works best for even cooking.
• Butter or Cooking Spray: Prevents sticking and helps with easy dish removal.

Bake Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Like a Pro

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Rice and Broccoli

Cook rice following the package directions. While that’s happening, steam the broccoli until it’s tender but still holding its bright green color. Set both aside.

Step 3: Mix Core Ingredients

• Cooked chicken
• Steamed broccoli
• Cooked rice
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until it’s well combined and looking delicious.

Step 4: Cheese It Up

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Half the Parmesan cheese

Mix until the cheese starts to mingle with the other ingredients.

Step 5: Build the Casserole

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for an extra cheesy punch.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbly topping. For extra crispy fans, pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Pull the casserole out and let it rest for a few minutes. If you’re feeling fancy, sprinkle some fresh parsley or chives on top. Dive in and enjoy your creation!

Smart Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Success

• Boost Rice Absorption: Rinse rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch, ensuring each grain stays separate and fluffy in the casserole.
• Prevent Soggy Broccoli: Steam broccoli just until bright green and crisp-tender, avoiding overcooking that can make the vegetable mushy and watery.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Grate cheese directly from cold blocks for smoother melting and more even distribution throughout the casserole.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for flexible meal preparation.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the mixture for a subtle, sophisticated flavor boost that elevates the entire dish.

Best Storage and Reheating for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil, storing for up to 2 months; label with the date to track freshness.
• Restore crispy texture by placing refrigerated casserole in a 350F oven, covered with foil, warming for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Quickly reheat individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Tasty Matches for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

• Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy casserole, balancing its cheesy and hearty flavors with a light, zesty character.
• Toss a light green salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a tangy, crisp contrast to the warm, dense casserole, adding brightness and freshness to the meal.
• Choose a rustic sourdough or French baguette to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, offering a crunchy texture that enhances the creamy casserole experience.
• Try a mild wheat beer or blonde ale that won't overpower the dish, providing a smooth, refreshing accompaniment that cleanses the palate between bites.

Customize Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole with Simple Add-Ins

Vegetarian Protein Power: Replace chicken with extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping the cheesy rice and broccoli base intact for a meatless protein-packed meal.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice to create a lower-carbohydrate version that maintains the creamy, cheesy texture and nutritional goodness.

Gluten-Free Comfort: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free, making this casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Mediterranean Herbal Fusion: Add dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the classic recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired casserole with fresh, vibrant flavors.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty “Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole” blends comfort and nutrition in one delicious dish. Creamy textures, savory chicken, and wholesome broccoli create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein Base:

• 2 cups (280 g / 9.9 oz) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk

Vegetable and Starch Components:

• 2 cups (400 g / 14.1 oz) cooked white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 cups (200 g / 7.1 oz) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Binding Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ cups (150 g / 5.3 oz) shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g / 1.1 oz) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the culinary workspace to 350F (175C), preparing a 9×13-inch vessel with a light coating of lubricant to prevent adherence.
2. Orchestrate the foundational components by gently simmering rice according to package guidance, simultaneously steaming broccoli clusters until they radiate a vibrant emerald hue while maintaining tender integrity.
3. Merge the fundamental elements – succulent chicken fragments, verdant broccoli, and perfectly prepared rice – within a spacious mixing receptacle, introducing creamy condensed poultry essence, dairy liquid, aromatic powder seasonings, and mineral enhancers.
4. Integrate shredded dairy clusters, allowing sharp cheddar and delicate Parmesan to weave through the mixture, creating a luxurious, cohesive texture that promises rich, comforting flavors.
5. Meticulously transfer the harmonized ensemble into the prepared culinary canvas, distributing evenly and crowning with an additional lavish layer of cheese to ensure maximum golden, melted decadence.
6. Slide the assemblage into the heated environment, allowing approximately 25-30 minutes of transformative cooking. For enthusiasts craving crisp topography, invoke the broiler’s intense heat for a brief 2-3 minute finale.
7. Extract the bubbling masterpiece, permitting a momentary resting phase to stabilize. Optional verdant herb garnishes can elevate the visual and aromatic presentation, transforming a humble casserole into a gourmet experience.

Notes

• Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version that keeps the creamy, cheesy goodness intact while reducing calories and adding extra nutrients.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère or monterey jack to create unique flavor profiles that elevate the classic casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra depth of flavor without additional cooking steps.
• Consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy texture that provides a delightful contrast to the creamy casserole base.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg