Comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises pure satisfaction.

Hearty ingredients blend together in a magical culinary dance.

One-pan wonders like this solve weeknight dinner dilemmas effortlessly.

Creamy textures and savory notes mingle beneath a golden, bubbling surface.

Simple components transform into something extraordinary with minimal kitchen effort.

Busy home cooks appreciate meals that deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.

Each forkful promises a delectable journey through rich, comforting flavors.

Let you savor this irresistible dish that brings everyone around the table.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for Comfort Cravings

• Transforms affordable staples like rice, chicken, and broccoli into a satisfying one-dish meal that stretches your grocery budget.
• Sneaks nutritious broccoli into a cheesy, creamy dish that children will eagerly devour without complaint.
• Easily adaptable recipe that works for busy families, can be prepped ahead, and reheats perfectly for next-day lunches.

Everything You Need for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that makes the casserole hearty and satisfying. Cooked and shredded chicken works best.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides creamy base and adds rich flavor to the casserole. Use low-sodium version for better control of salt.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and texture. Steamed broccoli works perfectly in this recipe.
• Onion Powder: Adds depth of flavor without chunky onion pieces. Great for subtle seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Provides mild garlic essence throughout the dish. Enhances overall taste profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a golden, delicious topping. Shredded cheese melts smoothly.
• Milk: Helps create creamy consistency and binds ingredients together. Whole milk recommended for richness.
• Rice: Hearty base that absorbs flavors and provides substance. Cooked white or brown rice works well.
• Salt and Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance and balance overall flavor. Adjust to personal taste preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds fresh color and light herb notes.

How to Bake a Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Blend Delicious Components

• Cooked rice
• Shredded chicken
• Steamed broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cheddar cheese

Stir everything until well combined. Sprinkle in salt and pepper to make the flavors pop.

Step 3: Create The Casserole Base

Pour the mixed ingredients into your prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly, creating a smooth surface. Shower the top with remaining cheese for extra gooey goodness.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the cheese turns golden and starts dancing with deliciousness.

Step 5: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it calm down for 5 minutes. Scatter some fresh chopped parsley on top if you want a bright, herbal touch. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece.

Tips to Keep Your Casserole Moist and Flavorful

• Choose Quick-Cooking Rice: Select instant or pre-cooked rice to reduce overall preparation time and ensure consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, leftover turkey, or canned tuna for a versatile and convenient protein alternative.
• Control Cheese Meltability: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and better flavor distribution across the dish.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or peas to increase vegetable content and enhance the casserole's nutritional profile.
• Prevent Dry Texture: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil during initial baking to retain moisture and prevent the top from becoming too crispy or dry.

How to Save and Reheat Chicken Broccoli Casserole Right

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm portions in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags, storing up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Pairing Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy, cheesy casserole perfectly, cutting through the richness with their bright, zesty notes.
• Prepare a light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole's creamy texture.
• Warm, buttery garlic bread provides a delicious crunch and helps soak up the casserole's delectable cheesy sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.
• A crunchy coleslaw with a light, tangy dressing adds refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting casserole, providing a cool and vibrant side dish.

Flavor Add-Ins for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Vegetarian Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with cubed extra-firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative for a meat-free version that maintains protein content.

Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate sensitive diets.

Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the creamy, cheesy texture of the original recipe.

Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and swap cheddar for feta cheese to create a Mediterranean flavor profile with similar cooking method.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, a hearty one-dish wonder that brings family and flavor together. Creamy, cheesy goodness combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice, ensuring you’ll savor every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched

Base and Starch Ingredients:

• 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup

Seasoning and Cheese Ingredients:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a thin layer of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Create a harmonious blend by combining fluffy rice, tender shredded chicken, and vibrant steamed broccoli florets in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring each ingredient is well-distributed.
3. Introduce creamy elements by folding in cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder, creating a rich and flavorful base that will bind the casserole components together.
4. Infuse the mixture with sharp cheddar cheese, stirring carefully to incorporate the dairy goodness throughout the dish, and season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.
5. Smoothly transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to achieve an even surface that ensures consistent cooking and optimal texture.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a final layer of shredded cheddar cheese, which will melt into a golden, crispy topping during baking.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling, golden-brown cheese crust that signals perfect doneness.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and making serving easier and more appealing.
9. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness before presenting to eager diners.

Notes

• Customize the rice choice by using brown rice for added fiber or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, enhancing nutritional value and accommodating different dietary needs.
• Elevate the protein content by incorporating additional lean protein sources like diced turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or Greek yogurt to reduce sodium and create a lighter, fresher version of the classic casserole.
• Experiment with cheese variations like Swiss, Gruyère, or pepper jack to introduce unique flavor profiles and keep the dish exciting for repeated meals.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg