Hearty Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole that promises pure deliciousness in every bite.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish delivers serious flavor.

Perfectly balanced ingredients create a harmonious meal that satisfies from the first forkful.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet mouthwatering recipe.

The combination of juicy chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli makes for an irresistible blend of textures and tastes.

Melted cheese blankets the entire casserole, adding a golden, bubbling layer of goodness.

You’ll want to savor every single scoop of this hearty, crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole: Comfort In Every Bite

• This casserole combines protein, vegetables, and grains in one simple dish, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy families.
• Loaded with cheesy goodness and familiar ingredients, this recipe appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love it.
• Using just one baking pan and basic ingredients means less washing up, giving you more time to enjoy your meal and spend with loved ones.
• Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a satisfying meal that doesn't require complex cooking techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Core Ingredients Behind The Cheesiest Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying base for the casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy and comforting grain that serves as the foundation of the casserole.

• Broccoli, Onion: Broccoli adds a nutritious green element and crisp texture, while onion provides a subtle, savory flavor to the dish.

• Cheese, Butter: Shredded cheese creates a melty, creamy topping and adds richness to the casserole, and butter helps to bind the ingredients together.

• Soups: Adds moisture, depth of flavor, and helps to create a creamy sauce for the casserole.

Must-Have Tools For Chicken Rice Casserole Success

• 9×13 Baking Pan: Essential for mixing and baking the casserole ingredients.
• Rice Cooker or Pot: Perfect for preparing the rice according to package directions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and combining all the ingredients evenly.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring rice, cheese, and other ingredients.
• Cheese Grater: Useful if you're grating fresh cheese for the casserole.
• Oven Mitts: Necessary for safely handling hot baking dishes and removing the casserole from the oven.

Steps To The Ultimate Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C).

Get your rice cooking according to the package instructions, letting it simmer to fluffy perfection.

Step 2: Mix and Mingle Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Tender chicken pieces
• Creamy soups
• Melted butter
• Chopped broccoli
• Diced onions

Stir these friends together and sprinkle in a generous handful of shredded cheese, mixing until everything looks happily combined.

Step 3: Bake to Golden Deliciousness

Slide your pan into the preheated oven and let it bake for 30-35 minutes.

During the final moments, shower the top with the remaining cheese, watching it melt into a gorgeous golden blanket.

Step 4: Let It Rest

Pull the casserole out of the oven and give it a quick 5-minute breather.

This helps all those yummy flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Dish out your masterpiece alongside a crisp dinner salad or some warm breadsticks.

Dig in while it’s hot and enjoy the comforting flavors!

Tips For Extra Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole Results

• Select crisp broccoli and high-quality chicken for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Sprinkle cheese during the last 5 minutes of baking to prevent burning and achieve perfect golden-brown topping.
• Sauté onions before adding to enhance their sweetness and provide richer taste profile.
• If casserole seems dry, add a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent sticking.
• Prepare casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Casserole Variations To Keep Things Exciting

• Veggie Swap Delight: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, using plant-based cream of mushroom soup and adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or zucchini.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute regular rice with quinoa or brown rice, use gluten-free cream soup, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, incorporate taco seasoning, and top with crispy tortilla strips for a zesty flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice, choose lean ground turkey instead of chicken, and reduce cheese quantity for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Plating And Serving Ideas For Chicken Rice Casserole

• Comfort Food Companion: Pair this hearty casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Bread Lover's Delight: Serve warm garlic breadsticks or crusty french bread on the side to soak up the cheesy sauce and add extra texture.
• Family-Style Feast: Create a complete meal by adding roasted seasonal vegetables like carrots or zucchini around the casserole for added nutrition and color variety.
• Wine and Dine: Complement the rich flavors with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which balance the creamy cheese and savory chicken perfectly.

Storing Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole For Meal Prep

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring maximum freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring even heating.

FAQs

• Is this casserole good for meal prepping?

Yes, this casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator before baking. You can assemble all ingredients, cover with foil, and bake when ready to eat.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly in this recipe. Just thaw and drain the broccoli before mixing it into the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is the most recommended, but you can also use a blend of cheddar and monterey jack for added flavor. Shredded cheese melts best and provides a creamy texture.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy chicken and broccoli casserole blends comforting flavors in one delightful dish. Hearty ingredients create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 ounces broccoli pieces

Carbohydrates and Base:

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 cups water

Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 10-ounce can cream of chicken soup
• 1 10-ounce can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small white onion
• 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separate grains.
2. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and select a 9×13 inch baking dish for assembling the casserole.
3. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring even distribution throughout the dish.
4. In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice as the foundation of the casserole.
5. Arrange the chicken pieces evenly over the rice, creating a uniform protein layer.
6. Chop the broccoli into small florets and dice the onions to enhance flavor and texture.
7. Pour the cream soups over the rice and chicken, creating a creamy binding sauce.
8. Scatter the chopped broccoli and onions across the mixture, ensuring even coverage.
9. Melt the butter and drizzle it over the casserole to add richness and prevent dryness.
10. Gently fold the ingredients together, making sure all components are well-integrated.
11. Sprinkle one cup of shredded cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute evenly.
12. Smooth the surface of the casserole to create an even top layer.
13. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until heated through.
14. During the final 5 minutes of baking, top with remaining cheese to create a golden, melted crust.
15. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.
16. Serve hot alongside a crisp salad or warm breadsticks for a complete meal.

Notes

• Customize Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack to add unique flavor profiles and elevate the dish’s taste.
• Boost Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary preferences or to create a vegetarian version of the casserole.
• Enhance Veggie Content: Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, or bell peppers to increase nutritional value and create more texture in the dish.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve, making it perfect for meal prep or busy weeknight dinners.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 47g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg