Comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises to become your new dinner favorite.

Weeknight meals can feel mundane, but this dish brings excitement to the table.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, it delivers a satisfying one-pan solution for hungry households.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rice, creating a harmonious meal.

Each forkful offers a delightful combination of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Nutritious ingredients come together effortlessly, making meal preparation a breeze.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Delivers Classic Balance

Quick Family Dinner Solution: Whip up this hearty casserole in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal that pleases everyone.

Nutritious One-Dish Wonder: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and filling rice, this casserole delivers a balanced meal in a single comforting dish.

Effortless Cooking Experience: Requires minimal prep work – just mix ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and let the oven do the work, making it ideal for home cooks of all skill levels.

Budget-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Uses affordable, accessible ingredients that stretch to feed a hungry family, providing maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Building Blocks

• Chicken: Tender, shredded meat provides the main protein source for the casserole. Rotisserie or leftover chicken works great.
• Broccoli: Adds green nutrition and slight crunch to the dish. Fresh or frozen florets are perfect.

• Rice: Serves as the hearty base and absorbs flavors. White or brown rice are both suitable options.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates creamy texture and adds rich flavor to the casserole. Low-sodium versions can help control salt content.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor and golden top layer. Sharp or mild cheese can be used based on preference.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, creamy consistency in the sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste and balancing flavors. Adjust according to personal preference.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Cooking Guide

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Set your oven to a cozy 350°F and get ready for some kitchen magic.

Step 2: Create The Flavor Fusion

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Bright green steamed broccoli
• Creamy chicken soup
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly blended.

Step 3: Prepare The Baking Vessel

Pour your spectacular mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 4: Cheese Crown

Shower the top with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, covering every delicious inch.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for the cheese to turn golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering top layer.

Step 6: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes, letting the flavors settle.

Then dive in and enjoy your comforting masterpiece!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Helpful Cooking Tips

• Swap full-fat cream of chicken soup and whole milk with reduced-fat versions to create a lighter, healthier casserole without sacrificing flavor.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences or to use leftover proteins.
• Mix in additional vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Allow cheese to reach room temperature before sprinkling to ensure even melting and prevent clumping during baking.
• If the casserole seems too dry, add a splash of chicken broth or extra milk to maintain a creamy, moist texture throughout baking.

Easy Tips to Store and Reheat Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Place cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring you label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Reheat individual portions on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent the casserole from becoming dry.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Matches

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Choose a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with light, buttery notes that complement the creamy casserole texture and balance the rich cheese flavor.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Create a tangy mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Match Crusty Artisan Bread: Select a rustic sourdough or french baguette to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a delightful crunchy texture alongside the soft casserole.
• Add Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic to enhance the vegetable profile and provide additional nutrition to the meal.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Makeover Variants

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce using cornstarch, chicken broth, and heavy cream for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content, making it perfect for keto diet followers while maintaining similar texture and flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and substitute dairy milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, and use vegetable broth-based cream of mushroom soup to create a plant-based version of this comforting casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent a watery dish.

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

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth for a similar creamy texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, replace cream of chicken soup with a lighter version, and add more vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for 1-2 days before baking. You can also freeze it for up to one month for convenient future meals.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables with its creamy, cheesy goodness. Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, you’ll savor each comforting, delicious bite of this classic one-dish meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded chicken

Vegetables:

• 2 cups steamed broccoli florets

Grains and Base:

• 3 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1 1/2 cups (340 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Sauce and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Assemble the core ingredients by combining tender shredded chicken, fluffy cooked rice, and vibrant steamed broccoli in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Introduce creamy binding agents including cream of chicken soup and milk, which will enhance the casserole’s luxurious texture and provide moisture.
3. Season the mixture thoroughly with aromatic garlic powder, ensuring balanced salt and pepper distribution for maximum flavor profile.
4. Prepare a rectangular ceramic baking dish by lightly coating its interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent potential sticking.
5. Carefully transfer the entire chicken-rice-broccoli amalgamation into the prepared baking vessel, spreading the contents evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Generously crown the casserole with a lavish blanket of shredded cheddar cheese, guaranteeing complete surface coverage for optimal melting potential.
7. Position the dish in a preheated oven calibrated to 350°F, allowing the ingredients to meld and the cheese to transform into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
8. Monitor the casserole during baking, removing when the cheese reaches a perfect molten state with delicate bronzed edges, typically requiring 25-30 minutes.
9. Extract from the oven and permit the casserole a brief resting period, allowing internal temperatures to stabilize and flavors to harmonize before serving.

Notes

• Selecting the right chicken is crucial for maximum flavor, so opt for rotisserie or leftover roasted chicken with tender, juicy meat.
• Enhance the casserole’s nutrition by using brown rice instead of white rice, adding extra fiber and minerals to the dish.
• Make this recipe gluten-free by choosing a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verifying all ingredient labels carefully.
• Create a lighter version by using low-fat cheese and replacing cream of chicken soup with a homemade Greek yogurt-based sauce for reduced calories.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg