Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe: Family Favorite

Crafting a delightful cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight into a memorable meal adventure.

Comfort arrives in one skillet, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry souls.

Weekday dinners demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a creamy landscape where chicken, broccoli, and rice dance together.

Melted cheese blankets each bite, promising a rich and indulgent experience that feels like a culinary hug.

Quick to assemble and even faster to devour, this casserole might become your new go-to dinner champion.

You’ll want to savor every single spoonful of this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

Favorite Matches for Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy casserole with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich, cheesy flavors and cleanses the palate.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness and add a refreshing contrast to the warm, comforting dish.
• Match with Buttery Chardonnay: Select an unoaked Chardonnay whose smooth, mild notes harmonize with the creamy chicken and cheese, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Include a side of warm, crusty artisan bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a satisfying textural element to the meal.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Cheesy Spins

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or white beans, use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for protein and nutrients.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Meal: Swap regular rice with quinoa or brown rice, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, and replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers for a celiac-friendly version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower, use shredded rotisserie chicken, and add extra cheese for a keto-friendly option that keeps the creamy texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, use Greek yogurt instead of milk, and sprinkle with oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice or brown rice are ideal. Avoid instant rice as it can become mushy and doesn’t hold up well in the casserole.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to boost nutrition.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if baking directly from the fridge.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole That Checks Every Box

• Weeknight Rescue Meal: Perfect for busy families needing a quick, satisfying dinner solution that comes together in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Combines lean protein from chicken, complex carbohydrates from rice, and essential vitamins from broccoli, creating a balanced one-dish meal that keeps everyone full and energized.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy texture appeals to children while sneaking in vegetables, making it an ideal dinner option for parents struggling to get kids to eat healthy ingredients.
• Minimal Cleanup Champion: Uses just one casserole dish and a few mixing bowls, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time on dishwashing after a long day.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Cheesy) Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender protein providing main flavor and substance.
• Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs sauce and adds hearty texture.

Recommended: Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable adding nutrition and color contrast.

Best when lightly steamed to maintain crisp texture.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese creating rich and creamy layers.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping for extra savory crunch.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that binds ingredients together.
• Milk: Helps thin and smooth out sauce consistency.

• Garlic Powder: Adds subtle aromatic flavor.
• Onion Powder: Provides background depth and warmth.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild spiciness and complexity.

• Breadcrumbs: Creates golden crispy layer on casserole surface.

Tip: Panko breadcrumbs work best for maximum crunchiness.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole Cheesy Bake Steps

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Heat the oven to 375°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

• Cooked, shredded chicken
• Warm, fluffy rice
• Tender steamed broccoli florets
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Whole milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until the sauce is smooth and silky.

Step 4: Mix and Marry Flavors

Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken mixture.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated and looks gloriously delicious.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into the prepared dish, creating an even layer that promises delectable bites.

Step 6: Add Crispy Topping

Sprinkle the top with a handful of grated Parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden finish.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes.

Look for bubbly edges and melted cheese that’s turned a gorgeous golden brown.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes serving easier.

Scoop onto plates and enjoy your comforting, cheesy creation!

Quick Tips for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casseroles

• Cook chicken and rice in advance to slash dinner prep time and reduce kitchen stress.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed flavor profile.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or peas to increase the nutritional value and color of the casserole.
• Use gluten-free cream soup and breadcrumbs to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like monterey jack, pepper jack, or gruyere for unique flavor depths.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, where it will maintain quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Warm refrigerated portions at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• For quick reheating, use medium power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, packed with creamy goodness and wholesome ingredients. Hearty layers of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese create a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Starch:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice)

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

Cheese and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by setting the temperature to 375°F (190°C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light layer of grease.
2. Gather the primary components: shredded chicken, prepared rice, tender broccoli florets, and grated cheddar cheese into a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Craft a creamy binding sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, milk, aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, seasoning salt, and freshly ground black pepper until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
4. Drench the chicken and rice mixture with the prepared sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly and evenly enrobed.
5. Carefully transfer the amalgamated mixture into the prepared baking dish, distributing it uniformly to promote consistent heating.
6. Enhance the dish’s textural complexity by sprinkling a delicate layer of Parmesan cheese and crisp breadcrumbs across the surface for an appetizing golden crust.
7. Position the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 20–25 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese melts into a luxurious, golden blanket.

Notes

• Optimize Rice Texture by using day-old rice or letting freshly cooked rice cool completely to prevent mushiness and maintain distinct grains.
• Create Dairy-Free Version by substituting cream of chicken soup with dairy-free alternative and using plant-based milk and cheese options for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Boost Nutritional Value by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower to increase fiber and vitamin content without compromising flavor.
• Elevate Flavor Profile by experimenting with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack to add depth and complexity to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg