Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Looking for a meal that is creamy, savory, and loved by the whole family? Look no further! This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer to your weeknight dinner dilemma. Picture tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all enveloped in a luscious blanket of melted cheese. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug, reminding you of heartwarming family dinners spent around the table.

Did you know that casseroles have been around since the 18th century? They have evolved into everyone’s favorite one-dish meals, perfect for busy families. What makes this casserole special is not just its comforting flavor, but how quickly it comes together. It’s a great way to sneak some veggies into your family’s diet while still being a satisfying meal. If you love this dish, you should also check out our classic Baked Ziti for a pasta twist on comfort food! So roll up your sleeves and let’s get cooking!

What is Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole?

You might be wondering, why the long name? Well, it’s hard to fit all that cheesy goodness into just one word! Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is like a delightful symphony of flavors in a single baking dish. Imagine chicken, rice, and broccoli mingling in a delightful cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. As they say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and this casserole surely plays its part with every delicious bite. So, gather those ingredients and let’s dive into a kitchen adventure that promises to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole hits all the right notes for a fantastic meal! First of all, it’s incredibly comforting—who can resist a warm dish topped with gooey cheese? Secondly, making this casserole at home is a wallet-friendly choice compared to dining out, allowing you to whip up a delicious meal for less. And let’s not forget the star ingredients! The tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce create a flavor explosion that is satisfying and healthy. If you love this recipe, you should definitely check out our Cheesy Cauliflower Bake, which shares the same love for cheesy, wholesome goodness!

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Quick Overview

This dish is not only easy to prepare but is also a complete meal that combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one bowl. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of around 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty meal in just under an hour. The standout feature? The creamy cheese sauce that makes every bite irresistible!

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole:

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled or boiled)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/2 cup French fried onions for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Crispy Topping (Optional): In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle French fried onions on top for an added crunch.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious casserole!

What to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole With

Pair this delightful casserole with a fresh green salad or some crusty garlic bread to balance out the creamy flavors. A side of roasted vegetables adds a colorful and nutritious touch to your meal. For drinks, consider a light lemonade or a sparkling water infused with lemon and mint—it will perfectly complement the richness of the casserole without overwhelming your palate!

Top Tips for Perfecting Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

To take your casserole game to the next level, here are some top tips:

• Use Leftovers: This is a great recipe for using up leftover chicken or vegetables you have in the fridge.
• Cream of Chicken Substitute: If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, replace it with cream of mushroom or a homemade cheese sauce.
• Add More Flavor: Consider adding some chopped onion or bell peppers for an extra flavor kick. You can also season with Italian herbs or paprika for a twist.
• Avoid Overcooking Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, make sure not to overcook it before adding it to the casserole—slightly undercooked works best!

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so good!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 3 months! Before freezing, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. To reheat frozen casserole, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake at 350°F for about 30-40 minutes, or until bubbly.

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is sure to become a family favorite! So why not gather your ingredients and whip it up tonight? You won’t regret it!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

A creamy and savory casserole featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in melted cheese, perfect for weeknight dinners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (grilled or boiled)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup French fried onions optional for topping

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, diced chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir the mixture until all the ingredients are well combined and coated in the creamy sauce.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Baking

1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
2. In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle French fried onions on top for an added crunch.
3. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use leftover chicken or vegetables. Consider a vegetarian version with cream of mushroom. Avoid overcooking broccoli for optimal texture.