Warm Family Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole that promises to satisfy every craving.

Creamy, cheesy layers meld together in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among fluffy rice and vibrant broccoli florets.

Each forkful delivers a delightful mix of protein, vegetables, and rich, melted cheese.

The casserole comes together effortlessly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with savory goodness, this dish will become a staple in your meal rotation.

One bite, and you’ll understand why this casserole is a total crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with a delightful crunch.
• Chicken: Tender and protein-packed meat for a hearty meal.
• Rice: Fluffy and filling base for the casserole.
• Cheese: Creamy and melty ingredient that adds rich flavor.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Smooth and savory sauce for added depth.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that enhances the casserole's richness.
• Butter: Silky ingredient that brings luxurious taste.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps blend ingredients.

• Onion: Aromatic vegetable that provides subtle sweetness.
• Processed Cheese: Meltable cheese that creates a creamy texture.

Step-by-Step for Chicken Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn on the oven and set the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, preparing it for your delicious casserole creation.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Boil water in a medium saucepan and add instant rice.

Cover the pan, remove from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the liquid perfectly.

Step 3: Combine Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Chunk chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Butter
• Milk
• Broccoli
• Onion
• Processed cheese

Step 4: Bake and Melt

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 36 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, give the casserole a gentle stir to help the cheese melt evenly and create a creamy, delicious texture.

The casserole is ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly, creating a golden, appetizing top layer.

Tips for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Bake

• Let rice sit covered after boiling to ensure perfect, fluffy texture that absorbs liquid beautifully.
• Stir casserole midway through baking to help cheese melt evenly and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Swap chunk chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary preferences and variety.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color.
• Drain canned chicken thoroughly to prevent excess liquid and maintain ideal casserole consistency.

Best Way to Reheat Chicken Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Seal completely cooled casserole in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, lasting up to 3 months for maximum quality.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through, adding extra cheese if desired.
• Warm individual portions on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway to ensure even heating, checking temperature to prevent overcooking.

What Sides Pair with This Casserole

• Enhance Flavor Companions: Crisp white wine like Chardonnay perfectly complements the creamy casserole's rich texture and balances its savory profile.
• Zesty Side Kick: Fresh garden salad with light vinaigrette dressing cuts through the dish's richness and adds vibrant, refreshing contrast.
• Temperature Harmony: Serve warm crusty bread alongside the casserole to soak up extra cheese sauce and provide delightful textural variation.
• Palate Cleanser: Chilled cucumber and mint water helps reset taste buds between bites and lightens the meal's overall heaviness.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole Flavor Options

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu cubes or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable broth instead of cream soups for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups with gluten-free alternatives, use brown rice, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Sodium Adaptation: Use reduced-sodium cream soups, unsalted butter, and substitute processed cheese with low-sodium cheddar cheese to decrease salt content.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk, use dairy-free cheese substitute, and select plant-based cream soup alternatives for lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chunk chicken?

Yes, you can use cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken as a fresh alternative to canned chunk chicken.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. It reheats well and stays delicious for 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, and ensure the processed cheese is gluten-free. Double-check all ingredient labels carefully.

• What are some optional add-ins to boost nutrition?

Consider adding sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a sprinkle of sliced almonds on top for extra texture and nutritional value. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables instead of just broccoli.

What Makes Broccoli Chicken Casserole So Good

• Whip Up Comfort: This casserole delivers ultimate comfort food with minimal effort, perfect for busy families seeking a delicious, hearty meal that satisfies everyone.
• Simplify Cooking: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this recipe beginner-friendly, allowing even novice cooks to create a tasty dinner without stress.
• Pack Nutritious Goodness: Combines protein-rich chicken, fiber-packed broccoli, and filling rice, offering a balanced meal that sneaks healthy ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for potlucks, family dinners, and weeknight meals, this casserole adapts easily and brings people together with its comforting, cheesy appeal.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken and broccoli casserole combines comfort ingredients for a satisfying meal that brings family together. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome rice create a delicious one-dish wonder you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
• 2 cups uncooked instant rice
• 2 (10.1 ounces / 286 grams) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 1 pound (454 grams) processed cheese food

Soup and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups water

Other Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small white onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the rice by bringing water to a rolling boil in a saucepan, then add instant rice, cover, and let it steam off the heat for 5 minutes until fluffy and tender.
2. Create a harmonious blend in a spacious baking dish by gently mixing the cooked rice with tender chunk chicken, creamy mushroom and chicken soups, melted butter, and milk.
3. Incorporate chopped broccoli florets and diced onions into the mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Crumble processed cheese throughout the casserole, allowing it to mingle with the other components and create a rich, cohesive base.
5. Transfer the baking dish to a preheated oven set at 350°F, positioning it in the center rack for consistent heat circulation.
6. Bake the casserole for approximately 30-36 minutes, pausing midway to stir and promote uniform cheese melting and prevent potential scorching.
7. Verify the casserole’s readiness by checking for a golden, bubbling cheese surface and ensuring all ingredients are heated thoroughly.
8. Remove from the oven and allow the dish to rest for a few minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber and nutrition, keeping cooking time and liquid ratios consistent.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save preparation time and enhance flavor complexity.
• Replace processed cheese with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more sophisticated taste profile and reduced preservatives.
• Consider adding slivered almonds or breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch and textural contrast during the final 10 minutes of baking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 36 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 445
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 930 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 69 mg