Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole that combines hearty ingredients into one delightful dish.

Simple yet satisfying, this recipe blends tender chicken pieces with fresh broccoli florets and fluffy rice.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling top that promises pure deliciousness.

Every forkful promises a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy goodness.

The casserole delivers a warm, nostalgic feel that reminds you of home-cooked meals.

Rich flavors and easy preparation make this a go-to meal for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.

Prepare to savor each comforting bite of this irresistible classic.

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up this delightful casserole with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and hearty.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crunchy corn flake topping that makes every bite exciting and delicious.
• Versatile One-Dish Dish: Combine protein, vegetables, and grains in a single pan, reducing cleanup and making meal preparation a breeze with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner parties where you want to serve a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that'll have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the heart of this hearty casserole.
• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color.
• Rice: Fluffy base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty goodness that creates creamy comfort.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth sauce that brings everything together.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient that adds richness to the dish.

• Corn Flakes, Butter: Crispy golden topping that provides a delightful crunch.

• Salt, Pepper, Herbs: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Hearty Ingredients

• Cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Your favorite seasoning blend (like garlic powder, salt, and pepper)

Mix everything until it’s perfectly blended and looks super inviting.

Step 3: Create a Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle crushed corn flakes evenly across the top of your casserole mixture.

This will give you an amazing crispy layer.

Step 4: Add the Golden Touch

Drizzle melted butter over the corn flake topping.

This will help create a gorgeous golden-brown crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is steaming hot and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Pull out your bubbling, cheesy creation and serve immediately.

Watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Helpful Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Swap corn flakes with breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers for a different crunchy texture that adds delightful contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Pat chicken and broccoli dry before mixing to reduce excess moisture and maintain the casserole's perfect consistency.
• Mix different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Prepare the entire casserole ahead of time and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking, which helps blend flavors and saves preparation time.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a vegetarian version, or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter alternative.

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• For quick reheating, place a portion on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of milk to restore moisture if needed.

What Pairs Well with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complement its cheesy flavors.
• Serve Tangy Side Salad: Create a fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty casserole and provide a refreshing contrast to its warm, comforting profile.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a simple roasted vegetable side with zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots to enhance the dish's nutritional value and add colorful variety to the meal.
• Complement with Chilled Cucumber Slaw: Craft a cool, crunchy cucumber slaw with dill and light yogurt dressing to provide a crisp counterpoint to the casserole's creamy consistency.

Different Twists on Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter base and add extra protein.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken cream soup and add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use dairy-free mayonnaise and coconut milk-based cream soup for a lactose-free version.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

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

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce as an alternative. Both will provide similar creamy texture and flavor to the casserole.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup, swap corn flakes for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole brings creamy goodness to dinner tables with classic homestyle charm. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or any other cooked chicken)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, broken down into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese

Creamy Components:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (can use low-sodium or Healthy Request)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Topping and Seasoning:

• 1/2 to 3/4 cup crushed corn flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Garlic powder to taste
• Onion powder to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F and coating a 9×13 inch baking vessel with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
2. Shred or cube the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the casserole.
3. Chop the broccoli into small, manageable florets that will distribute evenly and cook consistently within the dish.
4. In the prepared baking dish, gently fold together the chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, pre-cooked rice, shredded cheese, and mayonnaise until ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
5. Season the mixture with your preferred herbs and spices, creating a balanced and flavorful base for the casserole.
6. Crush corn flakes into fine, uneven crumbs to create a crunchy, textured topping that will provide delightful contrast to the creamy mixture.
7. Evenly scatter the crushed corn flakes across the surface of the casserole, covering the entire dish with a light, crispy layer.
8. Melt butter and delicately drizzle it over the corn flake topping, ensuring complete and uniform coverage.
9. Transfer the casserole to the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown topping and ensuring the interior is thoroughly heated.
10. Remove from oven and allow to rest for a few minutes before serving, letting the flavors meld and the casserole set slightly.
11. Serve warm, showcasing the creamy interior and crisp, golden topping for a satisfying comfort food experience.

Notes

• Customize protein by swapping chicken with turkey, tofu, or canned tuna for dietary variety.
• Reduce calorie content by using low-fat cheese, light mayonnaise, and Greek yogurt instead of traditional ingredients.
• Make the dish gluten-free by substituting corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
• Boost vegetable nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to increase fiber and vitamins.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg