The Perfect Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole becomes a delightful culinary adventure for home cooks seeking comfort.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions that please everyone at the table.

Hearty ingredients combine in a harmonious blend of textures and flavors that surprise and delight.

Childhood memories of warm, cheesy dishes come flooding back with each carefully layered ingredient.

Nutritious broccoli adds a vibrant green touch to this classic casserole, making it both delicious and wholesome.

cheese melts into golden, bubbling perfection, creating an irresistible golden crust that promises pure satisfaction.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making this irresistible dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Great

• Perfect for home cooks of all skill levels, this casserole requires minimal cooking techniques and basic mixing skills.
• Combine pre-cooked ingredients like chicken and rice with simple pantry staples, creating a delicious one-dish wonder that minimizes kitchen cleanup.
• Packed with familiar, crowd-pleasing flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, this cheesy casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Adaptable recipe allows easy ingredient swaps, making it ideal for using leftover proteins, vegetables, or exploring different cheese combinations to suit your family's taste preferences.

Ingredients in Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein base for the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable for nutrition and color.
• Cooked Rice: Hearty base that absorbs creamy sauce.

• Milk: Helps create smooth, creamy consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and richness to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melty topping that provides golden, gooey texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings for balanced taste.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy garnish for extra texture.

Steps for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up The Oven

Get your oven warming to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your delicious casserole.

Step 2: Combine Hearty Ingredients

• Tender cooked chicken
• Fresh broccoli florets
• Fluffy cooked rice

Step 3: Create A Creamy Magic Sauce

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

Step 4: Blend And Cheese It Up

Pour the creamy sauce over your chicken, broccoli, and rice.

Fold in most of the shredded cheese, gently mixing everything together so each bite will be packed with flavor.

Step 5: Prepare The Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for perfect cooking.

Step 6: Add The Cheesy Crown

Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty layer.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbly, irresistible topping.

Step 8: Optional Crispy Topping

For extra crunch, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Step 9: Rest And Serve

Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to settle before diving in and enjoying your comforting meal.

Tips to Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Swap chicken with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for extra flavor and convenience.
• Replace broccoli with cauliflower, spinach, or mixed vegetables to keep the dish exciting and nutritious.
• Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.
• Prepare the casserole ahead, freeze without baking, and thaw overnight before cooking for quick weeknight meals.
• Mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the cheese topping for an irresistible crunchy texture.

How to Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• 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 or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, lasting up to 3 months in the freezer.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, bake for 15-20 minutes, remove foil for the last 5 minutes to restore cheese's crispy texture.

What Goes with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Savor Refreshing White Wine Pairing: Crisp chardonnay perfectly complements the creamy cheese and chicken, cutting through the richness with its bright, subtle acidity.
• Create Crunchy Side Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's hearty, rich texture and add refreshing contrast.
• Serve Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread provides a delightful crispy accompaniment that soaks up the casserole's creamy sauce and adds extra flavor dimension.
• Select Zesty Pinot Grigio: Chilled pinot grigio offers a light, citrusy profile that enhances the dish's creamy elements while providing a clean, palate-cleansing finish.

Switch-Ups for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Gluten-Free Casserole: Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream soup using cornstarch and chicken broth. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for optional topping.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for protein and nutrients.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use full-fat cream cheese to maintain creamy texture and reduce overall carbohydrate content.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives. Use coconut milk or almond milk instead of regular milk and dairy-free sour cream substitute.

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 dish gluten-free?

Substitute cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version and use gluten-free rice to make the entire casserole gluten-free.

• How can I add more protein to this casserole?

Consider adding diced ham, cooked bacon bits, or increasing the amount of chicken for extra protein boost.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is ideal, but you can also use monterey jack, colby, or a blend of cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole delivers comfort and nostalgia in one delightful dish. Creamy textures and savory flavors combine perfectly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
• 2 cups broccoli florets

Grains and Dairy:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings and Toppings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F, preparing a comfortable cooking environment for a hearty meal.
2. Blend tender, chopped chicken pieces with vibrant broccoli florets and fluffy, pre-cooked rice in a spacious mixing vessel.
3. Craft a luxurious sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup with creamy milk, tangy sour cream, and a harmonious blend of garlic and onion powders, then season with salt and pepper.
4. Generously fold the silky sauce into the chicken-broccoli-rice mixture, incorporating a substantial portion of shredded cheese to enhance richness and flavor.
5. Gently transfer the creamy concoction into a well-greased 9×13 inch baking dish, ensuring an even distribution.
6. Sprinkle the remaining cheese across the surface, creating an enticing golden-brown topping.
7. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a bubbling, appetizing layer.
8. Optional: Scatter crispy fried onions over the top and return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes to achieve a delightful crunch.
9. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, helping the flavors meld and making serving easier.

Notes

• Cooking rice and chicken in advance saves time and makes assembly quick and effortless.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Replace rice with cauliflower rice to create a keto-friendly version that’s equally delicious and nutritious.
• Ensure broccoli and chicken are well-drained to maintain the casserole’s creamy consistency and avoid excess liquid.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 468
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 764 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg