The Ultimate Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

This hearty broccoli casserole blends comfort and nutrition in one delightful dish.

Families crave meals that feel like warm hugs from the kitchen.

Tender chicken pieces mingle with fluffy rice, creating a satisfying texture.

Melted cheese binds everything together in a creamy, irresistible embrace.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical when mixed with love and care.

Gathering around the table, sharing smiles and savoring every single bite.

Why Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Is A Family Favorite

• Comfort Food Champion: This casserole wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug with its creamy texture and hearty combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli that feels like a loving home-cooked meal.
• Quick and Effortless Cooking: Requires minimal prep time, uses simple ingredients, and comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners when you want something delicious without complicated steps.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and calcium from cheese, this dish delivers a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients for the whole family.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different cheeses, add extra vegetables, or swap proteins, ensuring it adapts to various taste preferences and dietary needs while keeping everyone happy at the dinner table.

Everything In Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Hearty protein that provides substantial flavor and filling nutrition, best when cooked and shredded or diced.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds rich flavor and helps bind ingredients together.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheeses that create a melty, golden topping with deep savory notes, sharp cheddar recommended for best flavor.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy texture and subtle tanginess to the casserole.
• Milk: Helps create smooth, cohesive mixture.

• Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable that adds color and nutrients, fresh or frozen works well.
• Rice: Provides hearty base and absorbs flavors, white or brown rice can be used.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Optional crispy topping for added texture and golden finish.

Steps To Bake Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Dish

Heat the oven to 350F (175C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and coat it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Broccoli

• Bring water to a rolling boil
• Drop broccoli into boiling water
• Cook for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green
• Drain immediately and set aside

• Thaw completely
• Pat dry with paper towels

Step 3: Create Flavor Base

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Cooked rice
• Blanched broccoli
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything until ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Build the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Spread it out smoothly and evenly.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping

• Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter
• Sprinkle over the casserole
• Scatter extra shredded cheddar on top

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden and edges bubble with cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Pair with a light green salad or warm dinner rolls for a complete meal that’ll make everyone happy.

Tips To Get Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Right

• Maximize Vegetable Nutrition: Blanch broccoli briefly to retain its vibrant color, crisp texture, and maximum nutrient content, ensuring a healthier, more delicious casserole.
• Create Creamy Texture: Use full-fat sour cream and cheese for a rich, smooth consistency that elevates the overall taste and mouthfeel of the dish.
• Boost Flavor Complexity: Experiment with different cheese varieties like smoked gouda or pepper jack to add depth and unexpected taste dimensions to the classic recipe.
• Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb version, or use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make the casserole suitable for various dietary restrictions.
• Prevent Soggy Topping: Toast breadcrumbs separately before adding to ensure a crispy, golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch and texture to the casserole.

How To Store And Reheat Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

• Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will keep fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Reheating Oven Method: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave Option: Transfer a single serving to a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until the internal temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption.

Side Ideas For Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

• Complement with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly balance the creamy, cheesy casserole with their bright, refreshing acidity, cutting through the richness and enhancing the dish's flavors.
• Elevate with Fresh Garden Salad: Toss a light mixed greens salad with vinaigrette dressing to provide a zesty, crunchy contrast to the warm, comforting casserole, adding freshness and balancing the meal's heaviness.
• Serve Alongside Crusty Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread helps soak up the delicious cheesy sauce, offering an extra layer of texture and complementing the casserole's creamy consistency.
• Pair with Chilled Sparkling Water: A crisp, effervescent sparkling water with a slice of lemon cleanses the palate between bites, refreshing your taste buds and preventing the meal from feeling too heavy.

Flavor Mixes For Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

• Spicy Southwest Splash: Replace cheddar with pepper jack cheese, add diced green chilies, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty Mexican-inspired casserole that brings bold southwestern flavors.
• Mediterranean Herb Harmony: Swap chicken with ground lamb, introduce crumbled feta cheese, oregano, and diced roasted red peppers to create a Mediterranean-style comfort dish with rich, aromatic notes.
• Veggie Lovers' Paradise: Substitute chicken with extra firm tofu or white beans, incorporate additional vegetables like cauliflower, spinach, and mushrooms for a protein-packed vegetarian version that keeps the creamy texture.
• Seafood Coastal Comfort: Replace chicken with flaked white fish or shrimp, use white cheddar, add fresh dill, and incorporate a splash of lemon juice for a light, oceanic twist that feels fresh and elegant.

FAQs About Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole

• Is this casserole good for meal prep?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully and stays fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners during busy weeks.

• Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works great, but you’ll need to adjust cooking time and potentially add a bit more liquid since brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs more moisture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Try using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutrition. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein option.

• What if I'm lactose intolerant?

No problem! Substitute dairy ingredients with lactose-free alternatives like lactose-free milk, dairy-free cheese, and dairy-free cream of chicken soup to enjoy this comforting casserole.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole brings comfort and flavor to family dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Starches and Vegetables:

• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

Dairy and Seasoning:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Topping:

• ¼ cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking environment by warming the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with grease.
2. Transform broccoli into a tender state through quick blanching in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, ensuring a vibrant green color. Alternatively, completely defrost frozen broccoli and eliminate excess moisture.
3. Create a harmonious blend by combining shredded chicken, fluffy rice, prepared broccoli, creamy soup, tangy sour cream, sharp cheddar, nutty Parmesan, smooth milk, aromatic garlic powder, subtle onion powder, optional smoky paprika, and seasoning elements.
4. Transfer the unified mixture into the prepared baking dish, distributing evenly across the surface. Enhance textural complexity by sprinkling buttered breadcrumbs and additional cheddar cheese atop the casserole.
5. Slide the assembled dish into the preheated oven, allowing heat to transform the ingredients for 25-30 minutes until the surface turns golden and edges bubble with appetizing intensity.
6. Allow the casserole a brief resting period of 5 minutes after removing from oven, permitting flavors to settle. Complement the main dish with a crisp salad or warm dinner rolls for a satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Enhance the dish’s nutrition by using brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber and minerals.
• Swap out cream of chicken soup for a homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients if watching salt intake.
• Make this casserole vegetarian by replacing chicken with firm tofu, white beans, or roasted cauliflower for protein alternatives.
• Customize the cheese blend by mixing in smoked gouda or pepper jack for an unexpected flavor twist that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg