If you’ve been searching for the perfect comfort food that hits all the right notes, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a heartwarming blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and ooey-gooey cheddar cheese, all baked to bubbling perfection. Every bite brings a cozy, satisfying flavor that’s just as great for weeknight dinners as it is for casual gatherings with loved ones. This recipe is pure home-cooked happiness in a dish, combining simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe shines because of its straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each element is thoughtfully chosen to make your casserole creamy, cheesy, and packed with wholesome goodness.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): Provides a fluffy, tender base that soaks up all the flavors perfectly.
- Cooked chicken breast (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Adds hearty protein and a meaty texture that makes the dish filling.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, steamed): Brings vibrant green color and just enough bite, balancing the richness.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): Creates a creamy, savory backbone to hold everything together.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Adds tangy creaminess that elevates the overall smoothness.
- Milk (½ cup): Keeps the casserole luscious without being too thick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses subtle warmth and depth to the flavor profile.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Complements the garlic with a mild sweetness and savoriness.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a gentle peppery kick that rounds out the seasoning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups, divided): The star ingredient that melts beautifully, making every bite irresistibly cheesy.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional): Provides a golden, crunchy topping for delightful texture contrast.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon, for topping): Helps the topping crisp up to perfection in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly with a lovely golden crust on top.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and combine the cooked rice, chicken, and steamed broccoli. Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until the mixture is well coated and creamy. This step blends all those flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Spread your cheesy, chicken-packed mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top, giving the dish that signature golden cheese layer that makes it so irresistible.
Step 4: Add the Topping and Bake
If you love a crunch, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter and scatter the mixture over the cheese layer. Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling hot and the topping is perfectly crispy.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe sit for about 5 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors settle and makes serving easier, so every scoop holds together nicely.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is delightful as is, fresh garnishes can add a vibrant touch. Try sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that balances the rich cheese perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a one-pan wonder that stands tall as a main meal, but pairing it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables adds lovely freshness and crunch. Think about a tangy cucumber salad or a simple citrus vinaigrette to lighten up your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins to wow your guests or make perfectly portioned lunches. You can even top each serving with a drizzle of hot sauce or a few avocado slices to add a new flavor dimension.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers just as tasty as fresh.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully. Prepare and bake the casserole as directed, then cool completely before wrapping it tightly in foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to ensure even reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place portions in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit covered with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave for a quicker option, but the oven helps retain that baked crisp on top.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa are excellent alternatives that add extra nutrition and a slightly nuttier flavor. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
Is this recipe suitable for using leftover chicken?
Yes, leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and is a great way to reduce waste. Just shred or cube the chicken before mixing it in with the other ingredients.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You can easily swap out the chicken for extra broccoli, mushrooms, or even tofu cubes. Using a vegetable broth-based cream soup will keep it vegetarian-friendly.
What can I do if I don’t have condensed cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade substitute using cream, chicken broth, flour, and seasonings. This gives you control over ingredients and reduces preservatives.
How do I make the topping extra crispy?
Using butter-coated crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs and ensuring you bake uncovered for the last 5-10 minutes will create that perfect golden crunch you’re craving.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s warm, comforting, and filled with flavors that bring everyone to the table eager for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this casserole is a delightful way to turn simple ingredients into a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug. Give it a try and watch it become an instant family favorite!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This hearty Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a deliciously comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole delivers a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and carbs with a cheesy, savory flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
Sauce and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese and Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded or cubed chicken breast, steamed broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixed casserole filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this buttery topping over the cheese layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving warm. This helps the casserole firm up for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice for a healthier twist.
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut if you want to save time.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for meal prep.
