Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Nothing says comfort quite like a warm, hearty casserole, and our Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole promises to deliver all the flavors and textures you crave. This dish combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce, making for an aromatic and satisfying meal that’s easily loved by all members of the family. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a cozy gathering, this casserole is simple yet packed with depth—they’ll be coming back for seconds!

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (or butter for sautéing)
• Optional: additional cheese for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly bubbly.

2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the diced onions. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, sautéed chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until well mixed.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle with extra cheese if desired.

6. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through. You may want to broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden crispy top.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

1. Use Leftover Chicken: To save time, use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep. Shred it and mix it with the other ingredients for a super easy meal.

2. Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.

3. Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a unique flavor profile.

4. Add Flavor: For a flavor boost, consider adding a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a splash of soy sauce to the creamy mixture.

5. Casserole Consistency: If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the amount of cream of chicken soup or milk slightly.

Variations and Substitutions

• Healthy Swaps: For a lighter version, replace cream soup with plain Greek yogurt or lower-fat cream and use brown rice instead of white.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or textured vegetable protein for a delicious vegetarian casserole without sacrificing protein.
• Grain Alternatives: Quinoa or cauliflower rice can be substituted for traditional rice for a low-carb option.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storing: Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 3-5 minutes.

FAQ

1. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes if baking directly from the fridge.

2. What can I serve with chicken broccoli rice casserole?
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner.

3. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice can add a nutty flavor and is a healthier choice with added fiber.

4. How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly and the filling is heated all the way through. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

5. Is this dish freezable?
Yes! It freezes well. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container, and defrost it in the refrigerator before reheating.

Nutrition Estimate

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty and nutritious option, with approximately 400 calories per serving. Each serving contains about 30 grams of protein, 45 grams of carbs, and 15 grams of fat, making it a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied. With rich flavors, creamy textures, and the healthy benefits of broccoli, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again. Enjoy your cooking!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A warm, hearty casserole combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) Use leftover rice for convenience.
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets Frozen broccoli should be thawed and drained.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.
• 1 cup cream of chicken soup For a lighter version, consider plain Greek yogurt.
• 1/2 cup milk Adjust for desired creaminess.
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil Can substitute with butter for sautéing.
• Optional amount additional cheese for topping Top with extra cheese if desired.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sauté until cooked through and lightly browned, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from heat.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onions and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, sautéed chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
• Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spread evenly, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly and casserole is hot. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes for a crispy top.
• Remove from the oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then serve hot.

Notes

Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or microwave portions for 3-5 minutes. For storage tips and variations, see the notes above.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Family Meal, Hearty Dinner