Craving something hearty, comforting, and family-approved? This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole hits all the right notes! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, it’s the perfect easy dinner idea for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re searching for quick comfort food, budget-friendly meals, or healthy-ish casserole options, this dish checks all the boxes. Bonus: it’s super customizable and freezer-friendly — exactly what you need in your easy recipe rotation.
If you’re looking to satisfy your family’s cravings without spending hours in the kitchen, this casserole makes for a delightful option. In just 45 minutes, you can whip up a hearty meal that everyone will love! Plus, with the combination of chicken, rice, cheese, and vegetables, this dish offers a well-rounded nutrition profile, making it a fantastic choice for those trying to incorporate more wholesome ingredients into their diets. The creamy texture combined with the cheesy goodness will surely become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is perfect for busy evenings—you just mix everything and bake!
- Versatile: Customize it to your taste by adding your favorite veggies or proteins.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make a double batch, freeze one, and enjoy it later without any hassle!
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy, comforting casserole.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from chicken and broccoli.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into the cooking process, it’s crucial to have your kitchen organized for smooth cooking. Begin by gathering all your ingredients: cooked chicken, cooked white rice, steamed broccoli, and the various seasonings. Make sure to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking by the time your casserole is assembled. You’ll need a large mixing bowl for combining the ingredients and a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to hold your casserole while it bakes.
If you have parchment paper, lining the baking dish can make cleanup easier. Additionally, consider keeping a spatula on hand to help spread the mixture evenly in the dish. This dish is all about convenience, so ensure you have everything prepped before you start. If you can, measure out your spices ahead of time. This will save you from scrambling in the middle of the mixing process.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or thawed if frozen
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is an essential step as it ensures that your casserole bakes evenly. While the oven heats, lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish. The grease will help prevent sticking and allow for easy serving once the casserole is baked.
Step 2: Cook Your Ingredients
If your chicken and rice are not already prepared, take this time to get them cooked. Shred or dice the chicken as desired. For optimal results, steam or blanch fresh broccoli until it reaches a tender-state but remains bright green—this will enhance the overall color and texture of your dish. If you’re using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed properly.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli with the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Add in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, along with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to suit your taste. Mix everything together thoroughly until well-combined, allowing all the flavors to meld perfectly.
Step 4: Transfer and Top
Carefully transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly across the bottom. This ensures that every bite will have a balanced portion of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese. Once spread evenly, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top to create that delicious, golden crust as it bakes.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Now it’s time for the magic to happen! Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. Keep an eye on it to ensure the cheese bubbles and becomes slightly golden—this is when it’s at its best.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5–10 minutes. This resting time is essential as it helps the casserole set, allowing for cleaner servings. Enjoy your delicious Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole with your family or friends!
Variations
- Protein: Swap the chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Vegetables: Try adding peas, carrots, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Spices: Feel free to experiment with spices like paprika, Italian seasoning, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Cooking Notes
- Make sure to use cooked chicken and rice—this helps speed up the preparation process.
- Mix the ingredients really well to ensure every bite is flavorful.
- If you prefer a creamier casserole, consider adding more sour cream or even cream cheese.
- For a crunchier top, broil the casserole for a minute at the end of baking, watching it closely to prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side salad to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pair with garlic bread for a comforting meal.
Tips
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
- This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and assemble it ahead of time. Just cover it and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute with cream of mushroom soup if you prefer.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Yes! Feel free to add or substitute with your favorite vegetables like spinach or zucchini for a nutritious twist.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving for best results.
Conclusion
This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food you can easily customize to fit your family’s taste preferences. Every bite brings a heavenly medley of creamy, cheesy goodness paired with nutritious ingredients like chicken and broccoli. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or prepping meals for the week, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So next time you’re in need of an easy recipe for the whole family, remember to give this casserole a try! Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your thoughts or variations you’ve tried, and feel free to share this recipe with friends and family!
Print
Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or thawed if frozen
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for added richness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare your chicken and rice if not already cooked. Steam or blanch broccoli until tender and bright green.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ¾ cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish, spreading evenly, and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Protein: 30 g