Crowd-Pleasing Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Creamy cheese blends seamlessly with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, creating a delightful one-pan meal.

The combination of simple ingredients transforms an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Packed with protein and nutrients, this casserole delivers both flavor and nutrition in every single bite.

Each forkful brings together the rich, melted cheese and savory chicken with perfectly cooked rice and crisp broccoli.

The golden, bubbling top hints at the deliciousness waiting beneath.

Dive into this hearty dish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything Inside Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Rice: Provides hearty foundation, choose long-grain white rice for perfect texture and fluffy consistency.
• Chicken: Lean protein source, use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenient, tender meat.
• Broccoli: Adds nutritious green element, select fresh crisp florets for vibrant color and crunch.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates rich, smooth base, opt for low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Milk: Enhances creaminess and helps blend ingredients, whole milk provides deeper flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic depth, ensures even seasoning throughout casserole.
• Onion Powder: Contributes gentle savory undertone, blends seamlessly with other ingredients.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor, select sharp variety for more intense taste profile.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances overall seasoning, adjust according to personal preference.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds bright, fresh visual appeal and subtle herbaceous note.

Kitchen Must-Haves For Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Large Bowl: Essential for mixing all casserole ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Perfect for preparing and baking the entire casserole comfortably.
• Measuring Cups: Helpful for accurately measuring rice, milk, and cheese quantities.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for mixing ingredients smoothly without breaking rice grains.
• Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping fresh parsley as optional garnish.
• Cheese Grater: Recommended if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese.

How To Prepare Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Warm Kitchen Preparation

Grab a spacious baking dish and lightly coat it with cooking spray. This will prevent any sticky situations when serving your delicious creation.

• Comfort Food Mixing

In a generous mixing bowl, combine tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets. Pour in creamy soup and a splash of milk, then sprinkle in aromatic seasonings. Stir everything until the ingredients dance together in delightful harmony.

• Cheesy Topping Magic

Transfer the hearty mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly like a cozy blanket. Generously shower the top with a cascade of sharp cheddar cheese, creating a golden, melty crown.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the dish into a preheated oven at 375°F. Let the casserole bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden landscape and the edges turn slightly crispy.

• Comfort Served

Carefully remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This short pause allows the flavors to settle and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the warm, comforting embrace of this classic dish.

Flavor Tips For Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Cheesy Comfort Boosters: Smart Tips & Tasty Twists
• Meal Prep Magic: Cook rice and chicken in advance to slash preparation time. Shred chicken while still warm for easier mixing and faster casserole assembly.
• Texture Upgrade: Toast breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top for an extra crispy golden layer that adds delightful crunch to every bite.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace chicken with cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for flexible dietary needs. Each protein brings its own delicious character to the dish.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Substitute regular milk with unsweetened almond milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Choose vegan cream of mushroom soup to create a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on rich, creamy flavor.
• Veggie Volume: Expand nutritional profile by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, cauliflower, or spinach. These additions boost color, vitamins, and overall taste without changing the fundamental recipe structure.

Ways To Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Family-Style Feast: Invite loved ones to gather around the table and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal together.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to boost nutritional value and add freshness.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining casserole into lunch wraps by rolling the mixture in tortillas or topping a bed of mixed greens for a quick next-day meal.
• Game Night Delight: Serve as a crowd-pleasing dish during movie or sports gatherings, where its cheesy goodness will be a guaranteed hit with friends and family.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Storage Guide

• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare a double batch of this casserole and divide into individual portions for quick weeknight meals. Refrigerate extra servings in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go lunches or dinners.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Store for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Cook rice and shred chicken in advance during meal prep days. Store separately in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making assembly lightning-fast when you're ready to make the casserole.
• Leftover Magic: Refresh cold casserole by adding a splash of milk when reheating to restore creamy texture. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming and prevent drying out.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Comforting easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings warmth to family dinner tables with its creamy, satisfying layers. Home cooks can quickly prepare this hearty meal that promises delicious satisfaction in every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (300 g) cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 ½ cups (150 g) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 cups (400 g) cooked white or brown rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup (120 ml) milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent ingredients from adhering during cooking.
2. Ingredient Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli in a large mixing bowl, creating a robust foundational layer for the casserole.
3. Creamy Transformation: Incorporate condensed chicken soup and milk, stirring thoroughly to develop a rich, velvety consistency that binds the ingredients together.
4. Seasoning Elevation: Sprinkle garlic and onion powders throughout the mixture, infusing depth and complexity into the overall flavor profile.
5. Cheese Integration: Fold the majority of cheddar cheese into the mixture, reserving a portion for the final golden topping that will provide textural contrast.
6. Dish Assembly: Transfer the blended mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution that guarantees uniform cooking and consistent taste.
7. Cheese Crowning: Generously scatter the remaining cheese across the surface, creating a golden, crisp layer that will melt into a delectable crust.
8. Baking Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, bronzed masterpiece with appetizing texture.
9. Resting Period: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, permitting flavors to meld and ingredients to stabilize.
10. Final Touch: Optional garnish with freshly chopped parsley to introduce a vibrant visual element and subtle herbaceous note before serving.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Texture: Shred chicken while warm to ensure tender, easily separated pieces that blend seamlessly into the casserole’s creamy consistency.
• Prevent Soggy Base: Ensure rice is slightly undercooked before mixing, as it will continue absorbing moisture during baking, maintaining a perfect texture without becoming mushy.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Grate cheese directly before adding to guarantee maximum melting potential and prevent clumping, creating a smooth, even cheese distribution.
• Dietary Adaptation Options: Substitute regular milk with almond or coconut milk for lactose-free version; use cauliflower rice for low-carb alternative; replace chicken with tofu for vegetarian adaptation.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg