Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe for Family Nights

Crafting a delightful chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Hearty ingredients combine in a single dish that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Cheesy layers meld perfectly between tender chicken and vibrant green broccoli florets.

Weeknight meals become extraordinary with this simple yet impressive recipe.

Home cooks appreciate how quickly everything comes together in one pan.

Each bite offers a harmonious blend of protein, vegetables, and creamy rice.

You’ll find this casserole becomes an instant favorite that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Dive into this recipe and watch your family request seconds!

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A tender, protein-rich base that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy, comforting grain that provides a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and vitamins to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp, melty cheese that creates a creamy and flavorful topping.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients together.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for a delicious comfort meal.

Step 2: Mix Your Flavor Explosion

• Tender shredded chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Fresh chopped broccoli
• Creamy condensed soup
• Smooth milk
• Zesty garlic powder
• Sweet onion powder
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Stir everything together until perfectly combined.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Fold in a generous handful of shredded cheddar cheese, creating pockets of melty goodness throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.

Step 5: Pour And Spread

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Top With More Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, creating a golden, crispy cheese layer.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly, melted cheese top and heated-through center.

Step 8: Serve And Savor

Pull out the casserole, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Cook rice beforehand and let it cool slightly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
• Sauté garlic and onions before mixing to enhance the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become perfectly creamy.
• Replace chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein for dietary variety.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach to increase nutritional value and color.

Variations on Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using plant-based cream soup and adding extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular rice with cauliflower rice and use gluten-free cream soup to make the casserole safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice and use Greek yogurt instead of milk to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, coconut milk in place of regular milk, and dairy-free cream soup to create a lactose-free casserole.

Serving Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Comfort Plate Companion: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors and add fresh crunch.
• Protein Power-Up: Add a side of grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or carrots to boost the nutritional value and create a more complete meal.
• Bread Basket Buddy: Pair with warm garlic bread, buttery dinner rolls, or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add extra texture.
• Weekend Crowd Pleaser: Perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, this casserole can easily be doubled and travels well in a covered dish for shared meals.

Storing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days, ensuring freshness and food safety.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F, ensuring even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or boiled chicken breasts are all excellent choices. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not automatically. Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade sauce to ensure the dish is gluten-free. Check all ingredient labels carefully.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole That Comforts

• Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Combine ingredients quickly in a single bowl, then bake – perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Kid-Friendly Comfort Food: Cheesy, creamy texture and mild seasonings make this a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love, transforming vegetables into an irresistible meal.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Easily swap ingredients like using different proteins or adding extra vegetables, making this recipe a flexible option for using what you have on hand.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this delightful Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, blending hearty ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal. Hearty home cooks will savor each cheesy, wholesome bite of this classic family-friendly dinner that delivers warmth and nourishment in every forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken

Vegetables:

• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk

Canned and Creamy Components:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. In a spacious mixing vessel, amalgamate the tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets with creamy condensed soup, rich milk, aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, and a pinch of seasoning.
3. Fold in a generous portion of sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until the ingredients are thoroughly integrated and coated.
4. Transfer the creamy mixture into a well-greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
5. Garnish the surface with a blanket of remaining shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum flavor and golden-brown appeal.
6. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to transform into a bubbling, molten topping and the edges to turn a delicate golden hue.
7. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, allowing the ingredients to settle and flavors to meld before serving piping hot.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and checking cheese ingredients.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots or peas to increase vegetable content and enhance nutritional profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg