Easy Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe That Kids Love

Crafting a delightful broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to any dining experience.

Cheesy layers meld together with crisp vegetable textures that dance across your plate.

Creamy sauces blend seamlessly with tender rice grains and vibrant green florets.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this hearty dish as a crowd-pleasing favorite.

Nutritious ingredients combine to create something truly magical on your dinner table.

Simple yet sophisticated, this recipe promises to become a staple in your meal rotation.

Each forkful offers a symphony of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Broccoli Rice Casserole Is Always A Family Favorite

• Create a Crowd-Pleasing Meal: This chicken, rice, and broccoli casserole delivers comfort food magic that brings everyone to the table with its irresistible combination of protein, grains, and vegetables.
• Master a Versatile Dinner Solution: Perfect for busy households, this one-pan wonder offers a complete meal that requires minimal prep and cleanup, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add extra seasonings to suit different taste preferences, transforming this recipe into a flexible dinner option that adapts to your family's cravings.
• Nutritionally Balanced Delight: Packed with lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and wholesome rice, this casserole provides a well-rounded meal that satisfies hunger and supports healthy eating.

What Goes Into Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a hearty base for the casserole and adds substantial texture.

• White Rice: A fluffy foundation that absorbs flavors and creates a comforting base for the dish.

• Broccoli Florets: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, crunch, and essential vitamins to the casserole.

• Milk, Heavy Cream: These creamy ingredients create a rich and smooth sauce that binds the casserole together.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a golden, gooey topping with deep flavor.

• Olive Oil: A heart-healthy oil used for sautéing chicken and vegetables with a subtle flavor.
• Garlic: A pungent ingredient that enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance the flavors of the ingredients.
• Breadcrumbs: A crispy topping that adds texture and a golden-brown finish to the casserole.

How To Prepare Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to get ready for our delicious creation.

Step 2: Cook Fluffy Rice

Prepare white rice following package directions, aiming for a slightly undercooked texture that’ll hold up during baking.

Step 3: Prepare Chicken Chunks

Slice chicken breast into consistent bite-sized cubes, sprinkling with salt and black pepper for a flavor boost.

Step 4: Sizzle The Chicken

Pour olive oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until it turns golden and is fully done, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 5: Trim Broccoli Pieces

Chop broccoli florets into small, even pieces to guarantee smooth distribution throughout the dish.

Step 6: Sauté Veggie Goodness

Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until aromatic, then toss in broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly soft.

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

Gently mix cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli in the prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.

Step 8: Create Creamy Base

Whisk milk and heavy cream together, then pour over the rice mixture to establish a rich, smooth foundation.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface, creating a generous, melty layer.

Step 10: Crisp It Up

Dust the top with breadcrumbs to develop a crunchy, golden-brown finish.

Step 11: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts and breadcrumbs turn golden brown.

Step 12: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and the dish to settle before serving.

Helpful Tips For Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Prevent Rice Mushiness: Cook rice slightly undercooked to maintain perfect texture when baked in the casserole.
• Maximize Chicken Flavor: Season and sauté chicken in a hot skillet to develop rich, golden-brown exterior and lock in juiciness.
• Create Even Broccoli Distribution: Chop florets into small, uniform pieces for consistent cooking and balanced flavor in every bite.
• Boost Creamy Consistency: Whisk milk and heavy cream thoroughly to ensure smooth, velvety sauce that binds all ingredients perfectly.
• Achieve Crispy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly and bake until golden brown for a delightful crunchy texture contrast.

Fun Variations Of Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace white rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly version that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the casserole's creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute milk and heavy cream with unsweetened almond milk and coconut cream, using nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese to accommodate dairy sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Protein Option: Swap chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, seasoned with similar spices to maintain the original flavor profile and protein content.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Incorporate feta cheese, add sun-dried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano to transform the casserole with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and herbs.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy casserole's rich cheese and chicken flavors, balancing the dish's warmth with its refreshing acidity.
• Create Zesty Side Salad: Toss mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs to cut through the casserole's richness, adding brightness and lightness to the meal.
• Match with Craft Pale Ale: Choose a citrusy, hoppy pale ale that provides a clean, crisp contrast to the creamy texture, enhancing the overall dining experience with its subtle bitterness.

How To Store Broccoli Rice Casserole The Right Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Wrap in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for extra protection against freezer burn.
• Place individual portion on microwave-safe plate, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes.

Your Top Questions About Broccoli Rice Casserole Answered

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this chicken broccoli rice casserole is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it in advance, refrigerate, and reheat portions throughout the week for quick, nutritious meals.

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the casserole to prevent watery results.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it maintains a fluffy texture and doesn’t become mushy during baking. Jasmine or basmati rice are great options.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nutrition in this delightful Broccoli Rice Casserole, blending creamy cheese with tender vegetables. Homemade goodness fills your plate with wholesome flavors that invite warm memories and satisfied smiles.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

main ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup white rice
• 1 lb chicken breast

side ingredients:

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

seasoning and extras:

• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prepare for the casserole assembly.
2. Cook white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s fluffy and slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
3. Dice chicken breast into uniform bite-sized cubes, seasoning with salt and black pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes.
5. Chop broccoli florets into small, manageable pieces to ensure even cooking and distribution throughout the casserole.
6. In the same skillet used for chicken, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add broccoli and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
7. Combine cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli in the prepared baking dish, mixing gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
8. Whisk milk and heavy cream together, then pour over the rice mixture to create a creamy base.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs to create a crispy, golden-brown topping.
11. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to meld together.

Notes

• Use slightly undercooked rice to prevent a mushy texture during baking, maintaining perfect grain consistency.
• Consider substituting chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s creamy essence.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like Swiss or Gruyère to create unique flavor profiles while maintaining the casserole’s comforting appeal.
• Add a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to boost the dish’s depth and introduce a subtle warming kick to the recipe.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 478
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg