The Creamiest Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Comfort arrives in a single skillet, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table.

Layers of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese create a harmonious blend that speaks directly to your hunger.

Hearty ingredients mingle together, promising a delicious experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Simple preparation meets incredible flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Creamy textures and rich seasonings combine to make each bite a celebration of home cooking.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this irresistible casserole.

Why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Is A Must-Make

• Savor Quick Family Comfort: Perfect for busy households with minimal prep and maximum flavor satisfaction.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins or vegetables based on preferences, making this recipe adaptable for picky eaters or dietary needs.
• Nutritious One-Pot Wonder: Combines protein, vegetables, and grains in a single delicious dish, providing balanced nutrition without multiple cooking steps.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dinner Solution: Delivers restaurant-quality taste with home-cooked warmth, guaranteed to please both kids and adults at the dinner table.

What Goes Into Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender meat that provides the main protein source for the casserole.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and a vibrant color to the dish.
• Onions, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a flavorful base for the casserole.

• Rice: A fluffy and versatile grain that serves as the hearty foundation of the casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: A creamy base that helps bind the ingredients and adds rich flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Provides additional depth and moisture to the casserole.
• Milk: Contributes to the creamy texture and helps blend the ingredients smoothly.

• Salt, Pepper, Dried Thyme: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Melty cheeses that create a golden, flavorful crust on top of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing vegetables and chicken, adding a subtle richness to the dish.

Easy Instructions For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F and give your baking dish a generous coating of cooking spray or butter to keep everything from sticking.

Step 2: Cook Fluffy Rice

Prepare rice following the package directions, aiming for light and separate grains. Set aside and let it cool down a bit.

Step 3: Season Chicken Chunks

Grab your chicken breasts and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, and dried thyme. Chop into uniform bite-sized pieces that will cook evenly.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatic Base

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic

Cook until they’re fragrant and turning translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Brown Chicken Perfectly

Add seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook until they’re golden and fully done, roughly 6-8 minutes.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Chicken broth
• Milk

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 7: Mix All Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Sautéed chicken
• Broccoli florets

Stir to distribute everything evenly.

Step 8: Prepare Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it out smoothly with a spatula.

Step 9: Add Cheesy Topping

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated parmesan cheese

Step 10: Bake Until Golden

Pop the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly, and slightly golden cheese on top.

Step 11: Rest And Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors mingle and makes serving easier.

Tips For The Creamiest Casserole

• Prevent Sticking Perfectly: Thoroughly grease the baking dish with butter or cooking spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
• Achieve Tender Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Use low-sodium chicken broth and consider adding a splash of white wine or fresh herbs like parsley for enhanced taste complexity.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce using cornstarch or gluten-free alternative to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Enhance Vegetable Nutrition: Steam broccoli briefly before adding to maintain vibrant color and prevent overcooking, preserving maximum nutritional value.

Ways To Mix Up Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, cubed and seasoned similarly. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Swap cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative or homemade cream sauce. Use gluten-free rice and verify all ingredient labels.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate option. Maintain the creamy texture and cheese topping while reducing overall carb content.
• Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Add diced green chiles, swap thyme for cumin and chili powder, and top with pepper jack cheese for a spicy southwestern flavor profile.

Sides That Go Perfectly With This Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the creamy casserole's rich texture, cutting through the cheesy layers with bright, refreshing acidity.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Crisp mixed greens with light vinaigrette dressing balance the hearty casserole, adding refreshing contrast and nutritional variety to the meal.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Side: Honey-glazed carrots or garlic-roasted asparagus enhance the dish's savory profile, providing additional vegetable depth and complementary flavors.
• Select Sparkling Water: Lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water cleanses the palate between bites, offering a light, hydrating accompaniment that doesn't overpower the casserole's delicate flavors.

How To Keep Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the casserole fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, preserving quality for up to 2 months.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, place casserole in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, adding a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture.

Your Questions On Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

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

• Can I use different protein options?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative that works well in this recipe.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce, use low-fat cheese, add more vegetables like spinach or carrots, and opt for brown rice to increase nutritional value.

• What if I don't have fresh broccoli?

No problem. You can use frozen broccoli (thawed and drained), or substitute with other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or mixed vegetables that complement the creamy texture.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45-55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole, a hearty one-pan wonder that brings family together. Creamy, cheesy goodness mingles with tender chicken and nutritious broccoli, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Vegetables:

• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup diced onions
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry and Liquid Ingredients:

• 2 cups uncooked white rice
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and thoroughly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook rice according to package instructions, ensuring fluffy and separate grains, then set aside to cool slightly.
3. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried thyme, then dice into uniform bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté diced onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, approximately 2-3 minutes.
5. Add seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet, cooking until golden brown and completely cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
6. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and milk, whisking until smooth and well-integrated.
7. Incorporate cooked rice, sautéed chicken, and broccoli florets into the creamy mixture, stirring to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a generous and even cheese layer.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown.
11. Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.

Notes

• Prep Ahead: Cook rice and chicken in advance to cut down total cooking time and make assembly faster.
• Customize Protein: Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
• Veggie Flexibility: Replace broccoli with cauliflower, zucchini, or mixed vegetables for variety and nutritional boost.
• Cheese Options: Use low-fat cheese or dairy-free alternatives to make the casserole lighter and accommodate lactose-intolerant diets.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg