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There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole straight from the oven, especially on those busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. I remember the first time I whipped up this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for my family; the aroma of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice baking together had everyone gathered in the kitchen before it even hit the table. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a hug in food form, blending simple ingredients into something hearty and delicious.
I’ve tweaked this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole over the years to make it even easier—using pantry staples and just one dish to minimize cleanup. If you’re looking for a go-to meal that’s nutritious yet indulgent, this is it. What I love most is how versatile it is; you can customize it to your taste while keeping that classic, crowd-pleasing flavor. Today, I’m excited to share my version of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with you, complete with tips to make it foolproof. Let’s dive in and get cooking!
In my experience, recipes like this chicken bacon ranch casserole or French onion chicken orzo casserole always win over picky eaters, and this one is no exception.
Key Takeaways:
- This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for family dinners, packed with protein and veggies.
- Prep and cook in under an hour, making it ideal for busy schedules without sacrificing flavor.
- Creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and crisp broccoli creates an irresistible taste profile.
- Use fresh broccoli for the best texture, and don’t skip the cheese topping for that golden finish.
- Leftovers store easily and reheat beautifully for quick lunches throughout the week.
Why You’ll Adore This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Nothing beats the cozy vibes of a homemade casserole that brings everyone to the table. This dish combines familiar ingredients in a way that’s satisfying for kids and adults alike. I’ve seen it become a staple in so many homes, just like it has in mine.
Nutrient-Packed and Balanced: Loaded with lean chicken, wholesome rice, and fresh broccoli, it sneaks in those greens without anyone complaining. It’s a smart way to boost your meal’s nutrition while keeping things delicious and hearty. Plus, the cheese adds that indulgent touch we all crave.
Effortless Preparation: You don’t need to be a kitchen pro to nail this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole—it’s forgiving and straightforward. With minimal chopping and mixing, you’ll have dinner ready in no time. Here’s the thing: it’s perfect for meal prepping too.
Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight meal or potluck contribution, this casserole shines. I love how it pairs with so many sides, making it adaptable to your menu. Let’s be honest, who wouldn’t want seconds of something this tasty?
Essential Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken Breast: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—they cook evenly and stay juicy in the casserole. I always season them lightly with salt and pepper before cubing to enhance the overall flavor. In this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, the chicken provides a lean protein base that soaks up all the creamy sauce, making every bite satisfying. It’s what gives the dish its hearty feel without being overly heavy.
Fresh Broccoli Florets: Using fresh broccoli ensures a nice crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft rice and cheese. Steam them lightly first to avoid sogginess, which I’ve learned from trial and error. This veggie not only adds color and nutrition but also a subtle earthiness that balances the richness in your casserole.
Long-Grain White Rice: This is the backbone of the dish, absorbing flavors while keeping everything cohesive. Rinse it well to prevent gumminess, a tip I swear by for perfect texture. In the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, the rice ties together the chicken and broccoli, creating that comforting, scoopable consistency we all love. It’s simple yet essential for the recipe’s success.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep the Ingredients and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this sets you up for easy assembly. Cube the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the broccoli into small florets; I find this size works best for even cooking. In a large bowl, mix the uncooked rice with chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and milk to create the base sauce that will infuse everything with creaminess. This step in making Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is all about mise en place, ensuring a smooth process ahead.
Assemble and Mix the Casserole
Stir the cubed chicken and broccoli florets into the rice mixture, adding in minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper for that savory kick—the scents alone will have you hungry. Spread everything evenly into the prepared baking dish, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and a bit of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy, golden crust. What I find interesting is how the broccoli stays vibrant green during baking if not overcooked. Cover with foil and pop it in the oven; this is where the magic happens as flavors meld together beautifully.
Bake and Serve Your Masterpiece
Bake for 45-50 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F internally—check at the 40-minute mark to avoid drying out. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top, creating that irresistible cheesy layer. Let your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving; this allows juices to settle for perfect scoops. In my experience, pairing it with a fresh salad makes for a complete meal that feels restaurant-worthy.
For more chicken inspiration, try this high-protein creamy Cajun chicken with garlic rice next time.
Ingredients
- 2 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed (about 1 lb)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, milk, minced garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cubed chicken and broccoli florets until well coated.
- Pour mixture into the prepared dish and top with 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Cover with foil and bake for 45-50 minutes, uncovering for the last 10 minutes to brown.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6-8.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Choose Fresh Over Frozen: Fresh broccoli gives a better texture—frozen can release too much water and make things mushy.
Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; it elevates the flavors in this creamy dish.
Rest It Right: Allowing the casserole to sit post-bake helps the rice absorb any extra liquid for perfection.
You Must Know
- This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is naturally gluten-free if using gluten-free soup and rice.
- It freezes well unbaked, so double the batch for future meals.
- The rice cooks in the oven with the liquid, no stovetop needed for simplicity.
- Aim for room-temperature ingredients to ensure even baking.
How to Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To keep your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container; it lasts up to 4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, portion into freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or microwave in short bursts, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. I’ve found this method keeps the texture just as good as day one.
Customizing Your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or add mushrooms for extra earthiness in your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. If you’re dairy-free, use a plant-based cheese and cream of mushroom soup alternative—it still turns out creamy and delicious. For a spicy twist, mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Check out this Southwest chicken Alfredo for more variation ideas that amp up the flavor profile.
What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly, adding freshness to your meal. Crusty bread or dinner rolls are great for sopping up any extra sauce, while roasted veggies like carrots provide a colorful side. For drinks, go with iced tea or a chilled white wine to complement the casserole’s warmth. In my home, we always add a fruit salad for a sweet contrast that ties everything together beautifully.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy make ahead meal that you can assemble and bake another day! Your family will love the buttery, crunchy Ritz topping!
Timing
Recipe Details
Ingredients
- 01 2 tablespoon butter
- 02 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts ((or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken))
- 03 Salt/Pepper ((to taste))
- 04 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 05 2 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 06 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 07 1 ¼ cup white long grain rice ((uncooked))
- 08 2-3 cup fresh broccoli florets ((uncooked))
- 09 10.5 oz Cream of Chicken Soup ((condensed))
- 10 ½ cup milk
- 11 ½ cup sour cream
- 12 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese ((separated))
- 13 ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 14 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 15 1 cup Ritz crackers ((crushed))
- 16 2 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
Note: Refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (we'll use chicken broth) and cooking time. I use white long grain rice and the cooking time/liquid amount outlined here works perfectly.
Preheat the oven to 350° F. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt/pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.
Add the broccoli and replace the cover. Cook for 9 more minutes, or until no liquid remains in the pot and the rice is cooked through. (If it's not cooked through yet, quickly replace lid and simmer 5 more minutes, or until cooked through.)
Keep it covered and remove from heat. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
Transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
Combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle over the casserole bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Serve!
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NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING)
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely, assemble the entire Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the fridge. Just add 10 extra minutes to the bake time if starting cold. It’s a lifesaver for busy days, and the flavors even develop more overnight.
How long does Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole last in the fridge?
Your casserole will stay good for 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container. Beyond that, freeze it to extend freshness. Always reheat to at least 165°F for safety.
Is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole healthy?
Yes, it’s balanced with protein from chicken, fiber from broccoli, and carbs from rice, making it a nutritious option. You can lighten it further by using low-fat cheese and soup. In my experience, it’s a great way to get veggies into the meal without fuss.
Can I use brown rice in this recipe?
Brown rice works, but increase the liquid by 1/2 cup and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes since it takes longer to cook. This tweak keeps your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole just as flavorful and hearty.
What’s the best cheese for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Cheddar is classic for its meltiness and sharp taste, but a mix with mozzarella adds stretchiness. Avoid pre-shredded if possible—freshly grated melts better. Experiment to find your favorite combo.
How do I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole gluten-free?
Swap the cream soup for a gluten-free version and ensure your rice and broth are certified GF. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit, so your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole remains delicious and inclusive.
Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely—try carrots, peas, or bell peppers for extra color and nutrition. Just don’t overload to keep the balance. It enhances the dish without overwhelming the core flavors.
Why is my Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole watery?
It could be from too much liquid or underbaking; measure precisely and ensure full cook time. Using frozen broccoli without thawing can also add moisture. Next time, pat veggies dry for the best results.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping up, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a reliable friend in the kitchen that delivers comfort every time. From the tender chicken and crisp broccoli to the gooey cheese, it’s everything you need for a satisfying meal. I encourage you to give it a try tonight; you won’t be disappointed. Share your tweaks in the comments and happy cooking!