Okay, so let’s face it; Who doesn’t love a good casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor? The Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of warm hug you get on a cold day in a bowl. It is hearty yet quite simple to put together and perfect for the days when you have no energy. Whether you have a hungry family to feed or are just doing some prep for the coming week, this is an easy one.
So, do yourself a favor and put on pinafore or an apron (no one will judge you either way). Let’s jump right into the delectable, no-brainer casserole you sure will be coming back to again by the time your step-by-step guide meets the end.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
st thing, this recipe is so versatile, folks. Got some leftover chicken, lunch meat from the deli, or anemic thighs? Great. Just use chicken. While I prefer fresh broccoli nutted over frozen, keep in mind that the rice will be out of sorts if you cook everything at the same time. Need a gluten-free meal? Tips coming up. Like the friend who is easy to get along with and gets along with everyone, this recipe is adaptable to make your own burr.
But let’s not lie, this dish is all about its flavor. You have juicy chicken, blanched broccoli, tender rice features that are all smothered with cream sauce. And who can forget reheating in the microwave? The way it reuses tears into the reheating is magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s the beauty of this dish: the ingredients are super simple, and you probably already have most of them in your kitchen.
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!).
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feeling fancy.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen—either works like a charm.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but honestly, any melty cheese will do.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The base for that dreamy creamy texture.
- Milk: To thin out the sauce just a bit.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Optional but highly recommended: a sprinkle of breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crunchy finish. Trust me, it’s worth it.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Alright, let’s break this down step by step. Spoiler alert: it’s ridiculously easy.
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. You’ll want it nice and hot to get that bubbly, golden-brown top.
2. Cook the Rice
If you don’t have leftover rice, cook up a fresh batch. Pro tip: use chicken broth instead of water to add more flavor.
3. Steam the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, give it a quick steam. Frozen broccoli? No problem—just thaw it out.
4. Mix the Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings evenly and sprinkle a ton of shredded cheese in there. Why not, I mean, why not put more cheese in your life?
5. Combine Everything
Toss the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli into the bowl with the sauce. Mix it all together until it’s evenly coated and screaming “comfort food.”
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Top it with more cheese (and breadcrumbs if you’re feeling fancy). Pop it in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Uproot it, get yourself a fork, and tuck into it. Extra bonus points if you enjoy it with the freshly brewed sweetest tea or a wedge of garlic bread!
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken or rice? This is the perfect way to give them new life.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack can add a fun twist.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute brown rice or quinoa if you can for white rice and go with low-fat cheese/soup.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and skip the breadcrumbs on top.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Meal Prep
Okay, meal preppers, listen up: this casserole is a game-changer. It makes enough for several servings, reheats beautifully, and can even be portioned into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches. Plus, you can double the recipe if you’ve got a big family or love leftovers as much as I do.
Add Your Own Twist
Want to make this casserole your own? Here are a few fun ideas to switch it up:
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Italian Vibes: Use mozzarella cheese and sprinkle some Italian seasoning in the sauce.
- Mexican Style: Swap the cream of chicken soup for a can of enchilada sauce, and use pepper jack cheese.
If you’re a fan of casseroles that are rich, creamy, and downright irresistible, you’ve got to check out my recipe for Million Dollar Chicken Casserole. It’s packed with flavor and perfect for anyone who loves indulgent comfort food!
Why Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Is a Crowd-Pleaser
Let’s face it: casseroles have a special place in American kitchens. They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and are just so dang comforting. This chicken broccoli rice casserole hits all those nostalgic notes while still being practical for busy schedules. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together, even if you’re just winging it (which, let’s be real, is most of us).
The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
The secret to an absolutely fabulous chicken-broccoli-rice casserole is the sauce. Such richness has any practical weight in the dish above as it provides moisture and pulls all the other components together. If you’ve ever had a casserole that was dry or bland, chances are the sauce didn’t have enough liquid or seasoning. For best results, don’t skimp on the milk or cream of chicken soup, and always season generously. If you like a little extra creaminess, you can even stir in a dollop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt before baking.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Kid-Friendly
If you’ve got picky eaters at home, this casserole is a sneaky way to get some greens into their diet. Broccoli is mild enough that it blends right in with the cheesy goodness, and when you pair it with rice and chicken, it’s like a full meal disguised as comfort food. For extra kid appeal, consider cutting the broccoli into small, bite-sized pieces—or even chopping it finely. You could also use a milder cheese like mozzarella instead of sharp cheddar to tone down the flavors a bit. Bonus tip: let your kids sprinkle on the breadcrumbs or cheese for a fun little “chef moment.”
Can You Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in a Slow Cooker?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a hands-off way to prepare this dish, a slow cooker is your best friend. Combine all the ingredients (except for the cheese topping) in your slow cooker, stir well, and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for about 2 hours. Once everything is warm and bubbly, sprinkle the cheese on top and let it melt for an additional 10–15 minutes. This method is perfect for busy days when you don’t want to babysit the oven.
Why Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Is a Potluck Hero
If you’ve ever brought this dish to a potluck, you know what I’m talking about—it’s always the first to go. There’s just something about a warm, cheesy casserole that screams “comfort food” to a crowd. Plus, it’s easy to transport in a 9×13 dish, and you can keep it warm with a little foil on top. Whether it’s a family gathering, a church event, or even a work potluck, this casserole will make you the MVP of the table.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for the Holidays
Okay, let’s be real. Holiday dinners are generally stressful, so having an ace up your sleeve such as a chicken broccoli rice casserole is almost like a life-saver. It’s a great side dish for Thanksgiving or Christmas, pairing perfectly with turkey, ham, or roast beef. And if you’ve got family visiting for several days, this casserole is a lifesaver for breakfast, lunch, or dinner leftovers. You can even prepare it ahead of time and bake it on the big day when you need a break from the turkey drama.
Can You Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Cheese?
It can be hard to give up the cheese; after all, it makes almost everything taste better. However, you can stomach it. For a less calorie-heavy version or if you’re just “cheesed” out, sprinkle some nutritional yeast or totally skip it. The cream of chicken soup and seasonings will give the dish plenty of flavor, but some extra herbs (thyme or fresh parsley) will brighten things up, too.
A Healthier Twist on Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Are you on a diet or being careful about what you eat? This casserole can be updated for fewer calories or less fat quite easily. Substitute white with brown rice or cauliflower rice for more fiber, use a low-fat cream of chicken soup, and try a reduced-fat cheese as a topping. You can also load up on the veggies by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or even carrots. This way, you’re still enjoying all the comfort of a casserole but with a healthier twist.
What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This casserole is hearty enough to be a one-dish meal, but if you’re looking to round out the table, there are plenty of options. A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness, while garlic bread or dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up that cheesy goodness. Want something lighter? Steamed green beans or roasted carrots make a great side that pairs beautifully with the casserole’s flavors.
FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
How long will a chicken and rice casserole last in the fridge?
A chicken and rice casserole will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3–4 days if stored in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can make the dish soggy. When reheating, heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
Do you cook rice before putting it in a casserole?
Yes, it’s best to cook the rice before adding it to the casserole. Using pre-cooked rice ensures the texture stays just right, and it absorbs the sauce evenly. If you use uncooked rice, it can soak up too much liquid, making the casserole dry or unevenly cooked. A quick tip: leftover rice works like magic in this recipe—no extra cooking needed!
Why is my broccoli casserole watery?
A watery broccoli casserole can happen for a few reasons:
Excess Water from Broccoli: Thaw and drain the broccoli from its packaging if you elected to use the frozen kind. Too much residual water can leak into the casserole while it bakes.
Over-Steamed Fresh Broccoli: Over-steaming fresh broccoli can release extra water. Stick to lightly steaming it for the best results.
Too Much Liquid in the Sauce: Double-check your measurements for the soup and milk. If it’s too runny, the casserole may not set properly.
Pro tip: Adding a sprinkle of flour or breadcrumbs to the sauce can help thicken it and soak up any excess moisture.
How long is broccoli casserole good for in the fridge?
Broccoli casserole will keep fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator if kept in an airtight container. Like the chicken and rice version, it’s best to reheat it to 165°F before serving. If you don’t think you’ll finish it within that time, you can freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
It’s an easy-to-make chicken broccoli rice casserole that can easily be loved—this dish that brings people closer together. Mealprep for the week or sit down to talk and eat with families; go on, put this recipe into your meal to-do record.
And hey, if you make it, let me know how it turns out! Did you stick to the classic version, or did you put your own spin on it? Either way, I know you’re going to love it.
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
The Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of warm hug you get on a cold day in a bowl. It is hearty yet quite simple to put together and perfect for the days when you have no energy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Chicken: Cooked and shredded (rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here!).
- Rice: White, brown, or even cauliflower rice if you’re feeling fancy.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen—either works like a charm.
- Cheese: Cheddar is classic, but honestly, any melty cheese will do.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: The base for that dreamy creamy texture.
- Milk: To thin out the sauce just a bit.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F. You’ll want it nice and hot to get that bubbly, golden-brown top.
2. Cook the Rice
If you have no leftover rice, quickly cook some! Here’s a little bonus for you: cook it in chicken broth for extra flavor.
3. Steam the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, give it a quick steam. Frozen broccoli? No problem—just thaw it out.
4. Mix the Sauce
In a big mixing bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings evenly and sprinkle a ton of shredded cheese in there. Why not, I mean, why not put more cheese in your life?
5. Combine Everything
Toss the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli into the bowl with the sauce. Mix it all together until it’s evenly coated and screaming “comfort food.”
6. Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle cheese on top, then breadcrumbs if desired. Place into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and brown.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Uproot it, get yourself a fork, and tuck into it. Extra bonus points if you enjoy it with the freshly brewed sweetest tea or a wedge of garlic bread!
Notes
- Use Leftovers: Leftover chicken or rice? This is the perfect way to give them new life.
- Cheese Options: Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or even Pepper Jack can add a fun twist.
- Make It Healthier: Substitute brown rice or quinoa if you can for white rice and go with low-fat cheese/soup.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and skip the breadcrumbs on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 1/6 of the casserole)
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli, Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Dish