Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a savory, cheesy, and filling dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, nutrient-packed broccoli, and hearty rice. This casserole is an easy, one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something warm and comforting. It’s a family favorite and is also ideal for meal prepping.

In this recipe, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create a delicious casserole packed with flavor. You’ll also learn how to customize the dish, tips for perfect results, and how to make it ahead of time.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for several reasons:

• Simple Ingredients: The recipe uses basic, pantry-staple ingredients, making it convenient to prepare.
• Comforting: The creamy, cheesy texture and flavors are like a warm hug in a dish.
• One-Dish Meal: It has protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one pan—no need to make separate sides.
• Versatile: You can easily swap out ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare this casserole in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or busy days.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will allow the oven to reach the right temperature by the time your casserole is ready to bake.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Optional Step: If you want more flavor, you can marinate the chicken beforehand in lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Rice

While the chicken is cooking, begin cooking the rice. You can cook it either on the stove according to package directions or use a rice cooker.

• Note: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover rice. The recipe calls for 1 cup of uncooked rice, which yields about 3 cups cooked.

Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, you can steam it lightly for about 3-5 minutes until it’s bright green and just tender. If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole.

Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce

1. Combine the Soup, Milk, and Broth: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and chicken broth until smooth.
2. Add the Cheese: Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, reserving the remaining 1/2 cup for the topping. Mix well until the cheese is fully incorporated into the sauce.
3. Season: Season the cheese sauce with a pinch of salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). You can adjust the seasonings to taste based on your preferences.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Ingredients: In a large casserole dish (9×13-inch or similar), spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom. Add the sautéed chicken and cooked broccoli, distributing them evenly over the rice.
2. Pour the Cheese Sauce: Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the rice, chicken, and broccoli, making sure everything is evenly coated.
3. Stir to Combine: Use a spatula to gently stir and combine all the ingredients, ensuring that the cheese sauce is distributed throughout the casserole.

Step 7: Add Toppings

1. Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the reserved 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you prefer a crunchy topping, you can also mix 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle it on top for a crispy, golden crust.
2. Optional Garnishes: For added flavor, you can sprinkle Parmesan cheese, crushed red pepper flakes, or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top before baking.

Step 8: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.
2. Broil (Optional): For an extra crispy topping, you can broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 9: Let It Rest and Serve

Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set and makes it easier to serve.

Customization Ideas

One of the best things about this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is its versatility. Here are some fun variations and customization ideas to suit different dietary needs or flavor preferences:

1. Vegetarian Option

• Swap the chicken for tofu or chickpeas. You can marinate the tofu in soy sauce, garlic, and ginger for added flavor. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.

2. Low-Carb/Keto Version

• Replace the rice with cauliflower rice. You can either make your own by grating cauliflower florets or use pre-packaged cauliflower rice. Reduce the liquid (broth) slightly since cauliflower rice doesn’t absorb as much moisture as regular rice.

3. Spicy Kick

• Add some heat to your casserole by mixing in diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce into the cheese sauce. You can also add a layer of pepper jack cheese for a spicy, cheesy topping.

4. Mexican-Style Casserole

• Turn this into a Tex-Mex dish by adding a can of black beans, a cup of salsa, and a sprinkle of taco seasoning. Top with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, and garnish with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

5. Italian-Inspired Casserole

• Swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella and Parmesan. Add some Italian seasoning, like oregano or basil, to the cheese sauce, and top the casserole with marinara sauce before adding the cheese topping.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Instructions

Make-Ahead:

• Assemble in Advance: You can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover it tightly with aluminum foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then bake as directed.

Freezing:

• Freeze Before Baking: Assemble the casserole as instructed but don’t bake it yet. Instead, wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
• Freeze After Baking: You can also bake the casserole first, let it cool completely, and then freeze it in individual portions. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the portions in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Tips for Success

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh broccoli and high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Rice: Slightly undercook your rice before adding it to the casserole. It will continue cooking while the casserole bakes, and this will help prevent mushy rice.
• Season to Taste: Taste your cheese sauce before assembling the casserole to adjust the seasoning. The saltiness of the cheese and broth can vary, so adjust as needed.
• Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure the chicken is cooked through before adding it to the casserole, as the bake time is short, and raw chicken won’t fully cook in that time.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, filling, and flavorful dish that can easily become a staple in your household. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked broccoli, it’s a meal that pleases everyone, even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner, a make-ahead meal, or something to serve a crowd, this casserole fits the bill. Plus, the customizability ensures that you can tweak it to your liking, making it a versatile recipe you’ll want to come back to time and time again.

Yield: 6

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—a savory, cheesy, and filling dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, nutrient-packed broccoli, and hearty rice. This casserole is an easy, one-dish meal that is perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving something warm and comforting. It’s a family favorite and is also ideal for meal prepping.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade version)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend), divided
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
   Add diced chicken, season with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned on the outside, about 5-7 minutes (it doesn’t need to be fully cooked through). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
   
4. Add the Rice:
   Stir the uncooked rice into the onion and garlic mixture, making sure it's coated in the flavors. Cook for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
   
5. Combine Ingredients:
   Add the chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream to the skillet, stirring to combine.
   Stir in the broccoli florets (if using fresh, steam them for a few minutes beforehand to soften slightly). Add the partially cooked chicken back into the skillet.
   
6. Simmer:
   Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts to bubble, reduce the heat and cover the skillet with a lid or foil.
   
7. Bake:
   Place the skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
   
8. Add Cheese:
   Once the rice is tender, remove the skillet from the oven. Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheese, mixing it into the casserole.
   Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top and return the skillet to the oven for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
   
9. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

• Broccoli Variations: If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain before adding. If you prefer a more tender broccoli, steam or blanch it before adding to the casserole.
• Customize the Cheese: Try using a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, or even Monterey Jack for a different cheesy flavor.
• Make It Ahead: You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.