Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe

This comforting, creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply enjoying leftovers. Combining tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to make, with minimal prep and tons of versatility.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy: Loaded with melted cheese and a creamy sauce that holds all the ingredients together.
2. Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat.
3. Family-Friendly: A perfect meal for kids and adults alike with comforting flavors everyone will love.
4. Healthy Twist: With lean chicken and broccoli, it provides protein and vegetables in one dish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli

1. Cook the Rice: Prepare rice according to package instructions if it’s not already cooked. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice for this recipe.
2. Blanch the Broccoli: Boil water in a small pot. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 1-2 minutes until just tender and bright green. Drain immediately and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter over medium-high heat.
2. Season and Cook Chicken: Season the diced chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, until cooked through and golden on the outside. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the chopped onion for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add Cream Soup and Milk: Pour in the cream of chicken soup and milk, stirring to combine until smooth. Bring to a simmer.
3. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
4. Season and Add Cheese: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
2. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer.

Step 5: Add Topping and Bake

1. Prepare Topping (optional): In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole for added crunch.
2. Add Extra Cheese: Sprinkle an additional handful of shredded cheddar over the top for a cheesy, golden finish.
3. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. If desired, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes to get the top extra crispy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once the casserole is done, allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli briefly helps retain its bright color and slight crunch, preventing it from becoming mushy.
2. Use Cooked Rice: Precook the rice so it doesn’t absorb too much liquid in the casserole, helping you achieve the right creamy consistency.
3. Grate Fresh Cheese: Pre-grated cheese can sometimes lead to a less creamy texture, so grate your own for best results.
4. Add a Spicy Twist: For a little heat, add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Variations

1. Substitute the Meat: Swap chicken for turkey, ham, or even ground beef for a twist.
2. Different Cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.
3. Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

2. Can I freeze leftovers?
Absolutely! Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store in an airtight container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven until warmed through.

3. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version using butter, flour, and chicken broth for a similar texture and flavor.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Simply shred it and add to the casserole as directed.

5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover the casserole with foil if it starts to dry out while baking, and ensure you’re using cooked rice to prevent excess liquid absorption.

Yield: 6

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe

Print

This comforting, creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply enjoying leftovers. Combining tender pieces of chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and a velvety cheese sauce, it’s rich, flavorful, and satisfying. Plus, it's easy to make, with minimal prep and tons of versatility.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
   
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
   If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for a few minutes until slightly tender but still vibrant green. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.
   
3. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well incorporated.
   
4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan (if using), and breadcrumbs for an optional crunchy topping.
   
5. Bake:
   Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
   
6. Serve:
   Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional shredded cheese or fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole up to 1 day in advance. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake as directed.

Additions: For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.