Creamy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises pure deliciousness.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients combine in a magical one-pan meal.

Families adore how quickly this dish comes together without complicated steps.

Rich cheese melts perfectly over tender chicken and vibrant broccoli florets.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying blend of protein, vegetables, and warm rice.

Weeknight dinners just became significantly more exciting with this simple yet flavor-packed creation.

We can’t wait for you to experience this crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm culinary hug.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole That Comforts

• Simplify Meal Prep: Combine all ingredients in one bowl, reducing kitchen cleanup and saving precious time for busy families.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with protein from chicken, nutrients from broccoli, and creamy cheese, this casserole satisfies multiple taste preferences in a single dish.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Minimal prep work means you can have a delicious, balanced meal on the table with little effort, perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like using rotisserie chicken, different vegetables, or cheese varieties to match your family's taste and what's available in the kitchen.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.

• Rice: A hearty grain that provides a comforting foundation for the dish.
• Broccoli: A nutritious vegetable that adds color, texture, and vitamins.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich and smooth base for the casserole.
• Whipped Cream Cheese: Adds a tangy and creamy texture to the mixture.
• Milk: Helps to bind the ingredients and create a moist consistency.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Provides a bold and sharp flavor to the casserole.
• Colby Jack Cheese: Offers a mild and melty topping for extra cheesiness.

• Seasonings: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Crispy Fried Onions: Add a crunchy and savory topping for texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to This Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375F (190C). Grab your favorite casserole dish and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Fusion

• Tender diced chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Vibrant frozen broccoli
• Creamy chicken soup
• Silky whipped cream cheese
• Zesty seasonings
• Smooth milk

Stir everything until it’s beautifully blended and looks absolutely mouthwatering.

Step 3: Cheese It Up

Fold in the sharp cheddar cheese, making sure every morsel gets coated.

Pour the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly like a delicious blanket.

Step 4: Crown with Cheesy Goodness

Shower the top with Colby Jack cheese and sprinkle crispy fried onions for that perfect crunch.

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a bubbling golden landscape.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes to settle its flavors.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table smile.

Tips to Make Your Casserole Stand Out

• Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or canned tuna for different protein options that keep the dish versatile and exciting.
• Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or cauliflower to increase nutritional value and create more texture.
• Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium soup to make the casserole lighter without sacrificing rich flavor.
• Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Experiment with dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning to elevate the overall taste profile and add depth to the dish.

Flavor Variations to Change Things Up

• Southwestern Fiesta: Replace cream of chicken soup with salsa, add black beans, corn, and jalapeños. Top with pepper jack cheese and cilantro for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Magic: Swap chicken with ground lamb, use feta cheese instead of cheddar. Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and oregano for a Greek-style casserole.
• Seafood Sensation: Substitute chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat. Add Old Bay seasoning, swap cheddar for gruyère cheese, and include diced bell peppers for a coastal twist.
• Vegetarian Harvest: Remove chicken, add roasted butternut squash, sautéed mushrooms, and kale. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup and sprinkle nutritional yeast for extra flavor.

Pairing Suggestions to Serve Alongside

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy casserole and refresh the palate with its bright, zesty notes.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Create a light green salad with mixed herbs, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the heavy, cheesy dish and add a refreshing crunch.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce and provide a crispy texture contrast to the soft casserole.
• Match with Chilled Craft Beer: Select a light lager or wheat beer to cleanse the palate and provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, cheesy chicken dish.

Storage Tips to Keep Casserole Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety.
• Cool the casserole completely, then place in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated 350F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying.

FAQs

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! The mild cheese flavors and soft texture make this casserole perfect for children. The combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli provides balanced nutrition that kids typically enjoy.

• Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Simply chop fresh broccoli into small florets and steam or blanch them before adding to the casserole. Just ensure they’re slightly tender before mixing.

• What protein alternatives work best if I don't want chicken?

Rotisserie turkey, diced ham, or even canned tuna can be excellent substitutes for chicken in this recipe. Each option will provide a different flavor profile while maintaining the casserole’s creamy texture.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole blends comfort and nutrition in one hearty dish. Creamy textures and bold flavors invite you to enjoy a satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every forkful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 large rotisserie chicken breast, diced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups frozen broccoli

Starches:

• 1 cup cooked rice

Dairy and Cheese:

• 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/3 cup milk

Soup and Seasonings:

• 1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1/2 cup crispy fried onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the cooking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine tender diced chicken, fluffy precooked rice, and vibrant frozen broccoli in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a hearty base for the casserole.
3. Incorporate cream of chicken soup, silky whipped cream cheese, and a splash of milk, whisking the ingredients until they form a smooth, creamy mixture that will bind the casserole together.
4. Infuse the mixture with robust seasonings, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor and depth.
5. Fold in sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to integrate seamlessly throughout the casserole, creating pockets of melted goodness.
6. Transfer the rich, creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking and flavor distribution.
7. Generously top the casserole with additional Colby Jack cheese, creating a golden, bubbling surface.
8. Sprinkle crispy fried onions over the cheese, adding a delightful crunch and textural contrast.
9. Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven, baking uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese melts into a tantalizingly golden blanket.
10. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes, letting the flavors meld and the temperature settle before serving.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is fully cooked and diced into uniform pieces for even heating and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
• Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade version or low-sodium alternative to control salt and preserve healthier profile.
• Consider using brown rice for added nutritional value, providing more fiber and complex carbohydrates compared to white rice.
• Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like plant-based cheese and coconut milk for lactose-intolerant or vegan dietary requirements.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 392 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg