Hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful chicken broccoli rice casserole can transform your weeknight dinner into a comforting feast.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Packed with protein and vibrant vegetables, it satisfies hunger while delivering maximum flavor.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients create something truly spectacular.

Nutritious and filling, this casserole brings warmth to your dining table without complex preparation.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice.

Dive in and savor every delicious bite – your taste buds will thank you!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Essentials

• Craft a Comforting Meal: Perfect for busy families seeking a satisfying one-dish dinner that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs in a deliciously creamy casserole.
• Speed Up Dinner Prep: Minimal ingredients and simple cooking steps make this recipe a go-to solution for quick weeknight meals that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping proteins, using different cheese varieties, or adding extra vegetables to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Delivers a hearty, cheesy experience that appeals to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that provides the primary source of sustenance and flavor for the casserole.
• Rice: Instant rice serves as the foundational starch component that creates a hearty base for the dish.
• Broccoli: Fresh vegetable that adds nutritional value and green color to the casserole.

• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and creates a melty, golden topping for the casserole.
• Milk: Helps to create a creamy consistency and blend the soup mixture smoothly.
• Cream of Broccoli Soup: Serves as the primary sauce base that adds moisture and flavor to the casserole.

• Bread Crumbs, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper combine to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Instructions to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Set your oven to roast at 350°F, getting it nice and toasty for our delicious casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Boil water in a medium saucepan and add instant rice.

Cover, remove from heat, and let it sit for 5 minutes. Fluff the rice with a fork, making it light and fluffy.

Step 3: Build the Casserole Base

• Cooked chicken chunks
• Fresh broccoli florets

Ensure everything is evenly distributed for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Condensed cream of broccoli soup
• Milk
• Italian bread crumbs
• Garlic powder
• Ground black pepper

Pour this dreamy mixture over the rice, chicken, and broccoli. Stir in half the Cheddar cheese until well combined.

Step 5: Top and Bake

Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes.

Look for a bubbly surface with golden cheese. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the flavors settle and make serving easier.

Tips for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Swap instant rice with brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative that adds extra nutrients and fiber to the dish.
• Enhance flavor by roasting broccoli before adding to the casserole, which caramelizes edges and intensifies the vegetable's natural taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of broccoli soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese options without compromising the creamy texture.
• Try protein variations like turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken substitutes to create diverse meal experiences.
• Make the casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free bread crumbs and checking that soup ingredients are certified gluten-free for sensitive diets.

Variations to Try on Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Broccoli Rice Casserole: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based protein crumbles, maintaining the same seasoning and cooking method for a meat-free alternative.
• Seafood Variation: Swap chicken with cooked shrimp or crab meat, adding a maritime flavor profile while keeping the creamy casserole structure intact.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soup, replace bread crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Incorporate feta cheese instead of cheddar, add sundried tomatoes, and sprinkle oregano to give the casserole a Greek-inspired taste and texture.

Pairing Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy, cheesy casserole. These light wines cut through the richness and enhance the chicken and broccoli flavors with their bright, refreshing profile.
• Create a light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. The salad's acidity and crunch provide a perfect contrast to the creamy, comforting casserole texture.
• Prepare warm, buttery garlic bread with fresh parsley and thyme. The herb-infused bread adds a delightful crunch and absorbs the casserole's delicious sauce while providing an extra layer of flavor.

Storage Advice for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Always use clean utensils when handling to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent sogginess.

• Is instant rice necessary for this recipe?

While instant rice is recommended for quick preparation, you can use regular long-grain rice. Just adjust cooking time and liquid ratio accordingly.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Consider adding extra chicken, using rotisserie chicken for more flavor, or mixing in cooked diced ham or turkey for additional protein content.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking directly from the refrigerator.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole blends hearty ingredients into a comforting meal perfect for family dinners. Cheesy layers and tender chicken make this dish a satisfying comfort classic you’ll want to enjoy again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 large chicken breasts (cooked and cubed into 1-inch pieces)
• 1 head of broccoli (segmented into florets)
• 1 package (8 oz/226.8 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 cans (10.5 oz/298 g each) condensed cream of broccoli soup
• 1.5 cups water
• 1.5 cups uncooked instant rice
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), creating an ideal cooking environment for the casserole.
2. Boil water in a saucepan and add instant rice. Remove from heat, cover, and let sit for 5 minutes. Gently fluff rice with a fork to separate grains and create a light texture.
3. Combine cooked rice, cubed chicken, and broccoli florets in a casserole dish, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Whisk condensed cream of broccoli soup with milk in a mixing bowl. Incorporate Italian-seasoned bread crumbs, garlic powder, and black pepper to create a rich, flavorful sauce.
5. Pour the creamy mixture over the rice, chicken, and broccoli. Fold in half of the shredded Cheddar cheese, blending thoroughly to integrate flavors.
6. Top the casserole with remaining cheese, creating a golden, melty surface. Bake uncovered for 30 minutes until the dish is heated through and cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing it to set and making serving easier and more stable.

Notes

• Swap instant rice with brown or cauliflower rice for a healthier, lower-carb alternative that adds more nutrients and fiber to the dish.
• Replace chicken with tofu, tempeh, or plant-based protein to create a vegetarian version that maintains the creamy, comforting texture.
• Enhance the flavor profile by adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or nutritional yeast for depth and complexity without overwhelming the original taste.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream soup and choosing reduced-fat cheese, making the casserole more heart-friendly without sacrificing taste.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 377 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg