Heartwarming Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole You’ll Adore

Comfort food lovers often crave the ultimate creamy and satisfying chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises warmth and deliciousness.

This classic one-dish meal combines tender protein, nutritious green vegetables, and hearty grains in a single spectacular preparation.

Home cooks appreciate how simple ingredients can transform into a mouthwatering dinner that appeals to families of all ages.

The rich, melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that makes every forkful irresistibly smooth and flavorful.

Weeknight dinners become instantly more exciting when this comforting casserole emerges from the oven with its golden, bubbling surface.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to enjoy this wholesome and hearty meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Hits The Spot

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this delicious casserole in under an hour with minimal prep time, perfect for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
• Family-Friendly Comfort: Packed with kid-approved ingredients like chicken, cheese, and rice, this dish guarantees clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• One-Pan Convenience: Minimal dishes and simple mixing technique mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal together.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Easily swap ingredients or add extra vegetables to suit dietary preferences while maintaining the comforting, cheesy essence of the original recipe.

What Goes In Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Tender protein that gives the casserole substance and flavor, choose boneless, skinless chicken breast for easy preparation.
• Rice: Fluffy base that provides hearty texture, long-grain white rice works best for consistent results.

• Cream Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Colby Jack Cheese: Creamy and tangy dairy elements that create rich, melty goodness, select full-fat versions for maximum flavor.
• Milk: Smooth liquid that helps bind ingredients and creates creamy consistency.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutrition and color, frozen broccoli is convenient and works perfectly.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides additional moisture and depth of flavor, choose low-sodium version if desired.

• Crispy Fried Onions: Crunchy topping that adds texture and golden-brown appearance.
• Seasonings: Blend of spices that enhance overall taste profile, adjust according to personal preference.

Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole In Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and coat it lightly with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Main Ingredients

• Diced cooked chicken
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Frozen broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Whipped cream cheese
• Desired seasonings
• Whole milk

Mix everything thoroughly until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Add Cheesy Goodness

Fold in shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely integrated with the mixture.

Step 4: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top to create an even layer.

Step 5: Create Crispy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of Colby Jack cheese across the surface, then scatter crispy fried onions for extra crunch and flavor.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Look for bubbly, melted cheese and a golden-brown top.

Step 7: Rest And Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy your comforting meal!

Helpful Pointers For Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Boost Chicken Tenderness: Marinate chicken in buttermilk or lemon juice for 30 minutes before cooking to ensure extra juicy and soft meat.
• Prevent Soggy Texture: Use freshly cooked rice instead of leftover rice to maintain a fluffy, non-mushy casserole consistency.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for vegetarian option or use gluten-free cream soup for celiac-friendly meal.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Add garlic powder, dried thyme, or smoked paprika to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Save And Reheat Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole The Easy Way

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze: Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing quality.
• Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Microwave: Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm and steaming.

What To Serve With Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the casserole's rich, creamy texture and complement its cheesy flavors.
• Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the casserole's heaviness and add fresh, bright notes to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and garlic to provide a savory, slightly charred side that enhances the main dish's comfort food profile.
• Match with Crisp Craft Beer: Choose a light wheat beer or pale ale that offers subtle hoppy flavors to refresh the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy casserole.

Different Takes On Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Bake: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Swap cream of chicken soup with homemade gluten-free cream sauce. Use gluten-free crispy onions and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Substitute rice with riced cauliflower for a lower-carbohydrate alternative. Keep cheese and protein portions the same for a keto-friendly meal.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or cashew cheese. Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk and use coconut cream cheese for a creamy texture.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole FAQs

• Is this dish kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the cheesy texture and mild flavors. The combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli makes it a nutritious meal that even picky eaters will enjoy.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Definitely! While sharp cheddar and Colby Jack work great, you can substitute with mozzarella, monterey jack, or any melting cheese you prefer. Just ensure it complements the overall flavor profile.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Try using brown rice instead of white rice, add more vegetables like cauliflower or carrots, use low-fat cream cheese, and opt for reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to boost nutritional value.

• Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, always use pre-cooked, diced chicken to ensure food safety and proper cooking. You can use rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover baked chicken for convenience.

Mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, packed with creamy textures and hearty ingredients. Warm, satisfying flavors blend perfectly, promising a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 large rotisserie chicken breast, diced

Vegetables:

• 2 cups frozen broccoli

Base:

• 1 cup cooked rice

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• ½ cup whipped cream cheese
• ⅓ cup milk
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• ½ cup crispy fried onions

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect environment for a bubbling casserole.
2. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Combine the tender diced chicken, fluffy cooked rice, and vibrant frozen broccoli in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Pour in the creamy cream of chicken soup, velvety whipped cream cheese, aromatic seasonings, and smooth milk.
5. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring every morsel is thoroughly incorporated and coated.
6. Generously fold in the sharp cheddar cheese, creating a rich and tangy base for the casserole.
7. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to create a uniform layer.
8. Lavishly sprinkle Colby Jack cheese across the surface, followed by a crunchy layer of crispy fried onions.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
10. Allow the casserole to rest and settle for a few minutes after removing from the oven, letting the flavors meld and cool slightly.
11. Serve and savor this comforting, cheesy chicken broccoli rice creation.

Notes

• Swap frozen broccoli with fresh florets for a more vibrant, crisp texture and enhanced nutritional value.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation and deeper flavor profile.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce and using gluten-free crispy onions.
• Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium cream of chicken soup and controlling salt in seasonings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg