Looking for a wholesome, comforting dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor? This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a perfect all-in-one meal, featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Whether you’re making dinner for your family or prepping meals ahead of time, this casserole is guaranteed to satisfy. Follow the recipe below for a delicious and nutritious dinner that’s as simple as it is tasty!
What is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish that combines chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with cheese. It's a one-dish meal that’s packed with protein, vegetables, and starch, making it ideal for a filling family dinner. The creamy, cheesy sauce ties all the ingredients together, and the dish can be easily customized with your favorite add-ins or seasonings. It's also a great recipe for using up leftover chicken or rice!
Ingredients List for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: 2 cups cooked and shredded (use rotisserie chicken, leftovers, or cooked breasts)
- Broccoli Florets: 3 cups (fresh or frozen, steamed until tender)
- White or Brown Rice: 3 cups cooked (you can use instant rice to save time)
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz, or use homemade if you prefer)
- Sour Cream: 1 cup (for added creaminess)
- Milk: ½ cup (to thin out the sauce)
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups shredded (divided, for both mixing and topping)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped (optional for extra flavor)
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (for sautéing the onion)
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon (for seasoning)
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Paprika: ½ teaspoon (optional, for a bit of color and flavor)
Topping (optional but recommended):
- Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers: ½ cup (for a crispy topping)
- Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons (to mix with the breadcrumbs)
Substitutions and Variations
There are several ways you can customize this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe to fit your preferences or dietary needs:
Substitutions:
- Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for turkey or even ham if you have leftovers. You could also use canned chicken in a pinch.
- Vegetable Alternatives: Use other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini if you’re not a fan of broccoli. You can also mix in peas, carrots, or spinach for variety.
- Cheese Options: Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and substitute the sour cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk yogurt or cashew cream.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure that the cream of chicken soup and breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten-free.
Variations:
- Whole Grain Version: Substitute white rice with brown rice or wild rice for a healthier, whole-grain option.
- Spicy Kick: Add a little heat with diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce.
- Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crispy cooked bacon bits to the casserole before baking.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is simple to put together and bakes into a delicious, cheesy dish that the whole family will love. Here’s how to make it step-by-step:
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already cooked your rice, do so according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked rice, so use roughly 1 ½ cups of dry rice if starting from scratch.
- Steam the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam it until just tender (about 4-5 minutes). You can also use frozen broccoli—just thaw and drain well before adding to the casserole.
- Sauté the Onion (Optional): In a small pan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. This adds extra flavor to the dish, but you can skip this step if you're short on time.
- Make the Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli: Stir the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, and sautéed onions (if using) into the creamy mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Mix in the Cheese: Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until well distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. If you’re using breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, mix them with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the cheese for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
1. Preheat and Prep:
Preheating the oven ensures your casserole bakes evenly. Use butter or non-stick spray to grease the dish, making clean-up easier and preventing the casserole from sticking.
2. Cook the Rice:
Rice is the base of the casserole, so be sure to cook it until it’s tender but not mushy. Instant rice works great if you’re in a hurry, but regular white, brown, or even wild rice can be used for different textures and flavors.
3. Steam the Broccoli:
Steaming fresh broccoli keeps it tender but still slightly crisp. If you prefer softer broccoli, steam it for a few minutes longer. Thawed, frozen broccoli is also a convenient option if you're short on time.
4. Mix Everything Together:
Stir all your ingredients—rice, chicken, broccoli, and the creamy sauce—together in one bowl to evenly distribute flavors and textures.
5. Bake Until Golden:
The final step is baking. This melts the cheese, crisps up the topping, and ensures the casserole is heated through. Aim for a golden-brown top to know it’s ready.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Steaming the broccoli just until tender will prevent it from turning mushy in the casserole.
- Not Draining Broccoli Well: If you're using frozen broccoli, be sure to drain it well. Excess water can make the casserole soggy.
- Skipping the Seasoning: The creaminess of the casserole can dull flavors, so don’t be shy with the seasonings! Taste the creamy mixture before adding the other ingredients to adjust seasoning levels.
- Undercooked Rice: Ensure the rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole. If the rice is undercooked, it won’t soften properly in the oven.
Serving and Presentation Tips
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Serve Hot: This casserole is best served straight from the oven, hot and bubbling with melted cheese.
- Side Dish Pairing: Serve with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the rich flavors of the casserole.
- Bread on the Side: Pair with warm dinner rolls, garlic bread, or a crusty baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Individual Portions: Serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small dishes for a more elegant presentation, especially if you're serving guests.
- Layered Casserole: If you want to get fancy, layer the ingredients instead of mixing them. Spread the rice at the bottom, followed by the broccoli, then chicken, and top it all with the creamy sauce and cheese.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, pop it in the oven—just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use uncooked rice?
A: Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the liquid ratio. If using uncooked rice, add an additional cup of chicken broth or water to the casserole and bake for 40-45 minutes until the rice is tender.
Q: Can I use fresh chicken?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, simply cook a few chicken breasts or thighs, shred them, and proceed with the recipe.
Q: How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
A: To make this casserole gluten-free, be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping.
Q: Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
A: Yes! Cooked quinoa can be used as a substitute for rice, adding a different texture and more protein to the dish.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Swiss for different flavor profiles.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a go-to recipe when you need something easy, delicious, and comforting. It’s loaded with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or just looking for a way to use up leftovers, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy a hearty meal that’s both satisfying and simple to make!
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is a delicious, creamy blend of chicken, broccoli, and rice, topped with melted cheese for the ultimate comfort food. Quick and easy to prepare, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a make-ahead meal. With simple ingredients and a family-friendly flavor, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: b
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter (melted, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on top, if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- You can use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier twist.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or peas for more nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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