This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole delivers a comforting blend of tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey melted cheese in one easy dish. Perfect for busy weeknights, it bakes up golden and bubbly with minimal prep.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Craving a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table? This casserole combines creamy textures and savory flavors into a family favorite.
- Quick assembly with pantry staples like rice and canned soup for effortless dinners.
- Loaded with protein-packed chicken and nutrient-rich broccoli for a balanced bite.
- Cheesy topping that crisps up perfectly, mimicking restaurant-style comfort food.
- One-dish wonder that cuts cleanup time, ideal for weeknight hustles.
- Freezer-friendly for meal prep, ensuring homemade taste any day.
Ingredients
Gather these simple items to whip up this crowd-pleasing bake for 6-8 servings:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie or boiled works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
- 2 cups cooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk or sour cream for extra creaminess
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or olive oil
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or Panko for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Follow these numbered steps for foolproof results:
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion and garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in cooked chicken and broccoli florets. Cook 2-3 minutes until broccoli brightens.
- Mix in cream of chicken soup, milk, cooked rice, and half the shredded cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat through, stirring occasionally.
- Transfer mixture to prepared dish. Top with remaining cheese and crushed crackers.
- Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake 10 more minutes until bubbly and golden. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Serving this casserole transforms any meal into a cozy feast, pairing its creamy, cheesy layers with fresh sides for balance. Scoop generous portions onto plates while hot, allowing the melted cheddar to stretch invitingly. For a complete dinner, add a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness—think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
Complement with crusty bread or dinner rolls to sop up extra sauce, evoking Southern comfort vibes. If hosting, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness. Kids love it plain, but adults appreciate a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.
Pair alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus for added nutrition without overpowering the main dish. For heartier appetites, serve with garlic breadsticks brushed with herb butter. In summer, chill slices for picnics; in winter, ladle into bowls with warm broth on the side.
This versatile bake shines at potlucks—transport in foil pans and reheat easily. For brunch twists, top with fried eggs. Always serve family-style to encourage seconds, fostering shared meals. Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it ideal for lunchboxes too. Experiment with portion sizes: smaller scoops for sides, larger for mains. Ultimately, its adaptability ensures it fits any occasion, from casual Tuesdays to holiday gatherings, delighting all with its gooey, satisfying appeal.
How to Store Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Proper storage keeps this casserole fresh and flavorful for days, preserving its creamy texture. Cool completely at room temperature (no more than 2 hours) to avoid condensation. Portion into airtight containers or cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and foil for fridge storage up to 4 days.
For freezing, divide into single-serve freezer bags, removing air to prevent freezer burn—lasts up to 3 months. Label with dates for easy tracking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat in a 350°F oven covered for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway. Avoid high heat to prevent drying out the rice.
If browning occurred, tent with foil during reheating. For best taste, consume within 2 days post-refrigeration. Never leave out overnight.
Freezer tips: Undercook broccoli slightly before freezing for crispness post-thaw. Use oven-safe dishes for direct reheating. This method suits busy lifestyles, ensuring hot lunches or quick dinners anytime.
Tips to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Elevate your casserole with these pro techniques for perfect results every time. Use rotisserie chicken to save prep time while infusing smoky depth.
- Blanch fresh broccoli 2 minutes before adding to retain vibrant color and crunch.
- Rinse rice before cooking to remove excess starch, preventing gumminess.
- Opt for sharp cheddar for bolder flavor that melts smoothly without greasiness.
- Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for tangier creaminess minus extra fat.
- Season layers individually—salt chicken early, veggies later for even taste.
- Let bake rest 10 minutes post-oven; this sets the cheese for clean slices.
- Customize spice with paprika or cayenne in the base for subtle kick.
- Double cheese on top midway through baking for ultra-gooey crust.
- Test rice doneness pre-assembly; al dente works best to absorb sauce.
- Grease dish well or line with parchment for effortless serving.
Practice makes perfect—first tries may vary by oven, so note adjustments. Fresh garlic outperforms powder for aroma. These tweaks ensure restaurant-quality at home.
Variations of Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Switch up the classic with these creative twists to suit diets and cravings. Swap chicken for ground turkey or ham for lighter protein options.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with mushrooms and chickpeas; use cream of mushroom soup.
- Spicy Southwest: Add corn, black beans, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese; top with tortilla chips.
- Low-Carb Keto: Sub cauliflower rice for white rice, heavy cream for milk.
- Buffalo-Style: Mix in buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles for wing-inspired heat.
- Mediterranean: Incorporate feta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and oregano.
- Breakfast Version: Stir in eggs and sausage; bake with biscuit topping.
- Asian Fusion: Use jasmine rice, soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds.
For gluten-free, confirm soup and crackers are certified. Scale cheese for dairy-free with vegan alternatives. These keep the cozy core while exploring flavors—test small batches first. Pair creamy chicken broccoli soup for soup-casserole nights or try our one-pot smoked sausage and rice skillet for smoky sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, add it straight from frozen—no thawing needed, as it cooks perfectly in the oven.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely; freeze baked or unbaked up to 3 months, thaw, and reheat with milk splash.
What rice works best?
Long-grain white rice holds shape well; brown rice needs extra cook time and liquid.
Can I make it ahead?
Prep up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and bake fresh for best texture.
Dairy-free option?
Use vegan cheese, coconut milk, and dairy-free soup for seamless substitution.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole earns its spot in your rotation for its reliability and rave reviews. Busy parents appreciate the 10-minute prep; flavor fans love the customizable cheesy bliss.
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Print
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: Tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melted cheddar in a bubbly, one-dish wonder perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
- ½ cup crushed crackers (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F; grease 9×13 dish.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter 3-4 min.
3. Add chicken, broccoli; cook 2-3 min.
4. Mix in soup, milk, rice, half cheese; season.
5. Transfer to dish; top with cheese, crackers.
6. Bake covered 20 min, uncovered 10 min.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for ease.
Blanch fresh broccoli for color.
Sharp cheddar melts best.
Reheat with milk splash.
Gluten-free: Use GF soup/crackers.
Freezes up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg