
Who doesn’t love a warm, cheesy casserole on a chilly evening?
Our chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’ll have your taste buds dancing!
Did you know that casseroles have been a staple in American households since the 1950s? This classic dish has stood the test of time, and we’ve perfected it!
Get ready to tantalize your senses and impress your family with this creamy, dreamy one-pan wonder!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Choosing the right casserole dish: A 9×13 inch dish works perfectly for this recipe, ensuring even cooking and serving sizes.
- Pre-cooking vs. raw ingredient methods: We recommend pre-cooking the chicken and rice for the best texture and to ensure everything is fully cooked.
- Freezing and reheating guidelines: This casserole freezes well! Cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Adding crunchy toppings: Try crushed potato chips, breadcrumbs, or sliced almonds for extra texture.
Nutritional Benefits of This Hearty Meal
This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole isn’t just delicious – it’s nutritious too! Here’s what you’re getting in each serving:
- Protein from chicken and cheese to keep you feeling full
- Fiber and vitamins from broccoli for digestive health and immune support
- Complex carbohydrates in rice for sustained energy
- Calcium from cheese for strong bones and teeth
Variations to Spice Up Your Casserole Game
- Tex-Mex inspired: Add diced jalapeños, black beans, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- Vegetarian alternative: Replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu.
- Low-carb option: Substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
- Gourmet twist: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, and use a blend of Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses.
Pairing Suggestions for a Complete Meal
- Side salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Bread: Warm, crusty French bread or garlic knots
- Beverages: Chardonnay for adults, sparkling apple juice for kids
- Dessert: Light and refreshing lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate
There you have it, folks – the ultimate guide to creating the most delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole you’ve ever tasted!
This versatile dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep for busy weeks. With its creamy texture, balanced flavors, and wholesome ingredients, it’s no wonder this casserole has remained a favorite for generations.
Don’t forget to share your culinary masterpiece on social media and tag us – we’d love to see your cheesy creations!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Thaw and drain it well before adding to the casserole.
How long does this casserole last in the refrigerator?
Properly stored in an airtight container, it will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works great and adds extra fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup crispy fried onions optional, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and rice. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- If desired, top with crispy fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
My family really enjoyed this dish. It was very filling and covered all the bases. I only changed the cream of chicken soup to cream of mushroom because it’s what I had on hand. We will be using this meal daytime in out future for busy nights.
I’m so happy your family enjoyed it! Thanks for the kind review, and I’m glad it’ll be part of your future meals!
Comfort food find! So delicious. I halved the recipe and only used a portion of the cream of chicken and added cooked onions. So good!! Thank you
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! Love that you added cooked onions- such a nice touch for extra flavor!😊
what’s your serving size?
The recipe makes about 6-8 servings (depending on portion preferences).
I’ve made this twice now, it’s a hit with our Family! Definitely a cold weather comfort food option!
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, Heather! So happy to hear the whole family loved it!❤️
Does the broccoli florets need to be raw or frozen?
You can use either raw or frozen broccoli! If you choose frozen, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this recipe and refrigerate it overnight before cooking it the next day?
Yes, you can prep it ahead and refrigerate, Enjoy!
This was easy and delicious. I used shredded chicken I had made in my instant pot yesterday. This will be a good one to keep in the rotation. Ps: the crispy fried onions are totally a MUST!
Thank you for sharing this! So happy it’s such a hit!❤️
Could I use cauliflower rice?
Yes! An easy and healthy swap😊
Is it 2 cups of raw rice before you cook it or 2 cups of cooked rice?
It’s 2 cups of cooked rice, so you measure it after it’s been cooked😊