Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food—hearty, filling, and easy to prepare. One of the most popular variations is the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole. This wholesome dish combines tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into a delicious meal that’s perfect for any family dinner or gathering.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through each step to make this easy and scrumptious casserole. The ingredients are simple and likely already in your pantry, making it the ideal last-minute dinner option.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (leftover rotisserie chicken works great)
2 cups fresh broccoli, chopped into small florets (or frozen, thawed)
1 cup uncooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a richer flavor)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream (optional, for added creaminess)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser! Here’s why:

Versatile Ingredients: You can use leftover chicken or turkey. Swap white rice for brown, or even use quinoa for a healthier twist.
Customizable Veggies: If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower, spinach, or even mixed vegetables.
Cheesy Goodness: This dish is loaded with melty, gooey cheddar cheese, but you can also use a mix of your favorite cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor.
Easy to Prepare: You can throw everything together quickly, and it’s ready in less than an hour, perfect for a busy weeknight.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken broth to a boil. Stir in 1 cup of uncooked rice, reduce the heat, and cover. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid. Set it aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Steam the Broccoli

While the rice is cooking, steam your broccoli florets until they are just tender, which should take about 5 minutes. You can also microwave the broccoli with a bit of water for convenience. Drain any excess water and set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli. Add in the cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, milk, sour cream (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well-combined.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to your greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. The cheese will create a beautiful golden crust as it bakes, adding to the overall deliciousness.

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are slightly golden, and the cheese has a slight crispness.

Step 7: Let it Rest

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set and make it easier to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it with a side salad or garlic bread for extra flair. It pairs wonderfully with a light green salad or even roasted vegetables for a heartier meal.

If you’re making this casserole for meal prep, it reheats wonderfully in the microwave or oven. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will last up to 4 days.

Substitutions and Additions

The beauty of casseroles is their flexibility. Here are some ideas to customize your dish:

Add more veggies: Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
Go gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and swap out the rice for cauliflower rice if you’re following a gluten-free diet.
Change up the protein: Don’t have chicken? Substitute it with cooked ground beef, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Spice it up: Add a dash of paprika, crushed red pepper flakes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce for a little kick.

Storing and Reheating

If you have leftovers (although it’s so delicious, that might not be likely!), you can store the casserole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion into the microwave for a couple of minutes until heated through, or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Freezing Instructions

This casserole is also freezer-friendly, making it a great option for batch cooking. To freeze:

Prepare the casserole as instructed but don’t bake it.
Cover the unbaked casserole tightly with plastic wrap, then with foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
When ready to bake, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Bake as instructed, adding an additional 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed.

Conclusion

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is sure to become a favorite in your household. With its creamy texture, cheesy topping, and the perfect balance of chicken and veggies, it’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prep, it’s a dish that everyone will love.

Enjoy the warm, cheesy goodness with your family, and don’t forget to experiment with your own variations to make this recipe uniquely yours!