Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

When it comes to hearty, comforting meals that the whole family will love, Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole is a clear winner. This dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that brings everything together. It’s a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

The rich, cheesy sauce adds indulgent flavor while the broccoli brings in a healthy green crunch, and the rice provides the perfect base to absorb all the savory goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a dish that can be prepped ahead of time for leftovers, this casserole has got you covered. The best part? It’s completely customizable—add your favorite cheese, use different vegetables, or adjust the seasoning to make it your own.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, making it the perfect go-to comfort food. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole is a satisfying and easy-to-make meal that combines tender chicken, broccoli, and rice with a creamy, cheesy sauce. The ingredients are simple, but the flavor is rich and comforting, making it a hit with both kids and adults. The casserole is baked until bubbly and golden, and it’s the perfect way to get everyone to eat their veggies.

This dish is quick to assemble and can be made in advance for an easy dinner. It’s an ideal one-pan meal that combines protein, vegetables, and carbs, making it a well-rounded, filling option for any meal. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole is sure to please a crowd.

Exciting Story:

I first made Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole when I was looking for a simple yet comforting dinner that could feed my family without too much effort. I was craving something cheesy and warm but didn’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. After experimenting with a few ingredients I had on hand, this casserole was born.

The first time I served it, my family devoured it! The creamy, cheesy sauce was the perfect match for the tender chicken and the crispy-tender broccoli. It quickly became a favorite in our house, especially on chilly evenings when we needed something filling and comforting. I love how easy it is to customize too—sometimes I add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or switch up the cheese based on what I have in the fridge.

Now, this casserole is a regular on our dinner rotation. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or rice. Every time I make it, the family gets excited. It’s the perfect comfort food that always hits the spot.

Why This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

• Comforting and Filling: This casserole is the perfect comfort food, with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese.
• One-Pan Meal: It’s easy to prepare, making cleanup a breeze. Plus, it’s a complete meal all in one dish.
• Customizable: Add extra vegetables, use different types of cheese, or swap out the chicken for turkey or even a vegetarian option.
• Quick and Easy: You can assemble it quickly and have a satisfying dinner ready in under an hour.
• Kid-Friendly: With its cheesy flavor and familiar ingredients, this casserole is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

What You Need For Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

For the casserole:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 1 ½ cups cooked rice (white or brown rice)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a vegetarian option)
• ½ cup milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tablespoon butter (for greasing the baking dish)

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Mix everything together: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, and stir everything together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.
4. Assemble the casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese. For extra crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
5. Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
6. Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice.

Tips for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

• Cooked Chicken: This is a great dish to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Rice Substitutes: If you don’t have rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice can also work as a substitute for a different texture or a low-carb option.
• Topping Variations: For a different texture, try adding crumbled crackers, fried onions, or a mix of cheese on top instead of breadcrumbs.

Substitutions and Variations:

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the topping altogether to make it gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternative to make this casserole dairy-free.
• Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and use a vegetable soup base (like cream of mushroom) for a vegetarian version.

Make a Healthier Version:

• Lighten the Sauce: Use a light sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of regular sour cream to reduce the fat content.
• Brown Rice or Quinoa: Use brown rice or quinoa for added fiber and nutrients.
• Lean Protein: Use skinless chicken breast or even turkey breast for a leaner protein option.

Closing for Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

And there you have it! Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole is the perfect family-friendly dinner that combines comfort, flavor, and nutrition in one easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking for a dish that will impress at a gathering, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Let us know how your casserole turns out, and be sure to check out more of our delicious, easy-to-make comfort food recipes!

Frequently Asked Questions For Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole:

1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
   Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just bake it when you’re ready.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
   Yes! You can substitute the cheddar cheese with any cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss.
4. How long will leftovers last?
   Leftovers will stay fresh for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
5. Can I freeze this casserole?
   Yes, this casserole freezes well. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
6. Can I add more vegetables?
   Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.
7. Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
   Yes, you can use white rice if you prefer, but brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor.
8. How do I make this casserole spicier?
   Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce to give the casserole a little heat.
9. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?
   Yes, quinoa is a great substitute for rice if you’re looking for a gluten-free or higher-protein option.
10. Can I use a different soup base?
    Yes, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or a vegetable soup base for a different flavor.

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This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich flavors and wholesome ingredients into one satisfying meal. Enjoy every bite!