Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a comforting, filling, and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect recipe for you! It’s packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The best part? It’s a one-pan meal, making both cooking and clean-up a breeze. Read on to discover the step-by-step instructions, tips, and tricks to create this delicious casserole that will quickly become a favorite in your household.

What is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic American comfort dish that combines cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice with a creamy sauce and a cheesy topping. It’s baked until bubbly and golden, creating a dish that's hearty, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s versatile and customizable, making it a popular choice for busy weeknight dinners or family gatherings.

Ingredients List for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

To make this delicious casserole, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken: 2 cups of cooked, shredded or cubed chicken breast or thigh meat. Rotisserie chicken works great too!
• Broccoli: 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched.
• Rice: 1 cup of uncooked white rice or 3 cups of cooked rice. You can use brown rice for a healthier option.
• Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. You can also use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a cheesier casserole.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces) of condensed cream of chicken soup. This adds creaminess and flavor to the dish.
• Sour Cream: ½ cup of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Milk: ½ cup of milk to help blend the sauce.
• Onion and Garlic: 1 small onion, diced, and 2 cloves of garlic, minced, for added flavor.
• Butter: 2 tablespoons of butter to sauté the onions and garlic.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste. Feel free to add other seasonings like paprika or thyme.
• Optional Toppings: Panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, or crushed crackers for a crunchy topping.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or to suit dietary preferences. Here are some common substitutions and variations:

• Chicken: Swap the chicken for turkey or even ground beef for a different protein option.
• Broccoli: If you're not a fan of broccoli, you can use other vegetables like green beans, peas, or spinach. Frozen vegetables also work well.
• Rice: For a healthier option, substitute white rice with brown rice or quinoa. Cauliflower rice can also be used for a low-carb version.
• Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gruyere for different flavors.
• Soup: Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery for a different taste.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and breadcrumbs if needed to make the dish gluten-free.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: If you're using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package instructions. For this recipe, you will need about 3 cups of cooked rice. Set it aside once it’s done.
2. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for about 3-4 minutes until they are tender but still crisp. Drain them and set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: If you haven’t already prepared your chicken, cook the chicken breasts or thighs until fully cooked and shred or cube them.
4. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onions and garlic.
6. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl or directly in your casserole dish, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and stir everything until it is well combined.
7. Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
8. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese.
9. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
10. Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Cooking Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The key steps are preparing the individual components—chicken, rice, and broccoli—before mixing them together with a creamy sauce and cheese. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until it’s golden and bubbling.

To summarize the process:

• Step 1: Cook the rice and set it aside.
• Step 2: Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli.
• Step 3: Sauté onions and garlic for flavor.
• Step 4: Mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk.
• Step 5: Combine all the ingredients in a casserole dish and bake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Broccoli: Be sure to steam or blanch the broccoli just until tender. Overcooking will result in mushy broccoli that loses its vibrant green color.
2. Using Uncooked Rice: It’s important to use fully cooked rice in this recipe. Uncooked rice will not absorb enough liquid during baking and will remain hard.
3. Too Much Liquid: Avoid adding too much milk or soup, as the casserole can become soupy. Stick to the recommended measurements to achieve the right consistency.
4. Skipping the Cheese Topping: The cheese topping adds flavor and creates a beautiful, golden finish. Don’t skip this step!

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation matters just as much as taste when it comes to serving Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Here are some tips to make your dish look as good as it tastes:

• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Serve in Individual Portions: For a more elegant presentation, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This creates personalized servings that look great on the plate.
• Add a Crunchy Topping: For extra texture, add a topping of panko breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions before baking.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a few sides to elevate the dish:

• Green Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette pairs well with the richness of the casserole.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up any creamy sauce left on your plate.
• Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted carrots or green beans complements the flavors of the casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here are some creative ways to present your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

• Family Style: Serve the casserole in the baking dish straight from the oven for a cozy, family-style meal.
• Plated: For a more formal meal, serve individual portions on plates with a garnish of herbs and a side salad.
• In Skillet: If you used an oven-safe skillet to cook your casserole, serve it directly from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole freezes well. Simply assemble it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat leftovers, cover the casserole with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes! Frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the casserole to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, follow the same instructions but add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if needed.

3. How do I store leftovers? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven.

4. Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole? Yes, you can freeze the casserole. Assemble the casserole, wrap it tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

5. Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs if you are adding a crunchy topping.

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It's a versatile recipe that allows for plenty of variations, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping. With its ease of preparation, customizable ingredients, and crowd-pleasing taste, it's sure to become a go-to recipe in your home. So why wait? Gather your ingredients and try this delicious casserole today!

Print