Easy Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole Recipe For Cozy Nights

Crafting a delectable broccoli rice cheese chicken casserole brings comfort and joy to weeknight dinners.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this classic one-pan meal.

Busy home cooks appreciate simple recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Tender chicken chunks nestle among vibrant green broccoli florets and creamy rice.

Melted cheese creates a golden, bubbling topping that promises pure satisfaction.

Nutritious and filling, this dish delivers a balanced meal everyone will devour.

You’ll want to savor every single delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing casserole.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Comfort Qualities

• Whip Up a Hearty Meal: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious, nutritious dinner that comes together quickly with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients like different soups, cheeses, or adding extra veggies to match family preferences and pantry supplies.
• One-Pan Wonder: Simplifies mealtime by combining protein, grains, and vegetables in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup and making dinner preparation stress-free.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers classic, creamy flavors that appeal to both kids and adults, making it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients Checklist for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: A protein-rich component that provides substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color and healthy texture to the dish.
• Rice: A staple grain that serves as the foundational base of the casserole.
• Cheese: A creamy and melty ingredient that enhances the overall richness of the recipe.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Condensed soups that create a creamy and flavorful sauce for the casserole.
• Butter: A rich ingredient that adds depth and helps bind the ingredients together.

• Onion: A flavor-enhancing vegetable that provides a subtle, savory undertone to the dish.

Directions for Making This Casserole Classic

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Rice

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C).

Cook the rice following the package instructions until it’s fluffy and perfect.

Step 2: Combine Delicious Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Melted butter
• Chopped broccoli
• Diced onion
• Shredded Cheddar cheese

Mix everything together until well combined, creating a creamy, dreamy mixture.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot, bubbly, and looking irresistible.

Step 4: Cheese Finale

During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.

Watch it melt into a golden, gooey blanket of deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly.

Serve piping hot alongside a crisp salad or some warm breadsticks for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Cheesy Casserole Results

• Replace chicken with turkey, tofu, or ham for variety and dietary needs.
• Use low-sodium cream soups to reduce salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Add extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas to increase fiber and vitamins.
• Prepare the casserole in advance and freeze up to 3 months for quick future meals.
• Broil for 2-3 minutes after baking to create a golden, crunchy cheese layer.

Casserole Variations to Suit Any Family Meal

• Vegetarian Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Substitute cream soups with homemade gluten-free cream sauce and use gluten-free rice or quinoa as the base grain.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Craze: Swap rice with riced cauliflower and use Greek yogurt instead of cream soups to reduce carbohydrates and add protein.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Use nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, coconut milk cream, and plant-based butter to create a lactose-free casserole option.

Serving Suggestions for Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

• Family-Style Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with fresh garden salad and crispy garlic bread on the side.
• Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings where everyone loves comforting, cheesy goodness that travels well and satisfies hungry crowds.
• Protein Power Plate: Pair with roasted vegetables or steamed asparagus to boost nutrition and add extra color and texture to the classic casserole.
• Leftover Magic: Store individual portions in airtight containers for quick lunch options during the week, reheating easily in microwave for a fast meal.

Storage Tips for Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap securely in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Place casserole in baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Remove foil for last 5 minutes to crisp top.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake for 35-40 minutes until heated through.

• Can I substitute the cream soups with something healthier?

Try using homemade cream sauce or Greek yogurt mixed with low-sodium chicken broth as a lighter alternative to canned cream soups.

• How can I make this dish more protein-rich?

Add extra shredded chicken, diced rotisserie chicken, or mix in some cooked and diced turkey for a protein boost.

Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Savory Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole promises comfort in every delightful bite. Warm layers of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli blend seamlessly, inviting you to savor this hearty family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Protein and Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 oz (453 grams) broccoli pieces
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Grains and Base:

• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 2 cups water

Creamy and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (10 oz / 284 ml) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10 oz / 284 ml) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small white onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare rice according to package instructions until tender and fluffy.
2. Combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, chopped broccoli, and diced onion in a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
3. Spread the mixture evenly in the pan and top with one cup of shredded Cheddar cheese, creating a uniform layer.
4. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the center is bubbling hot.
5. During the final 3-4 minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top, allowing it to melt completely and create a golden, crispy cheese crust.
6. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier.
7. Serve hot, accompanied by a fresh side salad or warm breadsticks for a complete meal.

Notes

• Customize the chicken by using rotisserie for extra flavor or swap with turkey for a different protein boost.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream soups and checking ingredient labels carefully.
• Enhance vegetable variety by adding diced carrots or cauliflower for extra nutrition and texture.
• Reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of cream soups, and cutting butter quantity in half.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 484 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg