Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice

Craving a dish that feels like a warm hug? This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice delivers pure comfort in every delicious, golden-brown bite. It’s the ultimate family-friendly meal, brimming with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice

Discover why this classic casserole is destined to become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortless Comfort: It truly embodies the spirit of easy, hearty home cooking, making busy weeknights feel like a breeze.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most discerning palates, will ask for a second helping of this flavorful dish.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep, you can have this satisfying meal ready to bake in no time.
• Budget-Friendly: Utilizing common pantry staples and affordable ingredients helps keep your grocery bill down.
• Versatile & Adaptable: Easily customize it with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit your family’s tastes.
• Sensory Delight: Imagine the aroma of bubbling cheese and savory chicken filling your kitchen as it bakes to golden perfection.
• Perfect for Sharing: This generous casserole is ideal for potlucks, gatherings, or simply feeding a hungry family.
• Hearty & Filling: Packed with protein, vegetables, and rice, it’s a complete meal that truly satisfies.

Ingredients Needed for Your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful casserole. We’ve listed everything you’ll need, along with some quick selection tips to ensure the best flavor and texture.

• 2 cups / 300g cooked chicken, cubed: Opt for shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast for ultimate convenience.
• 2 cups / 250g broccoli florets, lightly steamed: Choose fresh, vibrant green florets. Ensure they are lightly steamed and well-drained to prevent a watery casserole.
• 2 cups / 360g cooked white rice: Any leftover cooked white rice works beautifully; basmati or jasmine are excellent choices.
• 1 can (10.5 oz / 298g) condensed cream of chicken soup: This forms the creamy, savory base of our casserole.
• 1/2 cup / 120ml milk: Whole milk or 2% milk will provide the best creaminess.
• 1 1/2 cups / 170g cheddar cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
• 1/2 tsp / 2.5g garlic powder: Enhances the savory notes throughout the dish.
• 1/2 cup / 60g crushed butter crackers (optional): For that irresistible golden, buttery crunch on top.

YOU MIGHT LOVE: Cheesy Chicken & Rice Casserole That Fixes Busy Weeknights – A hearty alternative for those extra busy evenings.

Essential Equipment

Having the right tools makes assembling this casserole a breeze. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• 9×13 Baking Dish: Essential for baking the casserole evenly to golden perfection.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Crucial for combining all your ingredients thoroughly before baking.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurately measure ingredients to ensure consistent results every time.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients gently yet effectively.

Recipe Overview

Here’s a snapshot of what to expect:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 6 servings
• Difficulty: Easy

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Best Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Let’s create this delightful casserole together! Follow these simple steps for a truly comforting and satisfying meal.

1. Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sauce Base

   1. Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole bakes evenly.
   2. In a large mixing bowl, gently whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.
   3. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, allowing it to begin melting slightly into the sauce.

2. Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

   1. Carefully add the cubed cooked chicken, cooked white rice, and lightly steamed broccoli florets to the sauce mixture.
   2. Fold all the ingredients together until everything is well coated with the rich, cheesy sauce. Ensure the broccoli is well-drained to avoid a watery casserole.

3. Step 3: Assemble and Top the Casserole

   this …

   1. Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
   2. Generously sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top, creating a beautiful cheesy layer.
   3. If desired, scatter the crushed butter cracker crumbs over the cheese for an extra golden, crispy crust.

4. Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

   1. Place the baking dish into your preheated oven.
   2. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is gloriously bubbly around the edges and the cheese topping turns a tempting golden brown. The crackers should be delightfully crisp.
   3. Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set beautifully.

CHECK OUT: The Best Broccoli Cheese Casserole – If you adore cheesy broccoli, you’ll love this side dish!

Tips for Success

Achieve casserole perfection every time with these expert tips:

• Don’t Overcook Broccoli: Lightly steam your broccoli so it retains a slight bite and bright color; it will continue to cook in the oven.
• Drain Broccoli Well: Excess water from the broccoli can make your casserole runny. Squeeze out any extra moisture before adding it.
• Use Cooked & Cooled Rice: Leftover, slightly cooled rice works best as it prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
• Freshly Shredded Cheese: It melts much better and tastes superior to pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents.
• Rotisserie Chicken Magic: For ultimate convenience, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s perfectly seasoned and saves valuable prep time.

Variations & Substitutions

Feel free to get creative with your casserole!

• Gluten-Free: Use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers, or omit crackers entirely.
• Dairy-Free: Swap condensed soup for a dairy-free cream soup alternative, use dairy-free milk, and a plant-based shredded cheese.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or a handful of fresh spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the soup mixture can add a pleasant kick.
• Different Cheeses: Experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.

Serving Suggestions

This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a meal in itself, but pairs wonderfully with a few simple additions:

• Crisp Green Salad: A light, tangy salad with a vinaigrette dressing cuts through the richness of the casserole.
• Warm Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy, cheesy sauce.
• Simple Fruit Salad: A refreshing side to balance the hearty flavors.
• Refreshing Beverages: Pair with iced tea, sparkling lemonade, or a fruit-infused water.

Health Benefits

Enjoying this comforting casserole also comes with some nutritional perks:

• Protein Power: Chicken is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle repair and satiety.
• Fiber Rich: Broccoli provides a good amount of dietary fiber, supporting digestive health.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Broccoli is packed with Vitamin C and K, while cheese offers calcium for strong bones.
• Balanced Meal: This dish combines protein, complex carbohydrates from rice, and essential vegetables for a well-rounded plate.

Storage & Reheating

Leftovers are just as delicious, if not more so!

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze portions of the baked casserole for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm through, or in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil, to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this comforting casserole:

• Can I use uncooked chicken?

  
  

  No, the chicken needs to be cooked before adding it to the casserole. The baking time is not long enough to cook raw chicken safely and thoroughly.

• What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

  
  

  You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.

• Can I make this ahead of time?

  
  

  Yes! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

• How do I prevent the casserole from being watery?

  
  

  Ensure your broccoli is well-drained after steaming and that your rice is not overly wet or freshly cooked; slightly cooled, drier rice works best.

• Can I use brown rice?

  
  

  Absolutely! Cooked brown rice works well, adding a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed, as brown rice can be a bit firmer.

  
  

More Delicious Dishes

If you loved this comforting casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic recipes:

• One Pan Wild Rice and Cheesy Broccoli Casserole – A flavorful twist on a classic, all in one pan.
• Ultimate Chicken Pot Pie Casserole – All the cozy flavors of pot pie without the fuss.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Casserole – Another cheesy chicken bake that’s sure to impress.

Conclusion

There you have it – a truly delightful and easy-to-make Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with Rice, ready to grace your table. This dish brings warmth and satisfaction with minimal effort. Enjoy every comforting bite! Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more amazing recipes.

Print