Creamy Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole that promises to become your new dinner favorite.

Weeknight meals demand smart solutions for hungry families.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this one-pan wonder.

Packed with protein and vibrant green vegetables, the dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Cheese lovers will appreciate the golden, melted topping that adds a delightful crunch.

You can prep this meal quickly and enjoy a satisfying dinner that feels like a warm hug.

What Makes Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole a Classic

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic flavors of chicken, cheese, and rice that appeal to both kids and adults, creating a hearty meal everyone will love and devour enthusiastically.
• Versatile One-Dish Dish: Perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or weeknight meals, this casserole delivers a complete balanced meal with protein, grains, and vegetables all in a single, satisfying dish.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Using instant rice and pre-cooked chicken cuts down on preparation time, allowing you to have a delicious, nutritious meal on the table in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort.

Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with a nutty flavor and packed with nutrients.
• Rice: Light and fluffy instant grain that cooks quickly.
• Chicken: Tender and protein-rich meat chunks.
• Cheese: Creamy processed cheese that melts beautifully.

• Cream of Mushroom Soup: Smooth and rich soup base with earthy mushroom flavor.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy soup that adds depth to the casserole.
• Milk: Smooth dairy liquid that helps bind ingredients.
• Butter: Rich and smooth dairy fat for flavor.

• Onion: Sharp and savory vegetable that adds depth to the dish.

Directions for Making the Classic Casserole

Step 1: Boil Water and Prepare Rice

Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring it to a boil.

Add instant rice to the boiling water, cover the saucepan, and remove from heat.

Let the rice sit undisturbed for 5 minutes to absorb the water and become fluffy.

Step 2: Gather Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked rice
• Chunk chicken
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Butter
• Milk
• Broccoli
• Onion
• Processed cheese

Step 3: Mix Casserole Components

In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine all the ingredients thoroughly.

Stir everything together to ensure an even distribution of flavors and ingredients.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F.

Bake for 30-36 minutes, making sure to stir the casserole halfway through cooking to help the cheese melt evenly and create a consistent texture.

Step 5: Check for Doneness

Look for fully melted and bubbly cheese as a sign that the casserole is ready.

The top should be golden and the cheese should be completely liquefied.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.

Serve hot as a comforting and hearty meal that combines chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheesy goodness.

Tips for a Creamier Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Let rice stand covered for exactly 5 minutes after boiling to ensure perfect moisture and fluffy texture without overcooking.
• Stir casserole midway through baking to help processed cheese melt uniformly and prevent uneven heating or burning.
• Use full-fat milk and butter to create a creamy consistency while preventing the casserole from becoming too dry.
• Consider adding garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to boost the overall taste profile without changing the recipe's core structure.
• Swap chunk chicken with rotisserie chicken, shredded turkey, or plant-based protein alternatives for dietary flexibility.

How to Store and Warm Up Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through.
• Portion leftovers onto a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Pairing Options for Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay
• A buttery Chardonnay complements the creamy casserole perfectly, cutting through the rich cheese and enhancing the chicken's subtle flavors. Its smooth texture matches the dish's velvety consistency.
• Refresh with Zesty Side: Citrus Salad
• Toss together a light citrus salad with mixed greens, mandarin oranges, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's heaviness. The bright, acidic notes will cleanse the palate between bites.
• Match with Crunchy Contrast: Garlic Roasted Almonds
• Sprinkle garlic-roasted almonds as a side garnish to add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts with the casserole's soft texture. The toasted nuts provide a delightful textural counterpoint.
• Complement with Fresh Herb: Parsley Garnish
• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the casserole to introduce a vibrant, herbal note that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color to the dish.

Casserole Variations with Chicken and Rice

• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas for a plant-based protein alternative. Add extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach for more nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups and substitute regular rice with brown rice or quinoa. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Modification: Swap rice with cauliflower rice and use lighter cream soups. Choose grilled chicken breast and reduce cheese quantity for a healthier version.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese alternatives like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Substitute milk with almond or coconut milk for creamy texture without dairy.

FAQs

• Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chunk chicken?

Yes, you can! Shred or dice cooked chicken breast and substitute it directly for the canned chunk chicken.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

• What if I don't have processed cheese?

You can use shredded cheddar or a blend of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar as a replacement. The key is to use a cheese that melts well.

• Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?

Yes, you can include additional vegetables like diced bell peppers, carrots, or mushrooms to add more nutrition and flavor to the dish.

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 51 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken and broccoli casserole blends creamy cheese with hearty rice for a satisfying meal. Warm layers of flavor invite family gatherings around this classic one-dish wonder perfect for nourishing hungry souls.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound processed cheese food
• 2 (10.1 ounces / 286 grams) cans chunk chicken, drained
• 1 cup water
• 1 (16 ounces / 454 grams) package frozen chopped broccoli
• 2 cups uncooked instant rice

Sauces and Soups:

• 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
• 1 (10.75 ounces / 305 grams) can condensed cream of chicken soup

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 cup milk
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 small white onion, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil water in a medium saucepan and add instant rice, then cover and remove from heat. Allow rice to absorb liquid for 5 minutes, creating a fluffy base for the casserole.
2. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by combining the softened rice with chunk chicken, creating a hearty protein layer.
3. Pour cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups over the rice and chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution of creamy textures.
4. Incorporate melted butter and milk into the casserole, which will help bind the ingredients and enhance the overall richness.
5. Gently fold in chopped broccoli and diced onions, distributing vegetables throughout the dish for balanced nutrition and flavor.
6. Sprinkle processed cheese over the top, allowing it to melt and create a golden, bubbling surface during baking.
7. Place the casserole in a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 30-36 minutes, rotating the dish halfway through cooking to promote even cheese melting and consistent heat distribution.
8. Remove from oven when cheese is completely melted, golden, and bubbling, indicating the casserole is thoroughly heated and ready to serve.

Notes

• Make sure to use room temperature ingredients for even mixing and better texture throughout the casserole.
• Swap processed cheese with sharp cheddar or a blend of cheeses for a more complex, rich flavor profile.
• For a healthier version, use brown rice instead of instant rice and replace cream soups with homemade versions to reduce sodium and preservatives.
• Consider adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to boost nutritional value and create more depth in the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 36 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg