The Best Broccoli Rice Chicken And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this delightful broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole that promises to become your new weeknight favorite.

Layers of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Melted cheese blankets each ingredient, turning a simple dish into something truly spectacular.

You appreciate how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal prep work.

Creamy and satisfying, it delivers a complete meal in a single baking dish.

Nutritious ingredients combine to make a crowd-pleasing option that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Why Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole Works

• Simplify Meal Prep: Whip up this casserole with minimal kitchen skills, using mostly pre-cooked ingredients that come together quickly for a stress-free cooking experience.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy cheese, tender chicken, and hearty broccoli, this dish offers a satisfying blend of flavors that appeals to both kids and adults at family dinners.
• Ultimate One-Dish Dish: Combine proteins, vegetables, and grains in a single baking dish, eliminating multiple cooking steps and reducing cleanup time for busy households.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or when you need a reliable recipe that can be easily customized with additional mix-ins or seasonal vegetables.

What’s in Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and juicy protein base for the casserole.
• Chicken Broth: Flavorful liquid for cooking rice.

• Butter: Creamy fat for rich flavor.
• Velveeta Cheese: Smooth and melty cheese for creaminess.
• Heavy Cream: Rich dairy for extra smoothness.
• Milk: Additional liquid dairy component.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy soup base.
• Cream of Onion Soup: Flavor-enhancing soup.

• Frozen Broccoli: Nutritious green vegetable.
• Instant Rice: Quick-cooking grain base.
• Panko Bread Crumbs: Crunchy topping for texture.

Steps to Make Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Preheat your oven to a cozy 350°F.

This warm temperature will help create a perfectly golden and bubbly casserole.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

Cook the frozen broccoli following package instructions.

Drain completely to remove any extra water that could make your casserole soggy.

Step 3: Cook Fluffy Rice

In a medium saucepan, bring chicken broth to a rolling boil.

Add instant rice, cover the pot, and remove from heat.

Let the rice sit quietly for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Base

• Butter
• Cubed Velveeta cheese

Stir until everything melts into a smooth, dreamy mixture.

Step 5: Mix All the Goodies

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked broccoli
• Cheesy rice mixture

• Cream of onion soup
• Cream of chicken soup
• Heavy cream
• Milk

Mix thoroughly so every bite is packed with flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Casserole Dish

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Spread the mixture evenly, creating a delicious landscape of comfort food.

For extra crunch, sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes.

This short rest helps the dish set and makes serving much easier.

Grab a spoon and enjoy your comforting creation!

Tips for Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole

• Excess moisture can make your casserole watery, so squeeze out every drop of water from the frozen broccoli using a colander or clean kitchen towel.
• Opt for real Velveeta instead of generic processed cheese to ensure a creamy, smooth texture that melts perfectly into the rice mixture.
• Adjust the amount of heavy cream and milk to customize the casserole's consistency – less liquid for a firmer dish, more for a softer, saucier result.
• Swap panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing the crunchy topping.
• Cook chicken and rice in advance, then assemble the casserole quickly when you're ready to bake, saving time on busy weeknights.

Storing Broccoli Chicken Casserole Properly

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm and steaming.

Broccoli Chicken Casserole Pairings

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes that complement the cheese and chicken's richness, cutting through the creamy texture.
• Ideal Beer Match: Choose a light wheat beer or pale ale with mild hoppy flavor that balances the casserole's creaminess without overwhelming the delicate ingredients.
• Refreshing Side Drink: Serve chilled unsweetened iced tea with lemon, providing a bright, tangy contrast to the heavy, cheesy casserole and cleansing the palate between bites.
• Surprising Accompaniment: Pour sparkling apple cider for a non-alcoholic option that adds subtle sweetness and effervescence to enhance the dish's comfort food profile.

Recipe Swaps for Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, swap chicken broth with vegetable broth, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a complete vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Casserole: Substitute panko bread crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs, use gluten-free cream soups, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Trade rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates, use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, and select lower-fat cheese options for a lighter version of the classic casserole.
• Dairy-Free Friendly Version: Utilize coconut milk instead of heavy cream, choose dairy-free cheese substitutes, and incorporate nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without traditional dairy products.

FAQs

• Is this casserole kid-friendly?

Yes, kids typically love this dish because of its creamy cheese texture, mild flavors, and soft ingredients that are easy to eat. The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese makes it appealing to children.

• Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works perfectly. Just steam or blanch it briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure it’s tender and not too crunchy. Make sure to chop it into small, bite-sized pieces.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

You can reduce calories by using low-fat cheese, skim milk, and low-sodium soups. Adding more vegetables like cauliflower or carrots can boost nutritional value. Consider using brown rice for extra fiber.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is excellent for convenience and flavor. Alternatively, you can use leftover roasted chicken, boiled chicken breasts, or even canned chicken. Just ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped into small pieces.

Broccoli Rice Chicken And Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole brings hearty Southern warmth to family dinner tables. Creamy textures and rich flavors combine in one skillet, inviting you to savor each delicious, cheesy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 1 lb (454 g) shredded chicken
• 8 oz (227 g) Velveeta cheese, cubed

Grains and Vegetables:

• 2 cups instant rice
• 1 bag frozen broccoli (about 12 oz / 340 g), cooked and drained
• Panko bread crumbs (optional, for topping)

Liquids and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) cream of onion soup
• 1 can (10 oz / 284 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring an even heating environment for the casserole.
2. Transform frozen broccoli into a tender vegetable by cooking according to package guidelines, then meticulously drain to eliminate excess liquid.
3. Elevate chicken broth to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan, introducing instant rice with a gentle stir. Cover and remove from heat, allowing the rice to absorb liquid for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
4. While rice remains piping hot, incorporate butter and Velveeta cheese, stirring until they meld into a luxurious, creamy consistency.
5. Merge shredded chicken, freshly cooked broccoli, and the cheese-infused rice in a spacious mixing bowl.
6. Introduce cream of onion soup, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, and milk to the mixture, blending thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
7. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light greasing, then evenly distribute the creamy mixture. For added texture, sprinkle panko bread crumbs across the surface.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a golden-brown hue and edges bubble enticingly.
9. After removing from the oven, permit the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling it to set and stabilize before serving.

Notes

• Moisture Control: Drain broccoli thoroughly to prevent a watery casserole and ensure a thick, creamy texture that holds together perfectly.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Use hot rice when adding butter and Velveeta to create a smoother, more evenly distributed cheese sauce that coats ingredients beautifully.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap shredded chicken with rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned tuna for quick and varied protein options that keep the dish interesting.
• Dietary Adaptation: Make this casserole gluten-free by using gluten-free cream soups and replacing panko with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for a crispy topping.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 476
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 1037 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 37 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 93 mg