Cozy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a symphony of flavors that’ll make you forget about takeout.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between vibrant broccoli florets and fluffy rice, all blanketed in a creamy, golden cheese sauce.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and carbs that feels like a warm hug.

Simplicity defines this dish, with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction guaranteed.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Works

• Quick Family Meal: Pack this casserole with protein, veggies, and grains for a complete, nutritious dinner that satisfies everyone's hunger in one simple dish.
• Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap ingredients like using different cheeses, adding spices, or substituting protein to match family preferences and dietary needs while keeping the core recipe delicious.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture: Enjoy a perfect blend of creamy, cheesy interior with a crispy, buttery corn flake topping that provides delightful contrast and makes every bite interesting.

What You Need For Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the base of the casserole.

• Shredded Cheese: Melty goodness that adds rich flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy ingredient for extra richness.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth sauce that binds ingredients together.

• Broccoli: Fresh green vegetable with a slight crunch.
• Cooked Rice: Fluffy base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.

• Corn Flakes: Crispy cereal that provides a crunchy texture.
• Melted Butter: Golden liquid that helps corn flakes become golden brown.

• Seasoning: Personal choice to enhance overall flavor.

Cooking The Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Give the dish a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Chopped broccoli florets
• Cream of chicken soup
• Fluffy cooked rice
• Shredded cheese
• Creamy mayonnaise
• Seasonings of your choice

Mix everything until each ingredient is beautifully blended and coated.

Step 3: Create a Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle crushed corn flakes evenly across the casserole surface.

Drizzle melted butter over the corn flake layer to help them turn golden and crispy.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven.

Let it bake for 30 to 35 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is heated completely through.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Pull out your bubbling, cheesy creation and serve immediately.

Get ready to enjoy a comforting, creamy dish that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Tips For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Experiment with different herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning to personalize the flavor profile and match your taste preferences.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for added convenience and enhanced taste, saving time without compromising on flavor.
• Swap corn flakes with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to accommodate dietary restrictions while maintaining the crispy topping texture.
• Replace broccoli with mixed vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist on the classic casserole.
• Adjust mayonnaise quantity to manage the dish's richness – less for a lighter version, more for an extra creamy consistency that suits your preference.

Store And Serve Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer casserole to a freezer-safe container. Seal tightly and freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
• Place individual portions on microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop when thoroughly warmed.

Pairing Options For Chicken Rice Casserole

• Pair Zesty Chardonnay: Crisp white wine cuts through the rich, creamy casserole, balancing its heaviness with bright acidity and complementing the cheesy flavors.
• Serve Fresh Garden Salad: Light, crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, dense casserole, adding vibrant texture and cleansing the palate.
• Roast Garlic Bread: Crusty, buttery garlic bread offers a crunchy side that echoes the corn flake topping while soaking up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Pour Sparkling Lemonade: Citrusy, bubbly drink brings a zesty freshness that cuts through the casserole's richness, creating a perfect flavor balance for a satisfying meal.

Style Ideas For Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular cream of chicken soup with gluten-free alternative. Swap corn flakes with crushed gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour for crispy topping.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cheese substitute like nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. Replace mayonnaise with cashew cream or dairy-free yogurt for creamy texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute rice with cauliflower rice. Use less cheese and add extra vegetables like zucchini or spinach for added nutrition and lower carbohydrate content.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for protein and flavor boost.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it completely before adding to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

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

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

• What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup if I don't have it?

You can use cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce with flour, butter, and milk as an alternative. This will help maintain the creamy texture of the casserole.

• How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version, use gluten-free corn flakes for the topping, and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli And Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty “Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole” delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with savory goodness. Wholesome ingredients meld together, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken

Vegetables:

• 2 cups broccoli florets

Dairy and Base Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Seasonings:

• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Garlic powder (to taste)
• Onion powder (to taste)

Topping:

• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) crushed corn flakes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a spacious rectangular baking vessel with a light coating of cooking spray.
2. Create a harmonious blend by gently folding together tender chicken pieces, vibrant broccoli florets, creamy condensed soup, fluffy prepared rice, and richly melted cheese in the prepared dish.
3. Integrate mayonnaise and selected seasonings, stirring carefully to distribute flavors uniformly throughout the mixture.
4. Transform corn flakes into a delicate, crunchy topping by crushing them into fine, irregular fragments.
5. Artfully scatter the crushed corn flakes across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Drizzle melted butter gracefully over the corn flake layer, allowing it to seep and create a golden, crisp exterior.
7. Transfer the assembled casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for approximately 30-35 minutes until the topping transforms into a beautiful amber-brown and the interior reaches a steaming, bubbling temperature.
8. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest momentarily before serving, allowing the flavors to settle and intensify.

Notes

• Toast corn flakes beforehand to enhance their crunchiness and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a lighter, protein-rich alternative.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving option that adds extra flavor to the casserole.
• Replace regular rice with cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version that’s equally delicious.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 37g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 80mg