If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and downright delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender shredded chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheesy goodness baked to golden perfection, it’s both incredibly simple to prepare and packed with homey flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this casserole brings together familiar ingredients in a way that feels fresh and satisfying every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started on this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the tender chicken to the creamy soup, every component contributes to the fantastic texture, rich flavor, and delightful color of the casserole.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roast chicken or quickly poach breasts for juicy and flavorful protein.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant green color while balancing richness.
- 1 cup uncooked rice: The base that soaks up all the savory flavors and provides comforting heartiness.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Cooks the rice with extra flavor for a deliciously moist casserole.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The creamy binder that blends all the ingredients into one luscious dish.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, flavorful pockets creating irresistible cheesy goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Helps keep the casserole moist and silky throughout baking.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle, aromatic kick that enhances overall taste.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and seasoning the dish perfectly.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures your casserole will bake evenly without sticking, so you get a beautiful golden crust without any hassle during serving.
Step 2: Cook the Rice in Chicken Broth
Cooking the rice directly in chicken broth instead of water infuses it with depth and savoriness. Follow the package instructions carefully to get perfectly tender rice that’s ready to soak up the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Mix All Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure every bite of this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is packed with balanced flavor and creamy texture.
Step 4: Transfer and Bake
Pour the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out so the casserole bakes uniformly. Then pop it into the oven and let it bake for 25-30 minutes until it’s bubbly around the edges and the top has turned a mouthwatering golden brown.
Step 5: Let It Rest Before Serving
Once baked, allowing the casserole to cool slightly is key—this lets everything set so it’s easier to scoop and the flavors meld beautifully. This final touch elevates the overall experience of this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of paprika on top can add a pop of color and a hint of freshness that makes each serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairing it with a simple crisp green salad or warm crusty bread adds variety and a delightful contrast that rounds out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in small ramekins topped with an extra pinch of cheddar and broil briefly for a decadent golden crust. Or turn it into minis using a muffin tin for perfect party bites that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers from this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making a fantastic next-day meal that tastes just as comforting as fresh.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before or after baking. For best results, wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe container—frozen casserole will stay delicious for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain texture and flavor. Alternatively, microwave in shorter bursts stirring in between to avoid drying out your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds nuttier flavor and more fiber, though it may require longer cooking time and slightly more liquid, so adjust accordingly when preparing the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy ingredients like milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives such as almond milk and vegan cheese to enjoy a creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to sneak in carrots, peas, or mushrooms for additional texture and nutrients. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the veggies you choose.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Use cooked, shredded chicken from any source you prefer—rotisserie chicken, baked breasts, or even leftover turkey work wonderfully and add great flavor and protein.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own from scratch. Also, verify that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole packed with wholesome ingredients, and this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe hits that mark perfectly. It’s easy enough for an everyday dinner yet satisfying enough to feel like a treat. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this one in your meal rotation!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and tender rice in a creamy mixture baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for a family dinner any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
Other Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Rice: Prepare the rice by cooking it in chicken broth according to the package instructions, infusing the rice with rich chicken flavor.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and the top turns golden brown, indicating it is heated through and ready to serve.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burns. Enjoy your delicious, homemade chicken broccoli rice casserole!
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup if desired.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a sprinkle of paprika or crushed red pepper flakes before baking.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- To make this dish gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken soup used is gluten-free or make your own.
- Steaming broccoli just until tender keeps it vibrant and prevents overcooking during baking.
