Description

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting, and easy-to-make meal combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, it delivers a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs with a rich, melty topping that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken breast or thighs

Vegetables

2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

2 cups cooked long-grain white or brown rice (preferably day-old)

Dairy and Sauces

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk or cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese or cheese blend, divided

Seasonings and Herbs

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Ingredients: Cook the rice according to package instructions and steam the broccoli until just tender but still bright green. Shred or dice your cooked chicken and finely chop the onion and garlic.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom or chicken soup with milk or cream. Add salt, pepper, and optional herbs like thyme or parsley. Stir in sautéed onion and garlic to enhance the flavor.
Combine All Ingredients: In a large bowl, fold together the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and creamy sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Reserve some shredded cheese for the topping.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes or until bubbling around the edges and the cheese is golden and melted.
Let It Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps the flavors meld together and the texture to set, making each bite creamy and delicious.

Notes

Use day-old rice to prevent the casserole from becoming too mushy.
Don’t overcook broccoli; steam until tender-crisp to maintain color and texture.
For added crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
Consider mixing cheeses, like combining mozzarella with cheddar, to add gooey stretch and tangy flavor.
Let the casserole cool slightly after baking for easier serving and deeper flavors.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 350 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 25 g
Cholesterol: 70 mg

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal, baked casserole