Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, classic dish that has long been a family favorite. This creamy casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich cheese sauce—all baked together into a delicious, satisfying meal.
Not only is it flavorful and filling, but it’s also a great way to use up leftovers, sneak in some vegetables, and make a hearty dinner with minimal effort.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply looking for an easy one-pan meal, this casserole is a go-to recipe. Let’s dive into how to make this cozy dish, along with some customization tips and answers to common questions.
Why Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
There are many reasons to love this dish:
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a delicious casserole ready for the oven in no time.
- Customizable: You can swap out the protein, use different veggies, or switch up the type of rice to suit your preferences.
- One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one dish, making cleanup quick and easy.
- Great for Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a perfect meal to enjoy throughout the week.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness of this dish, and it’s a great way to incorporate vegetables like broccoli.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This recipe serves 6-8 people and can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a larger group or want to freeze leftovers.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken breasts, or thighs.
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets: If you prefer, frozen broccoli works as well—just thaw and drain it first.
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain rice: You can also use brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice, depending on your preference.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole.
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth or water: Helps to cook the rice and keep the dish moist.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: The sharp flavor of cheddar complements the creamy texture of the casserole.
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional): For added creaminess and tang.
- 1 small onion, diced (optional): Adds extra flavor and depth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or onion powder: To enhance the flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Adds a bit of warmth and color.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping): For a crunchy topping.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
If you’re using uncooked rice, cook it according to the package instructions. You can also use instant or pre-cooked rice for a faster option. If you prefer, you can cook the rice in the chicken broth for extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Broccoli (Optional)
Blanch the fresh broccoli florets in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes, just until they’re bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw and drain it well.
Step 4: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, condensed cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream (if using). Add the diced onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for added texture.
Step 6: Bake
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top. If you’ve added breadcrumbs, they should be lightly browned and crispy.
Step 7: Serve
Once the casserole is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve it hot with a simple green salad or some garlic bread on the side.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Use Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken. This eliminates the need to cook the chicken separately and adds great flavor.
Steam Broccoli Lightly: If using fresh broccoli, blanch or steam it before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it’s tender by the time the casserole is baked. If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water from making the casserole too runny.
Customize the Protein: You can easily swap the chicken for other proteins, such as turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Boost the Vegetables: Add extra vegetables to the casserole for more nutrition and flavor. Mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers work well and can be sautéed with the onions for added depth.
Add More Cheese: For extra cheesiness, you can sprinkle additional cheddar or even mozzarella on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Make It Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free condensed soup and make sure any breadcrumbs or crackers you add for topping are gluten-free.
FAQs about Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
1. Can I Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole in advance by assembling everything and refrigerating it unbaked for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it into the preheated oven and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to account for the chill.
2. Can I Freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Definitely. This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual. If baking from frozen, increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup?
If you prefer to avoid canned soup, you can make a homemade version by combining equal parts butter and flour to make a roux, then slowly whisking in chicken broth and milk until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic or onion powder for flavor. Use this in place of the condensed soup.
4. Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice or even wild rice for this casserole. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so be sure to use pre-cooked rice or adjust the cooking time accordingly. You may also need a bit more liquid if using brown rice.
5. What’s the Best Way to Reheat Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
To reheat the casserole, cover it with aluminum foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the texture is better when reheated in the oven.
Conclusion
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a delicious, satisfying meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese, it’s a dish that combines great flavor with convenience. Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in, prepping meals for the week, or looking for something kid-friendly, this casserole has it all. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!
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