Wow, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole! This dish brings all the cozy vibes with its creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chunks of chicken, nestled alongside fresh broccoli. It’s a one-dish wonder that comes together so easily—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re hosting family. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll feel like you’re wrapped in a warm blanket. The best part? Everyone loves it! Kids and adults alike can’t resist this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole. Let’s dive into making it!
Ingredients List
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, whichever you prefer)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (I love using rotisserie chicken for ease!)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed (fresh is best, but frozen works too)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (this adds that creamy texture we crave)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (the more, the merrier, I say!)
- 1/2 cup milk (whole milk gives it a richer flavor, but you can use what you have)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (a must for that extra flavor kick)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for depth—trust me, it’s a game changer)
- Salt and pepper to taste (always season to your liking!)
How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole is super simple to whip up, and I promise you’ll love every step of the process. Let’s dive right in!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial because starting with a hot oven helps the casserole cook evenly and achieve that bubbly, golden cheese topping we all crave. So, while you’re prepping your ingredients, let that oven work its magic!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Then, sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. I like to use a spatula to gently fold everything together until it’s all nicely combined. You want to create a homogenous mixture that’s loaded with flavor!
Step 3: Incorporate Cheese
Now comes the fun part! Stir in half of your shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture. This step is key because it adds that melty goodness throughout the casserole. I can already smell the cheesy aroma—yum!
Step 4: Transfer Mixture
Next, grab a greased 9×13 inch baking dish (trust me, greasing is important to prevent sticking!). Carefully pour your mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly so every bite gets that cheesy goodness. It’s starting to look delicious already!
Step 5: Top with Cheese
Now, it’s time to finish strong! Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. This is what will give you that perfect cheesy finish that’s golden and bubbly when it comes out of the oven. Can you imagine the gooeyness?
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop that casserole into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are starting to brown a little. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water! Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this delightful dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot meal that combines protein, veggies, and carbs—talk about convenience!
- The creamy, cheesy goodness is irresistible, making it a surefire hit with the whole family.
- It’s super easy to prepare, so you can whip it up even on the busiest days.
- You can customize it with your favorite veggies or add spices to suit your taste.
- Leftovers (if there are any!) are just as delicious, making it perfect for meal prep.
- It’s a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out—perfect for chilly nights!
- Kid-approved and adult-friendly, it’s a great way to sneak in some greens!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole turns out absolutely perfect every time! Here are some of my favorite tips that I swear by:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh broccoli and freshly cooked chicken. It makes a noticeable difference in flavor and texture!
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: If you steam your broccoli, make sure it’s slightly undercooked before adding it to the casserole. It’ll finish cooking in the oven without turning mushy!
- Customize Your Cheese: While I love cheddar, feel free to mix it up! Try using a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different twist.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with the seasoning! A little extra salt and pepper can elevate the dish. Taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Add Crunch: For an extra texture boost, sprinkle some crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the cheese before baking. It adds a delightful crunch!
- Let It Rest: After baking, allow the casserole to sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier!
- Make-Ahead Magic: If you want to prepare this in advance, assemble the casserole and keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
With these tips, you’ll be a casserole pro in no time! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Hey there! Just a quick note about the nutritional information for this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole: it can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. I always recommend checking your own labels if you’re tracking those numbers closely. The typical values I’ve provided are just estimates to give you a general idea of what to expect. Enjoy this comforting dish and remember that the real joy comes from sharing it with loved ones, not just the numbers on a label!
FAQ Section
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! One of the best things about this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole is that you can prep it ahead of time. Just assemble the casserole in your greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven! You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting from a cold state, but it’s totally worth it for the convenience!
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you’re looking for alternatives to cream of chicken soup, no worries—I’ve got you covered! You can use a homemade version by mixing equal parts of milk and chicken broth with some cornstarch to thicken. Another option is to use cream of mushroom soup or even a vegetable soup for a vegetarian-friendly twist. If you’re dairy-free, try using a coconut milk-based soup or a dairy-free cream soup. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to your liking!
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! This casserole is super versatile, so feel free to sneak in more veggies to boost the nutrition. Some of my favorites include diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or even some sautéed mushrooms. You can also add carrots for a touch of sweetness or spinach for a pop of color. Just remember to slightly undercook any veggies you add so they don’t turn mushy in the oven. The more, the merrier when it comes to veggies!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk leftovers! If you happen to have any of this cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole left (which is rare in my house!), storing it properly will keep all that deliciousness intact. First, let the casserole cool completely after baking. Once it’s cooled, you can transfer it to an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days.
Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the oven for the best results. Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s warmed through. If you want that cheesy top to get bubbly again, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes of reheating. Oh, and if you’re in a hurry, you can pop individual servings in the microwave! Just heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until piping hot.
Enjoy those leftovers—the flavors often get even better the next day! Happy munching!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole: 5 Comforting Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A comforting cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese over rice.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add more vegetables if desired.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole