If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is just what you need. It combines tender chunks of chicken, vibrant green broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that melts in your mouth. This casserole is more than just a dish—it’s a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping for the week. Whether you’re a casserole enthusiast or just looking for a reliable recipe that never disappoints, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, you’ll only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a crucial role in building flavor, texture, and heartiness. From tender chicken to melty cheddar, every component adds a special touch to this delightful dish.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced: Provides the protein foundation and savory flavor.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds freshness and a vibrant pop of green color.
- 2 cups cooked rice: Acts as the comforting base that soaks up flavorful sauce.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Brings creamy, tangy richness and a golden finish.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce while keeping it smooth and luscious.
- 1/4 cup sour cream: Adds subtle tanginess and extra creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth and a hint of savory warmth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Gives a mild sweetness that complements the garlic.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional): Optional crunchy topping for added texture and flavor.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms, grab a large bowl and toss together the cooked, diced chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and cooked rice. This triad is the hearty base of the casserole, and mixing them first ensures everything is evenly distributed before the sauce joins in.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This simple sauce blend is where the magic happens, delivering creaminess and a depth of flavor that wraps every bite in deliciousness without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
Step 3: Combine Sauce and Cheese with the Chicken Mixture
Pour the sauce over your chicken, broccoli, and rice mix, then add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything gently but thoroughly until the sauce coats every piece and the cheese starts to melt into the mixture, promising gooey, cheesy goodness in every serving.
Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish and Add Topping
Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top to create that irresistible golden crust during baking. If you love some crunch, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the cheese at this stage or add them later for extra texture.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden around the edges. If you added crispy fried onions, pop it back in the oven for an extra 5 minutes to toast them up and give your casserole a delightful finishing crunch.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This brief pause helps the casserole set so each slice holds its shape, while allowing steam to settle and flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of extra crispy fried onions on top right before serving brings a fresh color contrast and an appealing texture that complements the creamy casserole perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole is a meal in itself, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can provide a delightful balance. Light vinaigrettes or lemony dressings cut through the richness beautifully, making the whole meal feel lighter and even more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized portions, or scoop it into bell pepper cups for a colorful, eye-catching presentation. It also makes fantastic leftovers layered in a hearty wrap or stuffed into baked potatoes for a new spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making it taste even better the next day, just make sure to cover it well to keep the casserole moist.
Freezing
You can freeze the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. If freezing raw, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. To freeze baked casserole, cool it completely, then wrap tightly before freezing. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway to warm evenly while keeping that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli florets work wonderfully in this recipe and add a lovely crunch if not overcooked. Just be sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and blanch lightly if you want them softer before baking.
Is there a way to make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version and use gluten-free fried onions or skip the crispy onion topping. The dish remains just as delicious with these substitutions.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with cooked mushrooms, tofu, or a meat substitute, and use a cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. This keeps the hearty, comforting nature intact without losing flavor.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Ensuring the sauce is well mixed and creamy before baking helps keep everything moist. Also, cover with foil for the first part of baking if you’re worried about dryness, uncovering towards the end to let the cheese brown.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Frozen peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers make great additions. Just keep in mind that extra veggies might require slight adjustments to the sauce or cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those beloved dishes that feels like a warm family hug every time you serve it. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing with people you care about. Give it a try, and I promise it will become your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy cooked rice in a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional crispy fried onions, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice, mixing gently to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Sauce with Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, then add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, then pour the entire mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Add Fried Onions and Continue Baking: If using, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the onions and enhance the flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli; steam slightly if frozen to remove excess moisture before adding.
- For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to retain moisture.
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
