There are some nights when you just crave something warm, filling, and incredibly comforting. You know the ones. Days when you want a real home cooked meal without a mountain of dishes to wash afterwards. It sounds like a dream, right? Well, it is totally achievable.
This is where my favorite Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole recipe comes to the rescue. It is a complete game changer for busy weeknights. It’s a simple, dump and bake meal that delivers so much flavor with very little effort. It is the kind of dinner that makes everyone at the table happy.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First and foremost, the simplicity is unmatched. This is a true one dish meal. You mix every single ingredient right in your baking dish. There’s no need to cook the rice or the chicken ahead of time. Everything cooks together beautifully in the oven.
Think about that for a second. No extra pots for boiling rice. No skillet for searing chicken. Just one dish to clean. It’s a huge time saver and makes cleanup an absolute breeze. Honestly, what could be better on a hectic evening?
The flavor is another huge plus. We are talking about tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. And the top layer? A beautiful blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It’s pure comfort in every single bite.
This recipe is also incredibly flexible. You can easily customize it to suit your family’s tastes. Add a pinch of your favorite herbs, swap the cheese, or even toss in some other veggies you have on hand. It’s a great way to use up what’s in your fridge.
It is also a fantastic recipe for anyone new to cooking. The instructions are so straightforward, it’s practically foolproof. If you can stir ingredients in a dish, you can make this delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole. It builds confidence in the kitchen.
Let’s not forget about the budget. This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole uses common pantry staples and affordable ingredients. It’s a hearty meal that can feed a whole family without putting a strain on your wallet. It’s a dinner win all around.
Ingredients
Here is what you will need to gather to create this amazing dish. The ingredients are simple, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen right now. It’s all about easy to find components coming together for a fantastic meal.
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth, water, or milk
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 1 pound uncooked boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 1 bag (12.6 ounces) frozen baby broccoli florets
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: additional herbs and seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, rosemary, basil, or oregano
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh parsley or thyme
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to see how simple this is? Let’s walk through the process together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a beautiful casserole ready for dinner in no time at all. It is so rewarding to see it come together with so little work involved.
Step 1: Prep Your Dish and Oven
First things first, let’s get your oven ready. Preheat it to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius. While it’s heating up, grab your baking dish. A 9 by 13 inch dish is a great size for this recipe. Give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix Everything Together
Now for the fun part. Pour the can of condensed cream of chicken soup directly into your prepared baking dish. Add the chicken broth or water and whisk them together until smooth. This creamy base is what will make our casserole so good.
Next, stir in the uncooked rice, the diced raw chicken, and the frozen broccoli. You don’t even need to thaw the broccoli. Just toss it right in. That’s a wonderful shortcut that saves you time and effort.
Now it’s time to season everything. Add about a half teaspoon of salt and a quarter teaspoon of pepper. If you’re using other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder, add them now. Give it all another good stir to make sure everything is evenly combined.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This is a key step because it traps the steam, which is what cooks the rice and chicken perfectly. Pop the covered dish into your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when most of the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. To check, carefully remove the foil and use a fork to fluff a small section of rice. If it’s still a bit firm, just cover it back up and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping
Once the rice and chicken are cooked through, it’s time for the final touch. Sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the hot casserole. The warmth from the dish will already start to make it look glorious and melty.
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered this time, for just a few more minutes. You only need to bake it long enough for the cheese to melt into a gooey, golden layer. This usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Finally, remove your beautiful Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole from the oven. If you like, you can garnish it with some fresh chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color and freshness. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is super easy. First, make sure the casserole has cooled down completely to room temperature. You don’t want to put a hot dish in the fridge as it can raise the internal temperature.
Once cool, you can either cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap, or you can transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days. It is a great option for lunches the next day.
Reheating is simple too. You can scoop out a portion and microwave it for a minute or two until hot. For best results, I like to reheat it in the oven. Place it in an oven safe dish, cover with foil, and warm it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. It tastes almost as good as it did on the first day.
Tips
Want to make your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Rice Casserole even better? Here are a few tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way. These little suggestions can make a big difference in the final result.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with cheese. Sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but a Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would be delicious too. For a little extra kick, try a pepper jack cheese. You can even mix a few different kinds together for more complex flavor.
While the recipe calls for cream of chicken soup, you can definitely substitute it. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery would also work wonderfully. This is a great way to change up the flavor profile of your Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole without much effort.
Pay attention to your baking dish. A glass or ceramic dish typically takes a bit longer to heat up and cook through than a metal one. Just be sure to check the rice for doneness to know when your casserole is ready. Taste is the best indicator.
Feel free to add more vegetables. Some sautéed onions or mushrooms would be a fantastic addition. You could also stir in a cup of frozen corn or peas along with the broccoli for extra color and nutrients. It makes this Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole even more of a complete meal.
For a crispier topping, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before the final bake. It adds a nice little crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior of the casserole. It is a small step with a big textural payoff.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, delicious, and satisfying Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again on those busy nights when you need something reliable and comforting.
It proves that you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients or complicated steps to create a meal that feels special. With just a few pantry staples and one baking dish, you can bring a warm, cheesy, and wonderful dinner to the table. I hope you and your family love it as much as mine does.
FAQ
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
You can, but you will need to adjust the recipe. Brown rice takes much longer to cook and requires more liquid. You would likely need to increase the broth and the baking time significantly. For the best results with this specific recipe, long grain white rice is recommended.
Do I Need to Cook the Chicken or Rice Beforehand?
Nope, and that’s the beauty of this recipe! Both the chicken and the rice go into the dish uncooked. They cook perfectly in the creamy sauce while the casserole bakes in the oven. It is a true one pan meal that saves you time and cleanup.
What Can I Serve With This Casserole?
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a complete meal on its own. However, if you want to add a side, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette would be a wonderful choice. Some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce is also a fantastic idea.
Can I Make This Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole Without Chicken?
Absolutely. For a vegetarian option, you can simply omit the chicken. To make it heartier, consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or cauliflower. You could also stir in a can of chickpeas for some added protein. Just make sure to use a vegetable based condensed soup, like cream of mushroom, and vegetable broth.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
This simple, one-dish Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s a dump-and-bake meal with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli in a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheddar.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In the prepared baking dish, pour the condensed cream of chicken soup and chicken broth. Whisk together until smooth.
- Stir in the uncooked rice, diced raw chicken, and frozen broccoli florets. Season with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, plus any other optional seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly combined.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired.
Notes
Experiment with different cheeses. Monterey Jack, a Colby blend, or even pepper jack would be delicious substitutes for cheddar.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
For a crispier topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese before the final 3-5 minute bake.
Feel free to add more vegetables like sautéed onions, mushrooms, frozen corn, or peas along with the broccoli.
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