Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Casseroles are the ultimate comfort food, and this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is no exception. It’s a one-dish wonder that’s sure to become a family favorite, with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone reaching for seconds.
✨ What Makes This Recipe Special
This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for a reason – it’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and incredibly versatile. The combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice creates a satisfying and well-balanced meal, while the creamy, cheesy sauce adds a rich and indulgent touch. Plus, with the ability to make it ahead of time or freeze it for later, this recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
The beauty of this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce creates a flavor profile that has made casserole recipes perennially popular.
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Step 4: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a 9×13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Step 6: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
Timing Overview
• Cook time: 30-35 minutes
• Total time: 45-50 minutes
Compared to traditional chicken and broccoli casseroles, which can take up to an hour to prepare, this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole saves you 15-20 minutes of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 6 servings):
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 24g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sodium: 790mg
These Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole provide approximately 60% of your daily protein requirements and 15% of your daily fiber needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.
🍃 Healthy Swaps & Substitutions
• Lower-carb version: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice or riced broccoli for a lower-carb alternative.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Substitute the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version, and use a non-dairy sour cream and cheese alternative.
• Added protein: For an extra protein boost, add grilled or roasted chicken breast to the casserole mixture.
• Boost vegetables: Increase the amount of broccoli or add other vegetables like diced bell peppers or chopped spinach to the dish.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a comforting and satisfying dinner
• Complement the casserole with a light and refreshing cucumber salad or a crisp, green salad for a balanced plate
• For a family gathering or potluck, serve the casserole alongside roasted potatoes or a hearty soup for a crowd-pleasing spread
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not draining the rice: Make sure to properly drain the cooked rice before adding it to the casserole to prevent the dish from becoming watery.
• Skimping on the sauce: Don’t be afraid to use the full amount of the creamy sauce – it’s what makes this casserole so deliciously indulgent.
🔒 Storage & Leftovers
These Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
• Freezing baked: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed.
❓ FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for making ahead. You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheese varieties. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan are all great options that would work well in this casserole. You can even use a blend of cheeses for added flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This recipe is not naturally gluten-free, as it contains cream of chicken soup, which typically contains wheat flour. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or making your own homemade version.
How can I make this casserole more flavorful?
To boost the flavor, you can add a teaspoon of dried thyme or oregano to the sauce, or try sprinkling in a bit of paprika or cayenne pepper. You can also sauté the chicken with some diced onions and garlic before adding it to the casserole.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! This casserole is very versatile and lends itself well to additional vegetables. Try adding diced bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, or even some chopped spinach or kale. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly if adding more vegetables.
🎉 Final Thoughts
These Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a comforting family dinner or bringing them to a potluck, they’re sure to impress with their creamy, cheesy goodness and tender, flavorful chicken and broccoli.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these casserole dishes demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly. So why not give this easy and delicious recipe a try tonight? Your family is sure to love it!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, and stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
