Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Craving a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for weeknights and loaded with wholesome ingredients? This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer. It’s a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is a delicious, easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. Read on for the full recipe, helpful tips, and ideas to make it your own!

this Recipe

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What is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that layers cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s then baked until golden and bubbly, making it a filling, delicious one-pan meal. With minimal prep and cooking time, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the leftovers are just as good, if not better!

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Ingredients List for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this easy and comforting casserole:

1. Chicken breasts (2 cups cooked and diced or shredded) – You can use rotisserie chicken, leftover chicken, or quickly cook your own.
2. Broccoli florets (3 cups, fresh or frozen) – Steamed or cooked until tender.
3. White or brown rice (2 cups cooked) – Long-grain or jasmine rice works well.
4. Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz) – The base for a creamy, rich sauce. You can substitute with cream of mushroom or celery if you prefer.
5. Sour cream (½ cup) – Adds tanginess and extra creaminess.
6. Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups) – You can use sharp cheddar for a stronger flavor or mix in other cheeses like mozzarella.
7. Chicken broth (½ cup) – To help thin the sauce and add extra flavor.
8. Garlic powder (1 tsp) – For added flavor.
9. Onion powder (1 tsp) – Complements the other flavors in the casserole.
10. Salt and pepper (to taste) – To season the dish.
11. Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) – Adds a crunchy layer to the casserole.
12. Butter (2 tbsp, melted) – To mix with breadcrumbs for the topping.

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Substitutions and Variations

The best thing about this chicken broccoli rice casserole is its flexibility. You can make it your own by using different ingredients or adjusting the recipe to suit your dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

• Rice: Substitute white rice with brown rice, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a low-carb option.
• Chicken: If you don’t have chicken, you can use turkey or even ham. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables.
• Broccoli: Swap the broccoli for other vegetables like peas, green beans, or cauliflower. You can even mix and match your favorite veggies.
• Cheese: Try other cheese varieties such as Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even Gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cream of chicken soup and substitute sour cream and cheese with dairy-free alternatives.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Ready to make this delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole? Let’s get started with these simple, step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly and become golden and bubbly.

2. Cook the Chicken and Rice

If you’re using uncooked chicken breasts, cook them by baking, boiling, or pan-frying until done, and then shred or cube them. Similarly, cook your rice according to package instructions. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice can save time.

3. Steam the Broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam it until it’s tender, about 5 minutes. If you’re using frozen broccoli, cook according to package directions. Be sure to drain off any excess water to prevent a soggy casserole.

4. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.

5. Combine the Ingredients

To the sauce mixture, add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Stir everything together until well-combined and evenly coated with the sauce.

6. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Pour the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.

7. Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. For extra crunch, you can mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on top of the cheese.

8. Bake

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden.

9. Serve and Enjoy

Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your delicious meal!

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How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook Chicken and Rice: Make sure to cook the chicken and rice beforehand to speed up the casserole assembly process.
2. Prepare Vegetables: Steam or cook broccoli until tender but not mushy to maintain texture.
3. Create a Creamy Sauce: Combine soup, sour cream, and seasonings to create a flavorful sauce that brings the dish together.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Mix all ingredients and pour them into the baking dish.
5. Top with Cheese: Cheese makes everything better—don’t skimp on this step!
6. Bake Until Bubbly: Ensure the casserole is golden, bubbly, and heated through before serving.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the Broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli before it goes into the casserole. It will cook further in the oven, so steam it just until tender.
• Soggy Rice: Make sure your rice isn’t too watery. Excess moisture can make your casserole too wet.
• Not Seasoning Enough: Taste the sauce before mixing everything together. Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference to ensure the dish is well-seasoned.
• Burnt Top: If the casserole top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil during the final few minutes of baking to prevent it from burning.

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Serving and Presentation Tips

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but you can add some sides to round out the meal. Here are a few ideas for serving and presentation:

• Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or chives over the top to brighten the dish and add color.
• Side Salad: A crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.
• Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or garlic bread to help scoop up the creamy sauce.

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How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is best served hot, straight out of the oven. Use a large serving spoon to scoop out generous portions of the dish, making sure to get plenty of chicken, broccoli, and rice in each serving. It’s perfect for family-style dinners, where everyone can serve themselves from the casserole dish.

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Presentation Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Individual Servings: For a more refined presentation, consider portioning the casserole into small ramekins and baking them individually.
• Top with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh parsley or thyme over the casserole to add a pop of color and an herbaceous note.
• Rustic Cast Iron Skillet: You can bake the casserole in a large cast iron skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation.

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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips

• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with foil and bake as directed when ready.
• Freezer-Friendly: To freeze, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe can easily be doubled to feed a larger group or to have extra leftovers. Simply use a larger baking dish or split the casserole into two smaller ones.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes, frozen broccoli works great! Just thaw it and drain any excess moisture before adding it to the casserole.

Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.

Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until hot.

Q: Can I freeze chicken broccoli rice casserole?
A: Yes, this casserole freezes well. Simply assemble, freeze, and bake later, or freeze leftovers for a quick future meal.

Q: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A: Yes, you can substitute white rice with brown rice for added fiber and a nuttier flavor. Just make sure to cook the rice before assembling the casserole.

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Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect one-pan meal for any occasion. It’s rich, creamy, and cheesy, with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice. The casserole is not only easy to make, but it’s also highly customizable, allowing you to swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs. Whether you’re preparing a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal for a crowd, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Make it ahead of time, freeze leftovers for future meals, and enjoy every bite!

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