Easy Family-Pleasing Broccoli Rice Chicken And Cheese Casserole Recipe

Comfort meals like this broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole have a magical way of bringing everyone together around the dinner table.

Hearty ingredients combine in a delightful symphony of flavors that’ll make you smile.

Creamy cheese melts perfectly over tender chicken and fluffy rice.

Crisp broccoli adds a fresh, green crunch to every satisfying bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot more exciting with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Families will absolutely love how quickly this comes together with minimal effort.

You’ll want to bookmark this crowd-pleasing dish for future meal planning.

Dig in and savor every cheesy, comforting spoonful!

Why Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole Is A Must-Try

• Quick and Simple Meal: A delightful one-dish wonder that combines protein, vegetables, and rice in a comforting, creamy casserole perfect for busy families.
• Customizable Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken with turkey, adding different vegetables, or experimenting with cheese varieties to suit personal tastes.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this casserole appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Balanced combination of lean protein from chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and wholesome rice creates a well-rounded meal that keeps everyone full and happy.

What You’ll Need For Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that provides a hearty base for the casserole.

• White Rice: A fluffy and mild grain that serves as the foundational layer of the dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetable that adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the casserole.

• Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Contributes to the luxurious and velvety sauce.
• Sour Cream: Provides tanginess and additional creaminess to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the overall depth of flavor in the sauce.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder: Essential spices that enhance the chicken's flavor profile.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory element to the dish.
• Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and preparing the baking dish, adding a subtle flavor.

How To Prep Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give it a light olive oil spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

Prepare white rice following package directions, but pull it off the heat slightly early to keep it from turning mushy during baking.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Chop broccoli into bite-sized pieces. Drop them into boiling water for 2 minutes to keep them bright green and crunchy. Drain immediately.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Cut chicken breasts into even cubes. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, making sure each piece gets a good coating.

Step 5: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Cook chicken pieces until they turn golden and are almost fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Chicken broth

Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and rich.

Step 7: Layer the Casserole Base

Spread the partially cooked rice across the bottom of the baking dish. Top with sautéed chicken and blanched broccoli.

Step 8: Pour the Sauce

Drizzle the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, rice, and broccoli. Make sure everything gets a good sauce coating.

Step 9: Add Cheese Topping

Scatter shredded cheddar cheese generously across the entire casserole surface.

Step 10: Sprinkle Breadcrumbs

Dust the top with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden finish.

Step 11: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Look for melted, bubbly cheese and a beautiful golden-brown top.

Step 12: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend and the sauce to set before serving.

Smart Cooking Tips For Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

• Prevent Rice Mushiness: Cook rice slightly undercooked to maintain perfect texture during baking, avoiding soggy results.
• Blanch Broccoli Brilliantly: Quick 2-minute boiling preserves vibrant green color and crisp texture, preventing overcooking in the casserole.
• Season Strategically: Thoroughly coat chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for deep, layered flavor throughout the dish.
• Create Creamy Perfection: Whisk sauce ingredients slowly and steadily to ensure smooth, lump-free consistency that coats every ingredient evenly.
• Rest and Settle: Allow casserole to sit 5-10 minutes after baking, letting flavors meld and sauce thicken for optimal serving consistency.

Tasty Twists For Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace white rice with riced cauliflower for a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate content while maintaining the dish's creamy texture.
• Greek-Inspired Herb Variation: Swap traditional seasonings with oregano, dill, and feta cheese to transform the casserole into a Mediterranean-style comfort meal with bright, tangy flavors.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using smoked paprika and nutritional yeast to enhance protein and provide a savory depth.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, replace butter with olive oil, and select dairy-free cheese to create an allergen-friendly version that's still rich and satisfying.

What Goes Well With Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

• Elevate Flavor Pairings
• Uncork a Crisp Chardonnay to complement the creamy cheese sauce, cutting through its richness with bright, buttery notes that dance alongside the chicken's savory profile.
• Serve Roasted Garlic Focaccia Bread as a perfect side, allowing guests to soak up the delectable sauce while adding a textural crunch that enhances the casserole's creamy foundation.
• Create a Zesty Cucumber Dill Salad to provide a fresh, cool counterpoint to the warm, hearty casserole, balancing the dish's richness with a light, tangy brightness that refreshes the palate.
• Match with Sparkling Mineral Water infused with lemon, offering a clean, palate-cleansing experience that cuts through the casserole's creamy intensity and provides a refreshing contrast.

How To Store Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole Easily

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover with foil to prevent drying, bake for 20-25 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil last 5 minutes for crispy top.
• Place single serving on microwave-safe plate.

Answers For Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole Questions

• Is this recipe difficult to make?

This chicken broccoli rice casserole is easy to prepare, requiring basic cooking skills and minimal technical expertise. Most home cooks can successfully make this dish without advanced culinary training.

• Can I use frozen vegetables instead of fresh broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the casserole to prevent watery results.

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal. Avoid instant rice, as it can become mushy. Basmati or jasmine rice also provide excellent texture and flavor.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat cream and cheese, opt for skinless chicken breast, and incorporate whole grain rice for added nutritional value.

Broccoli Rice Chicken And Cheese Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole, a hearty one-dish meal blending creamy textures with robust flavors. Home cooks find pure satisfaction in this simple, nourishing dinner that brings warmth and wholesome goodness to the table.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Vegetable Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 heads broccoli
• 1 cup white rice

Dairy and Cheese Components:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light olive oil coating.
2. Cook white rice according to package instructions, ensuring it’s slightly undercooked to prevent mushiness during baking.
3. Trim and chop broccoli into bite-sized florets, then briefly blanch in boiling water for 2 minutes to maintain vibrant color and crisp texture.
4. Slice chicken breasts into uniform cubes, seasoning thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
5. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and nearly cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes.
6. Melt butter in a separate saucepan, whisking in heavy cream, sour cream, and chicken broth to create a rich, creamy sauce.
7. Layer the partially cooked rice as the base in the prepared baking dish, followed by the sautéed chicken and blanched broccoli florets.
8. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously across the top of the casserole.
10. Dust the surface with breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden topping.
11. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top turns a beautiful golden brown.
12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and sauce to set.

Notes

• Achieve perfect rice texture by cooking it slightly undercooked, preventing mushiness during baking and maintaining a fluffy consistency.
• Blanch broccoli quickly to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture, ensuring it doesn’t become soggy or lose nutritional value.
• Customize the casserole by substituting chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, keeping the creamy sauce and cheese elements intact.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium chicken broth and reducing added salt, making the dish more heart-healthy without compromising flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 812 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg