Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is your go-to solution for a quick, comforting, and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal, packed with wholesome ingredients and minimalfuss. This recipe simplifies a classic favorite, making a delicious and hearty family dinner accessible for everyone.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!)
- 3 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen and thawed
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup finely diced onion (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup butter crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping, optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using crackers/breadcrumbs)
How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole:
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is a dream for busy home cooks! In under 15 minutes of prep, you can assemble a dish that’s guaranteed to please everyone at your table. Its creamy, cheesy goodness, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli come together in a satisfying bake, proving delicious comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that’s perfect for any night of the week.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth and well combined. This forms the luscious base for your casserole.
- Add Flavor and Seasoning: Stir in the diced onion (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder into the soup mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Incorporate Main Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are coated in the creamy soup mixture. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the rice mushy.
- Add Half the Cheese: Sprinkle in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and fold it into the casserole mixture. This ensures cheesy goodness is distributed throughout the dish.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping (Optional): If you’re using crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, place them in a small bowl. Pour the melted butter over them and toss to coat evenly.
- Add Topping and Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the buttered crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Brown the Topping: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and toasted.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole:
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is an absolute hug in a dish, perfect for those moments when you crave something hearty, comforting, and undeniably delicious. The star of this casserole is its irresistible creamy, cheesy sauce that beautifully coats tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. It’s a more budget-friendly alternative to dining out, transforming simple pantry staples into a gourmet-worthy meal right in your own kitchen, much like a classic chicken pot pie without the fuss of pastry.
The generous topping of melted cheddar cheese and a delightful crunch from buttery crackers or breadcrumbs elevates each bite from merely good to absolutely spectacular. Unlike a simpler chicken and rice dish, the rich, savory sauce and the vegetable medley make this a complete and satisfying meal, no sides required. So go ahead and give this delightful Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole a try tonight; your taste buds will thank you!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
Storing Leftovers:
- Allow the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole to cool completely before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is well-sealed to maintain freshness and prevent odor absorption.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven Method (Recommended for Best Texture): Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place individual portions or the entire casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying out. Reheat for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. If the topping has become soggy, you can remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to re-crisp it.
- Microwave Method (Quick Option): Place a serving of the casserole on a microwave-safe plate. Cover loosely with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture. Microwave on medium power in 30-60 second intervals, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be mindful that the topping may not retain its crispiness with this method.
Freezing for Future Meals:
- To Freeze Unbaked Casserole: Prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time to account for it being cold.
- To Freeze Baked Casserole: Let the baked casserole cool completely. Divide into individual portions or freeze the whole dish in an airtight container. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat using the oven or microwave methods.
Final Thoughts:
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together simple ingredients into a delightful and hearty meal. Encourage yourself and your loved ones to whip up this easy, delicious recipe for a stress-free and wonderfully satisfying dining experience.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, and milk until smooth and well combined. This forms the luscious base for your casserole.1 can condensed cream of mushroom soup, 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1 cup milk
- Stir in the diced onion (if using), black pepper, and garlic powder into the soup mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.1/4 cup onion, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets to the bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are coated in the creamy soup mixture. Be careful not to overmix, which can make the rice mushy.2 cups cooked chicken, 3 cups cooked white rice, 2 cups broccoli florets
- Sprinkle in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and fold it into the casserole mixture. This ensures cheesy goodness is distributed throughout the dish.1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- If you’re using crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping, place them in a small bowl. Pour the melted butter over them and toss to coat evenly.1/2 cup butter crackers or breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Sprinkle the buttered crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, scatter the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over everything.1/2 cup butter crackers or breadcrumbs, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Cover the baking dish loosely with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and toasted.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve.