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Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole

Category: Recipes the Whole Family Will Love

A comforting casserole brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli florets, and creamy cheeses for a hearty main dish perfect for busy nights or gatherings. The casserole combines cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, and Parmesan with gentle seasoning then bakes under a bubbly, golden crust of melted cheese and optional buttery breadcrumbs. Simple preparation lets you make it ahead or add extra vegetables and flavors to suit your family. Serve warm with salad or bread for a satisfying all-in-one meal the whole table will enjoy.

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Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Sat, 24 May 2025 21:00:56 GMT
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Pin
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole | recipesvaleria.com

This Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is my trusted answer for nights when I want something hearty that makes everyone at the table happy. It is brimming with the goodness of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and melty cheese, all folded together with rice into a creamy bake. I especially love how it turns a handful of familiar ingredients into pure comfort.

I first made this casserole on a Monday with leftover rotisserie chicken and found the leftovers were even better for lunch the next day. Now my kids ask for it whenever broccoli is on the shopping list.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken: shredded or diced I like to use rotisserie for convenience and flavor
  • Cooked white or brown rice: both work here fluffy rice absorbs all the creamy sauce
  • Broccoli florets: fresh gives an extra crisp bite but frozen is great as long as you drain well
  • Cream of chicken soup: this makes it super creamy Try making your own or use a good quality brand
  • Sour cream: adds richness and a slight tang choose full fat for the best texture
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: go for sharp cheddar for more flavor and grate your own for better melting
  • Grated Parmesan cheese: a salty punch and more depth to the sauce
  • Milk: loosens the mix so everything bakes up silky whole milk works best
  • Garlic powder and onion powder: a base flavor without chopping
  • Smoked paprika: for extra warmth and color completely optional but highly recommended
  • Salt and pepper: taste as you mix since cheeses can be salty
  • Breadcrumbs and melted butter: if you want a golden crunchy top use panko for extra crunch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Heat your oven to three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit About one hundred seventy five Celsius Lightly grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish to prevent sticking
Prep the Broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli chop into bite sized florets Blanch in boiling water for two to three minutes just until bright green and still firm Drain and pat dry If using frozen broccoli thaw it fully then drain off any excess liquid so your casserole does not get watery
Mix the Casserole Base:
In a large mixing bowl combine your shredded chicken cooked rice prepped broccoli cream of chicken soup sour cream shredded cheddar cheese Parmesan cheese milk garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika plus a pinch of salt and pepper Stir everything until you see no dry patches and everything is evenly blended This ensures each bite is balanced
Assemble in the Baking Dish:
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish Spread evenly from edge to edge For a crispy topping if you like mix breadcrumbs with melted butter then scatter lightly over the whole dish Sprinkle extra cheddar on top for an extra cheesy crust
Bake to Perfection:
Set the casserole in the center of your oven Bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden and toasty
Cool and Serve:
Let the casserole rest for five minutes after baking so it firms up and is easier to scoop Serve hot with a side salad or crusty rolls to round out the meal
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Pin
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole | mellierecipes.com

Broccoli has always been my favorite part of this dish I remember my mom sneaking in extra florets because she knew I would dig for those first The melty edges of cheddar and golden crunchy topping were always the first thing my brother would steal from the pan

Storage Tips

Store leftovers tightly covered in the fridge for up to three days This casserole reheats well in the microwave but will taste crispiest if you cover with foil and bake at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about fifteen minutes

Ingredient Substitutions

Out of cream of chicken soup Use an equal amount of homemade white sauce cooked with chicken stock Try Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier lighter result Swap cheddar for Colby jack or fontina if you want a milder cheese

Serving Suggestions

This casserole anchors a meal all on its own but is extra satisfying paired with a crisp green salad or some sweet dinner rolls For a festive touch top individual servings with fresh chives or a little extra Parmesan

Cultural Notes

Casseroles like this one are classic comfort food in American family kitchens They rose in popularity because they let home cooks stretch a little meat a long way while creating something nourishing and delicious for a crowd

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken for this dish?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works well. Simply shred the meat and add it to the mixture for a quick shortcut.

→ Is fresh or frozen broccoli better?

Both can be used; fresh broccoli adds a firmer bite, while frozen broccoli offers convenience. Be sure to drain well before using.

→ How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap the chicken for extra broccoli, mushrooms, or your favorite cooked veggies, and use cream of mushroom soup.

→ What cheese variations work best?

Sharp cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Gruyère can be used for a different flavor profile.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until hot.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few extra minutes to the bake time if chilled.

Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole

Cheesy casserole with chicken, broccoli, and rice for a comforting main that’s perfect for sharing.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Family-Friendly Meals

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 6 Portions

Diet Preferences: ~

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Main Components

01 300 g cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 340 g cooked white or brown rice
03 200 g broccoli florets, fresh or thawed from frozen

→ Dairy and Sauces

04 295 g cream of chicken soup or equivalent homemade
05 240 ml sour cream
06 120 g shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
07 45 g grated Parmesan cheese
08 120 ml whole milk

→ Seasonings

09 1 tsp garlic powder
10 0.5 tsp onion powder
11 0.25 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 Salt, to taste
13 Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping (Optional)

14 30 g dry breadcrumbs
15 30 g butter, melted

How to Prepare

Step 01

Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish and set aside.

Step 02

If using fresh broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender, then drain. If using frozen broccoli, thaw fully and drain off excess moisture.

Step 03

In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if desired), salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.

Step 04

Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased dish. If desired, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the surface. Layer with additional cheddar cheese for extra flavour.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling at the edges.

Step 06

Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Accompany with a fresh salad or crusty bread if preferred.

Extra Tips

  1. This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and chilled; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from refrigeration.
  2. Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, or a pinch of chilli flakes for more complexity.
  3. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.

Tools Required

  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • 23 x 33 cm baking dish
  • Saucepan (for blanching broccoli)
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains milk, cheese, and cream; not suitable for those with dairy allergies.
  • Contains wheat-derived breadcrumbs and cream of chicken soup; not suitable for gluten sensitivities.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 420
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 38 grams
  • Protein Content: 25 grams