I love making cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole because it’s a comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite. When I first started cooking casseroles, this recipe quickly became a favorite in my kitchen. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice all baked together into one delicious, easy meal.
What I enjoy most about this casserole is how versatile it is. You can prepare it for a quick weeknight dinner or even a potluck, and it never disappoints. The gooey cheese melts perfectly over the chicken and broccoli, tying all the flavors together in a cozy, satisfying way. Plus, the rice soaks up all the creamy goodness, making each spoonful rich and hearty.
Another reason I love this dish is that it’s straightforward to make without sacrificing flavor. The ingredients come together quickly, and the baking process is simple, which is great for busy days. I often find myself doubling the recipe because leftovers taste just as good, if not better, the next day.
If you’re looking for a meal that’s both nutritious and indulgent, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole fits the bill. It’s packed with protein from the chicken and fiber from the broccoli, making it a balanced option that the whole family will enjoy. I’m excited to share this recipe with you, and I’m confident you’ll love how easy and tasty it is to prepare.
Ready to dive into making this comforting casserole? Let’s get started with the ingredients and step-by-step instructions that will guide you through the baking process perfectly.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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3 cups fresh broccoli florets
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2 cups cooked white rice
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
How to Bake Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly from the moment it goes in.
Next, prepare the broccoli by steaming it until it’s just tender but still vibrant green. Overcooking can make it mushy, so aim for about 4-5 minutes. Once steamed, set it aside to cool slightly.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing them until they become soft and fragrant—about 3-4 minutes. This base adds wonderful flavor to the casserole.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to mix all the ingredients.
Pour in the chicken broth, then add the salt, pepper, paprika, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning. The broth helps keep the casserole moist while baking, and the seasoning brings out a rich flavor profile.
Transfer the entire mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
Cover the dish loosely with aluminum foil to prevent the cheese from browning too quickly. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This resting time helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
This casserole is perfect as a complete meal, combining protein, vegetables, and grains in one dish. It’s both comforting and nourishing, ideal for any occasion.
How Long to Bake Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Baking this casserole requires patience but not too much time. Initially, I bake it covered with foil for 25 minutes. This allows the ingredients to heat evenly and the flavors to meld together without drying out. Afterward, I remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial because it lets the cheese on top melt fully and develop a beautiful golden crust. Overall, the baking time totals about 35 to 40 minutes, which is perfect for achieving that creamy texture with a slight crisp on top.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, storing them properly is important to keep their flavor and texture intact. I recommend letting the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Then, store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to warm individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. This helps to refresh the crispy top and maintain the creamy inside. Alternatively, you can reheat in a microwave, but the texture may not be as perfect.
For longer storage, this casserole freezes well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for the best results.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To get the best results with this casserole, here are some tips I follow every time:
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Use fresh broccoli: Fresh broccoli steams better and keeps a nice crunch. Frozen broccoli can release excess moisture, making the casserole watery.
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Cook the rice just right: Slightly undercooked rice works best because it finishes cooking in the oven, absorbing all the creamy flavors.
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Don’t skip sautéing onions and garlic: This step builds a rich flavor base that really elevates the casserole.
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Mix ingredients gently: Stir carefully to avoid mashing the broccoli or chicken.
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Cover the dish during baking: This traps moisture, preventing the casserole from drying out.
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Add a crunchy topping: For extra texture, sprinkle crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter on top before the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Customize the cheese: While cheddar is classic, mixing in mozzarella or Monterey Jack gives a gooey, stretchy texture.
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Season well: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust salt and pepper to your liking.
Following these tips ensures every bite is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly baked.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available. However, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery. Steaming frozen broccoli before adding it also helps maintain a good texture.
Q2: Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole mixture a day in advance and refrigerate it covered. When ready to bake, simply remove it from the fridge, let it come to room temperature for about 20 minutes, then follow the baking instructions. This makes meal prep much easier.
Q3: Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, this recipe is flexible. You can use cooked turkey, beef, or even plant-based proteins like tofu or chickpeas if you want a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly if the protein requires it.
Q4: How can I make this casserole lower in calories?
To lighten the dish, you can replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Also, using reduced-fat cheese or cutting back slightly on the cheese will reduce calories without sacrificing much flavor. Adding more broccoli and reducing rice slightly helps increase fiber and nutrients too.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
These Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in every bite.
Ingredients
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2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
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3 cups fresh broccoli florets
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2 cups cooked white rice
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1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
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1 cup sour cream
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
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½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Steam broccoli for 4-5 minutes until tender but firm.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until soft.
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In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, cheddar cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, and sautéed onion and garlic.
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Add chicken broth, salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme. Mix gently.
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Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
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Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
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Remove foil and bake another 10-15 minutes until cheese is golden and bubbly.
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Let cool 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
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Use fresh broccoli for best texture.
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Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in oven for best results.
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This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months.
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For extra crunch, add a topping of crushed crackers or panko before the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes