Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

If you’re looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s a surefire hit with the whole family, then this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is your answer. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, effortlessly combining leftover rice, tender chicken, and vibrant broccoli into a creamy, cheesy delight that will have everyone coming back for seconds. The magic of this casserole lies in its simplicity – a warm, hearty hug on a plate that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor satisfaction.

The beauty of this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is that it’s not only a crowd-pleaser but also a versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. With a crispy golden cheddar topping and a creamy base that binds all the ingredients together, each bite offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a busy parent in need of a quick dinner solution or a foodie looking for a cozy homemade meal, this casserole ticks all the boxes. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a warm and comforting slice of this delightful Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Quick Benefits

• Convenient Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy evenings, this casserole comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste preferences.
• Make-Ahead and Leftover Friendly: Tastes even better the next day, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, making it a great option for meal prep.
• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and hearty, this dish appeals to both kids and adults with its comforting flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake Recipe

• Family-Friendly: This casserole is a hit with kids and adults alike, even picky eaters who usually avoid veggies will love it.
• Easy Weeknight Meal: Perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick, delicious dinner on the table without spending too much time in the kitchen.
• Comforting and Satisfying: The creamy, cheesy, and hearty combination is like a warm hug on a plate, making it the ultimate comfort food.
• Versatile: You can customize this recipe by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or proteins to suit your taste preferences or to use up leftovers in your fridge.
• Make-Ahead and Leftovers: The casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.
• Simple Ingredients, Impressive Results: With basic pantry staples and some simple fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it took a lot more effort to make.
• Balanced Meal: With rice, chicken, broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this casserole is a complete meal in one dish. Pair it with a salad or some bread for a well-rounded dinner.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this casserole is sure to be a hit and will have everyone coming back for seconds.
• Perfectly Cheesy: The melted cheddar cheese on top creates a golden, bubbly crust that adds a layer of flavor and texture, making every bite irresistible.

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Main Components

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a crispy topping (optional)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat oven and prep

Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Prepare broccoli

If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly.

Step 3: Mix ingredients

Combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble casserole

Evenly spread the mixture in the baking dish.

Step 5: Add toppings

Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top and optionally add buttered breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Step 6: Bake and serve

Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have enjoyed the delicious chicken broccoli rice casserole, proper storage is essential to maintain its flavors and texture. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for about 4 days. Make sure to transfer the casserole into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil before placing it in the fridge. When reheating, you can simply use the microwave for a quick and convenient option, or reheat it in the oven by covering it with foil to prevent drying out.

If you want to prepare the casserole ahead of time, you can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. This make-ahead option is perfect for busy days or if you want to have a meal ready to pop into the oven later. Just remember to add an additional 10 minutes to the cooking time when baking the casserole straight from the fridge. Whether enjoying the casserole fresh or reheating leftovers, following these storage and reheating tips will help you continue to savor this comforting and cheesy dish with ease.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, you can easily substitute it with leftover turkey or ham for a delicious variation of the casserole. These proteins provide a similar texture and flavor profile that complements the dish well. Additionally, if you’re looking to add a smoky and savory element, consider incorporating some cooked bacon pieces into the casserole mix. The bacon will elevate the overall taste and provide an indulgent touch to the dish.

For those who prefer a different cheese flavor or want to experiment with a blend of cheeses, swapping the cheddar for a combination of Monterey Jack and Swiss can add a more complex and sophisticated taste to the casserole. These cheeses melt beautifully and offer a slightly different flavor profile that can enhance the overall dish. Feel free to customize the cheese blend based on your preferences or what you have available in your refrigerator.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try scooping individual portions of the chicken broccoli rice casserole into small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets before baking. This not only creates a charming presentation for a dinner party or family gathering, but also allows each person to have their own perfectly portioned and adorable casserole to enjoy.

To elevate the dish further, consider topping the chicken broccoli rice casserole with a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits just before serving. The addition of the savory bacon pieces adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor that complements the creamy and cheesy elements of the casserole, taking it to a whole new level of indulgence. This simple twist will surely impress your guests and elevate the dish into a decadent comfort food masterpiece.

FAQs for Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Monterey Jack, Swiss, or a cheese blend to create a unique flavor profile for your casserole.

How can I prevent the broccoli from becoming mushy in the casserole?

To prevent overcooked broccoli, make sure to blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for a couple of minutes before adding them to the casserole. This will help them maintain their texture during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time when baking the refrigerated casserole.

How can I make a homemade substitute for condensed cream of chicken soup?

You can make a homemade cream of chicken soup substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of butter, 3 tablespoons of flour, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1/2 cup of milk in a saucepan. Cook and stir the mixture until thickened and use it in place of the canned soup in the recipe.

Conclusion

I hope this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole becomes a cherished go-to in your recipe collection, just like it has in mine. It’s amazing how a few humble ingredients can come together to create such a comforting and flavorful dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

So, the next time you’re in need of a quick and easy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, remember this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or meats to make it your own. And if you find yourself with leftovers, rejoice in knowing that the flavors only get better with time. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the delicious aroma of this delightful Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Creamy, cheesy, and comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – a weeknight favorite that turns simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time15 Minutes

Cook Time30 Minutes

Total Time45 Minutes

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings6 Servings

Ingredients

Main Components

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Sauce & Seasonings

• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)

Optional Topping

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a crispy topping (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven and prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain thoroughly.
3. Mix ingredients: Combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until fully combined.
4. Assemble casserole: Evenly spread the mixture in the baking dish.
5. Add toppings: Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese on top and optionally add buttered breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
6. Bake and serve: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden. Allow to cool slightly before serving.