chicken broccoli rice casserole feels like a warm embrace straight from a busy family kitchen, where tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and fluffy rice mingle in a velvety cheddar sauce. Imagine spoonfuls of creamy goodness, kissed with garlic and parsley, bubbling to golden perfection. Every bite delivers savory chicken chunks and tender veggies, all held together by rich, dairy-sweet sauce—no fancy wine, just savory chicken broth and a splash of zesty lemon juice. Whether you’re chasing comfort on a chilly night or celebrating a lazy weekend, this playful twist on a classic brings cozy, homemade magic to your dinner table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This chicken broccoli rice casserole
- It’s a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze!
- Comfort food at its finest, perfect for family gatherings.
- Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a wholesome meal.
- Easy to customize with your favorite seasonings and cheeses.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day!
chicken broccoli rice casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Step 3: Stir in the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Step 4: Fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Step 6: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs.
- Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top with the buttered breadcrumbs.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Step 9: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to whip up a delightful chicken broccoli rice casserole!
- 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets – steamed
- 3 cups cooked white rice – fluffy and warm
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup – for creaminess
- 1/2 cup sour cream – adds tanginess
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – for richness
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – melty goodness
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – for depth of flavor
- 1 small onion – finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances flavors
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – a little kick
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth
- 2 tablespoons butter – melted, for richness
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs – for a crunchy topping
How to Make chicken broccoli rice casserole
This delightful chicken broccoli rice casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. With a preparation time of about 15 minutes and a cooking time of 25–30 minutes, plus an additional 5 minutes for resting, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, minced garlic, chopped onion, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice
Stir in the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 4: Incorporate Cheeses
Fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan cheese.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs.
Step 7: Add Toppings
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole, then top with the buttered breadcrumbs.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
Step 9: Rest Before Serving
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Main Course |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 30 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (resting) |
| Total Time | 50 minutes |
| Dietary | Contains chicken and dairy |
| Serves | 6 |
| Best Served | Warm and bubbly |
Pro Tips for Making Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use fresh broccoli for vibrant color and crunch.
- Cook rice slightly less than usual for perfect texture.
- Add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Top with breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch.
- Let it rest before serving for better slicing.
How to Serve this chicken broccoli rice casserole
- Serve with a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- Pair with a fresh garden salad for a crunchy contrast.
- Top with crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
- Drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette to brighten the dish.
- Enjoy with steamed green beans or asparagus for extra veggies.
- For a fun twist, serve in individual ramekins for a personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your chicken broccoli rice casserole with ease:
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the casserole to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Label with the date for easy tracking.
Freezing
- Cool the casserole completely before freezing.
- Use a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Label with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight if frozen.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
- Add a splash of broth if it seems dry while reheating.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What goes in chicken broccoli rice casserole?
A classic chicken broccoli rice casserole typically includes cooked chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, and cheese. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper for extra flavor. Some variations might include breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy texture or different types of cheese to suit your taste.
2. What are some common mistakes making rice casserole?
One common mistake is not cooking the rice properly before adding it to the casserole. Using uncooked rice can lead to a dish that’s either too crunchy or undercooked. Another mistake is not seasoning adequately; bland casseroles can be disappointing. Lastly, overcooking the casserole can result in dry ingredients, so keep an eye on the baking time!
3. Do you cook broccoli before casserole?
It’s not necessary to cook the broccoli before adding it to the casserole, especially if you’re using fresh broccoli. It will cook perfectly in the oven while the casserole bakes. However, if you prefer a softer texture, you can blanch the broccoli briefly in boiling water before mixing it in. This step is optional and depends on your personal preference.
4. Can you cook raw chicken and broccoli in the same pan?
Yes, you can cook raw chicken and broccoli in the same pan, especially in a casserole. Just ensure that the chicken is cut into small, even pieces to ensure it cooks thoroughly. The broccoli will add moisture and flavor to the dish as it bakes. Just be sure to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this chicken broccoli rice casserole as we are! It’s a simple, heartwarming dish that brings back memories of cozy family dinners. Enjoy every bite, knowing you’ve created something delicious and satisfying. So gather your loved ones, dig in, and relish the joy of homemade comfort food!