Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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!

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

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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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!