If you’re searching for a hearty, comforting dish that brings together wholesome ingredients, look no further than a broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole. This timeless meal is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potlucks. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with protein and veggies, and the combination of rice and chicken makes it a filling meal that satisfies even the hungriest of appetites.
In this article, we’ll explore a detailed recipe for this beloved casserole, provide useful tips for achieving the best results, and offer some creative variations that you can try to customize the dish for your family’s preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
This casserole has earned its place as a family favorite for many reasons:
- One-dish meal: It’s an all-in-one dish, making preparation and cleanup easy, especially on busy weeknights.
- Nutritional balance: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, fiber-rich broccoli, and energy-providing rice, this casserole is a well-rounded meal.
- Kid-friendly: The creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken make this dish a hit with picky eaters.
- Make-ahead option: You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer for convenient meal planning.
The Perfect Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly cooked
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp dried thyme (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (extra cheesy goodness!)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (optional for added crunch)
- 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Cook the rice: Follow the package instructions for your chosen rice. For added flavor, you can cook the rice in chicken broth instead of water.
- Steam the broccoli: Steam or lightly cook the broccoli florets until they are tender but still slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking, as the broccoli will cook more in the casserole.
- Cook and shred the chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, cook it by baking, boiling, or poaching. Let it cool, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Using a rotisserie chicken can save time.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Casserole Mixture
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a skillet, sauté the finely chopped onion and minced garlic in a little butter or oil until they are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Mix the casserole filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme). Stir until everything is well combined.
- Add the broccoli: Gently fold the steamed broccoli into the mixture, ensuring the florets are evenly distributed throughout the casserole.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re adding breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for extra texture, mix them with the melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
Step 6: Serve
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to slice and serve. Enjoy your broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole warm!
Tips for the Best Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken: To save time, opt for a store-bought rotisserie chicken. The pre-cooked chicken is flavorful and easy to shred.
- Cook rice in broth: Cooking your rice in chicken broth adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli: The broccoli will continue to cook in the oven, so aim for crisp-tender florets when steaming or blanching.
- Customize the cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for added flavor.
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before baking.
Variations and Add-Ins
This classic casserole is incredibly versatile, making it easy to adapt to different tastes or dietary preferences. Here are some ideas to mix things up:
- Vegetarian option: Swap the chicken for mushrooms, extra broccoli, or tofu to make a vegetarian version. You can use cream of mushroom soup in place of the cream of chicken soup.
- Add bacon: Crumble cooked bacon into the mixture for a smoky, savory addition.
- Spicy twist: Add a little heat by mixing in diced jalapeños or using pepper jack cheese.
- Whole grain option: Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier, whole-grain alternative.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers for the topping.
- Low-carb version: To make this casserole low-carb, substitute cauliflower rice for the regular rice and reduce or omit the breadcrumbs topping.
Why This Casserole Is a Family Favorite
There’s something comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole fresh out of the oven, and this broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken version hits all the right notes. It’s the perfect combination of savory flavors, creamy texture, and just the right amount of crunch from the topping. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in vegetables, making it ideal for picky eaters.
This casserole is also an excellent dish for meal prep since it reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or make-ahead dinners. Whether you’re serving a large group or simply feeding your family during the week, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes! This casserole freezes well. You can freeze it before or after baking. To freeze before baking, assemble the casserole and cover it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking. If you’ve already baked the casserole, allow it to cool completely before freezing individual portions in airtight containers.
2. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works just as well as frozen. Simply steam or blanch it for a few minutes before adding it to the casserole to ensure it’s tender.
3. Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping altogether.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole is a comforting, filling, and versatile dish that will quickly become a family favorite. Its balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy cheese makes it a satisfying one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this casserole is guaranteed to deliver comfort in every bite.
