Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Looking for a delicious and easy dish to feed your family? Look no further than the comforting and flavorful Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole. This recipe is a surefire way to please even the pickiest of eaters, earning second helpings every time it hits the table.

Whipping up this Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole is like summoning a hero to rescue your busy weeknight dinner dilemma. With simple pantry staples like cream of chicken and mushroom soup, combined with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey Cheddar cheese, this casserole is a winning meal that will have everyone coming back for more.

The magic truly happens when that bubbling golden Cheddar cheese melts into a savory blanket over the hearty casserole. Whether it’s a regular weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is a versatile crowd-pleaser that will evoke memories of potlucks and family gatherings. Don’t forget – this casserole freezes beautifully, making it a convenient option for meal prep or sharing with friends in need of a warm, homemade meal.

Quick Benefits

• Easy weeknight meal option for busy schedules
• Can be made ahead, frozen, and reheated for convenience
• Versatile recipe with options for ingredient substitutions
• Family-friendly dish that is a crowd-pleaser

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

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting meal without the fuss.
• Family-Friendly: A surefire way to please picky eaters and earn second helpings at the table.
• Versatile: You can swap ingredients like using turkey instead of chicken, or adding different veggies and cheeses for variety.
• Make-ahead and Freezer-friendly: Ideal for meal prep or feeding a crowd – just assemble, freeze, and bake when needed.
• Classic Comfort Food: A nostalgic dish that brings back memories of potlucks and family gatherings.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether making it for friends, new neighbors, or a busy weeknight, this casserole always gets rave reviews.
• Adaptable for All Seasons: Easily customize with seasonal ingredients like sweet potatoes in fall or adding corn in summer.
• Leftover Lover: Perfect for using up odds and ends from the fridge, making it a cost-effective and practical meal option.
• Cheesy Goodness: Who can resist the melted cheddar cheese topping that forms those deliciously cheesy corners?

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Main Components

• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Pro Tips for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

For the best texture, chop fresh broccoli into small florets and steam lightly before mixing it into the casserole. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and stays tender.

While the recipe calls for long-grain white rice, feel free to use brown rice if you prefer. Just make sure to fully cook it before adding it to the casserole mixture.

If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken make excellent substitutes. You can also use leftover roast chicken for a flavorful twist.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving to enjoy the dish at its best.

For meal prep, assemble all the ingredients up to the baking step, cover the dish tightly, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve for the freshest flavor and texture.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Rice

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water following package directions until tender.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, milk, diced onion, broccoli florets, and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Mix well.

Step 3: Bake Casserole

Bake without cover for 30-35 minutes until casserole is heated through and edges are gently bubbling.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole, let any leftovers cool before tightly wrapping them in foil or storing in a sealed container. These leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, you can either use the oven to maintain a crispy top layer or opt for convenience by using the microwave. Additionally, this casserole freezes well, whether as a whole dish or in individual portions. For the best texture upon reheating, ensure the casserole is well cooled and double wrapped before freezing.

To keep the dish fresh and flavorful, store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat before serving. Alternatively, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it for a fresh and delicious meal. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or for sharing with friends and family, making it a convenient and crowd-pleasing option for any occasion.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a different type of rice, such as brown rice, you can certainly use that instead of long-grain white rice. Just be sure to fully cook the brown rice before adding it to the casserole to ensure it is tender.

For a different protein option, consider using cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken as a substitute for the shredded chicken. Leftover roast chicken would also work well in this dish.

If you want to add some extra vegetables or switch up the flavors, you can try steaming small florets of cauliflower or using chopped spinach instead of broccoli. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of cheese such as pepper jack for a spicy kick or a mix of melty cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

When storing leftovers, make sure to place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days. If you want to prep the casserole ahead of time, assemble it but refrain from baking until you are ready to serve for the freshest flavor.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole in individual ramekins for a charming and personalized touch. Top each ramekin with a sprinkle of extra Cheddar cheese before baking to create a crispy and cheesy crust on each serving. Serve these mini casseroles with a side of crusty garlic bread or a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a delightful meal.

Another creative idea is to turn the Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken into a comforting and filling stuffed bell pepper dish. Simply hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with the casserole mixture before baking until the peppers are tender. Top each stuffed pepper with a generous amount of shredded Cheddar cheese and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Serve these cheesy stuffed peppers with a side of roasted sweet potatoes or a tangy coleslaw for a satisfying meal that is sure to impress your guests.

FAQs for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, chop fresh broccoli into small florets and steam lightly before mixing for best texture.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Regular long-grain white rice is classic, but you can use brown rice if you cook it fully before adding.

What are some alternatives to cooked chicken?

Cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken are great alternatives. You can also use leftover roast chicken.

How should I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole is a versatile and beloved dish that brings warmth and comfort to any dinner table. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or sharing a meal with friends and neighbors, this casserole never fails to impress. The cheesy, creamy goodness combined with the wholesome ingredients make it a go-to recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.

Remember, you can always customize this dish to suit your preferences by swapping ingredients or adding your own twist. From different vegetables to alternative meats and cheeses, the possibilities are endless. So, don’t be afraid to get creative and make this Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken casserole your own. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite and savor the moments shared around the dinner table with this comforting and delicious meal.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Comforting Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole – a fulfilling, easy meal the whole family will enjoy, perfect for busy nights and potlucks alike.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time20 min

Cook Time35 min

Total Time55 min

CuisineAmerican

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (One 9×13 inch casserole)

Ingredients

Main Components

• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 16 ounces broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked long grain white rice
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Rice: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook 1 cup of rice with 2 cups of water following package directions until tender.
2. Combine Ingredients: Combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, melted butter, milk, diced onion, broccoli florets, and 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese in a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Mix well.
3. Bake Casserole: Bake without cover for 30-35 minutes until casserole is heated through and edges are gently bubbling.
4. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking, allowing it to melt.
5. Rest and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving hot.