Looking for a comforting, one-pan meal that’s both filling and nutritious? Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a family favorite that combines tender chicken, hearty rice, and healthy broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. It’s a complete meal that’s flavorful, satisfying, and packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. In this article, you’ll learn how to make this delicious casserole from scratch, along with tips for customizing the recipe to suit your taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together familiar ingredients in the most delicious way. The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli makes this casserole a complete meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. What makes this recipe special is the rich, creamy sauce that binds everything together, along with the melty cheese that tops the dish to perfection. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for an easy dinner option, this casserole is sure to please everyone at the table.

This recipe is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables, changing the type of cheese, or adjusting the seasoning to match your flavor preferences. It’s a great dish for using up leftovers or meal prepping for the week. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a one-pan meal that’s easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for busy evenings when you don’t have a lot of time to cook but still want a wholesome meal.

Recipe Details

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines a few simple ingredients to create a wholesome meal. The recipe typically starts with cooking the chicken and rice separately, then combining them with broccoli, a creamy sauce, and cheese. Once assembled, the casserole is baked until bubbly and golden brown, ensuring that every bite is perfectly cheesy and creamy.

The origins of this dish are tied to classic comfort foods, and it has been adapted in many ways to suit various tastes. While the basic ingredients remain the same—chicken, rice, and broccoli—there are endless variations that include different types of cheese, seasonings, and add-ins like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even bacon for added flavor.

This casserole can also be made in advance. You can prepare it ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready to serve, making it an ideal choice for meal prepping or preparing for a busy week ahead. With its comforting flavors and satisfying texture, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a dish you’ll want to make time and time again.

Nutritional Information for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is not only delicious but also provides a balanced mix of nutrients that support overall health. A typical serving of this casserole contains around 350-400 calories, depending on portion size and ingredients used. It’s rich in protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbohydrates from the rice, making it a satisfying meal that covers all your nutritional needs.

The chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, while the broccoli is a great source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and fiber. The rice provides a steady source of energy with its complex carbohydrates, and the cheese adds healthy fats and calcium, supporting bone health.

If you’re looking to make this casserole lighter, you can use low-fat cheese, reduce the amount of butter, or substitute the rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. You can also opt for a plant-based protein, such as tofu or chickpeas, to make this dish vegetarian-friendly. Additionally, by adding extra vegetables like carrots, peas, or bell peppers, you can boost the vitamin and mineral content of this already nutritious meal.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

For this tasty and filling casserole, you will need the following ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
1 cup long-grain white rice (uncooked)
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use a homemade version for a healthier option)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your preferred cheese)
1 cup chicken broth
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing the chicken)
Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs for topping

These ingredients are simple yet come together to create a rich and creamy casserole. The shredded chicken serves as the main protein source, while the rice acts as a hearty base that soaks up the flavors of the creamy sauce. The broccoli adds freshness and nutrition, while the cheese and soup create a creamy texture that ties everything together. You can also experiment with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella, gouda, or parmesan, to add more depth to the flavor.

Equipment Needed for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

To make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, you will need the following kitchen tools:

Large skillet: For cooking and shredding the chicken.
Large mixing bowl: To combine all of the casserole ingredients.
9×13-inch baking dish: For assembling and baking the casserole.
Measuring cups and spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
Sharp knife: For chopping the broccoli and shredding the chicken.
Pot: For cooking the rice.
Spatula or spoon: For mixing and spreading the casserole ingredients.

These basic tools will help you prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with ease. The large skillet is essential for cooking the chicken and sautéing any other ingredients, while the baking dish ensures that the casserole cooks evenly. The mixing bowl is where all the casserole ingredients come together, and the sharp knife helps with chopping and prepping the vegetables.

Pro Tips for Success

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole turns out perfectly every time:

Cook the rice properly: Be sure to cook the rice al dente before mixing it with the casserole ingredients. This will ensure that the rice doesn’t become too soft or mushy as it bakes.
Sauté the chicken: Sautéing the chicken in a little bit of olive oil before adding it to the casserole will give it a richer flavor. You can also season the chicken with herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.
Use fresh broccoli: While frozen broccoli can be used in a pinch, fresh broccoli will yield a better texture and flavor. You can steam the broccoli before adding it to the casserole, ensuring it’s tender but not overcooked.
Top with breadcrumbs: For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs to the top of the casserole before baking. You can also drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them brown and crisp up.
Let the casserole rest: After baking, allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make it easier to cut into neat portions.

Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Cook the Rice: In a large pot, cook the rice according to package instructions. Set aside once cooked.
Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes per side. Shred the chicken using two forks and set aside.
Prepare the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until tender (about 4-5 minutes). If using frozen, simply thaw the broccoli in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Make the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli to the mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Recipe Variations for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a vegetarian-friendly casserole.
Use Brown Rice: For a healthier alternative, substitute the white rice with brown rice. Keep in mind that brown rice may take longer to cook, so adjust the baking time accordingly.
Add Bacon: For extra flavor, add crispy bacon bits to the casserole before baking.

Storage & Serving Guide

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well for up to 2 months—just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

For serving, pair this casserole with a simple side salad or some crusty garlic bread. It’s a complete meal that can be enjoyed any time of day!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but brown rice may take longer to cook. Be sure to adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use other vegetables in this casserole?
Yes, you can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for added flavor and nutrition.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to fully cook it before shredding.
Can I add cheese to the casserole?
Yes, cheese can be added to the casserole for extra flavor. You can use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect dish for those who want something filling, comforting, and easy to prepare. The combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce is both satisfying and nutritious. Whether you make it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Enjoy this comforting meal today and discover just how simple and delicious it can be!