Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that brings together wholesome ingredients and rich flavors, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings and feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this casserole strikes the perfect balance of taste, texture, and nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Each one plays an important role in building layers of flavor and ensuring a smooth, creamy texture balanced by fresh broccoli and savory chicken.

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded: Tender and protein-packed, this is the hearty base of the dish.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Adds a fresh, green crunch and a pop of color that brightens the casserole.
• 1 cup long grain white rice, uncooked: Absorbs the creamy broth and cheeses perfectly for that melt-in-your-mouth creaminess.
• 1 1/2 cups chicken broth: Enhances savory depth while cooking the rice tenderly in the oven.
• 1 cup milk: Brings creaminess and helps create that luscious sauce that ties everything together.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that signature gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave in comfort dishes.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and an extra layer of cheesiness.
• 1/2 cup sour cream: Boosts the creamy texture and adds a slight tang that balances the richness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides aromatic sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a gentle zing and warmth throughout the dish.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Used for sautéing, it enriches the base with a silky touch.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps soften the onions and garlic while adding a subtle fruitiness.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild spice to keep the dish balanced.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and warm color to the casserole.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a fragrant herbal note that complements the chicken beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that once your casserole is ready, it slides straight into a hot oven, cooking everything evenly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well so the casserole doesn’t stick, making serving so much easier later.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a delicious flavor base. Then add the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds more to avoid bitterness while unlocking its aromatic power.

Step 3: Toast the Rice

Next, add the uncooked rice to the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Stir well so that each grain gets coated with the butter and oil. Toasting the rice for 1 to 2 minutes helps deepen its flavor and ensures it won’t get mushy in the baking dish.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Baking Dish

Transfer your toasted rice to the greased baking dish. Add in the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, chicken broth, milk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and thyme. Stir gently but thoroughly so that every ingredient is well mixed — this mix promises that every bite will bring a harmonious blend of flavors.

Step 5: Bake Covered

Cover your baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the oven. Bake for 45 minutes to let the rice absorb the liquids and the broccoli and chicken cook through beautifully in the steam and gentle heat trapped inside.

Step 6: Check Rice and Continue Baking if Needed

After the initial 45 minutes, pull out the casserole and give it a good stir. Check if the rice is tender; if not, cover it back up and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes. Patience now pays off with perfectly cooked rice that’s fluffy but not dry.

Step 7: Stir in Sour Cream and Add Cheese

With the rice tender, mix in the sour cream to elevate richness and add a tangy creaminess. Then sprinkle the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top, prepping the casserole for its final golden, bubbly transformation.

Step 8: Bake Cheese Until Bubbly

Return the casserole to the oven without the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes. This is when the cheeses melt, bubble, and develop that irresistible golden crust that makes this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe truly spectacular.

Step 9: Let It Rest

Once baked, let your casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. This rest allows the flavors to settle and the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to dish out perfect portions of cheesy, hearty delight.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of crispy fried onions add a pop of freshness and texture contrast to your casserole. A light dusting of extra Parmesan right before serving works wonders too.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is a complete meal on its own, sides can be light and fresh, like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. A slice of crusty bread can never go wrong for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for a charming personal touch. You could also layer it in a clear glass dish, so diners admire each colorful layer before digging in — making mealtime a visual treat as well as a delicious one.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover your leftover casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or second helpings.

Freezing

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully too. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer-safe bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to enjoy all the creamy goodness again.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through to keep the texture and flavor intact. If short on time, a microwave works as well, just stir halfway to ensure even heating for that same satisfying cheesy melt.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and chewier texture but will need a longer cooking time and possibly more liquid. Consider pre-cooking it slightly before assembling the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken for extra broccoli or other veggies like mushrooms or cauliflower. You might want to replace chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Frozen broccoli works just fine, but be sure to thaw and drain any excess water to avoid a soggy casserole. Fresh broccoli offers the best texture if you can get it.

What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have cheddar?

Colby, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella are great alternatives. They melt well and offer mild, creamy flavors that complement the other ingredients perfectly.

Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?

Yes, doubling the ingredients and using a larger baking dish will work well. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as it may take a bit longer for the casserole to cook through evenly.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the cozy, comforting feeling a warm casserole brings to the table, and this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly, flavorful meal. It’s simple to prepare, packed with wholesome ingredients, and delivers layers of creamy, cheesy satisfaction in every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try — once you do, it’s bound to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

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