Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving comfort in a casserole dish, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is about to become your go-to favorite! Creamy, cheesy, loaded with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and bursts of bright green broccoli, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone running to the kitchen table. It’s simple, satisfying, and irresistibly cozy—just the way classic casseroles should be!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole comes together with kitchen staples you might already have. Each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to create that signature creamy, cheesy texture and load every bite with comforting flavor and color.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless cubes soak up the seasonings and keep every serving extra satisfying.
• Onion: Finely chopped for a subtle sweetness and aromatic base that brings depth to the casserole.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves for just the right amount of aromatic lift and savory backbone.
• Long grain white rice: Rinsed for the fluffiest texture, this soaks up all that flavorful broth and cheese.
• Chicken stock: Infuses the rice and chicken with deep, savory flavor—don’t skip this for water alone!
• Water: Helps cook the rice to the perfect tenderness without overpowering the casserole’s taste.
• Broccoli florets: Roughly chopped for color, nutrition, and that irresistible classic broccoli-cheddar combo.
• Milk: Gives a creaminess that ties everything together and makes the casserole even more luscious.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Divided between the filling and the top for bubbly, golden, cheesy flavor in every bite.

Variations

You can truly make this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole your own! This base recipe welcomes swaps and tweaks, whether you need to accommodate dietary needs, use up fridge ingredients, or match your favorite flavors.

• Switch Up the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a new twist on that melty topping.
• Make It Vegetarian: Leave out the chicken and sub in sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Brown Rice Option: Use brown rice for a nuttier flavor and an extra nutritional boost, just adjust the liquid and cook time as needed.
• Add More Veggies: Stir in diced bell peppers, spinach, or carrots along with the broccoli for even more color and crunch.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into even cubes, toss them with a big pinch of salt and pepper, and heat up some olive oil in a large oven-safe pan. Brown the chicken in batches if needed—don’t crowd the pan!—until every side develops a golden crust. This not only locks in juicy flavor but sets the foundation for that classic casserole taste.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once your chicken is nicely browned and set aside, add the finely chopped onion to the same pan and let it soften for five minutes until translucent and fragrant. A quick stir of minced garlic—just 30 seconds—is all it takes to release its aromatic magic and build more flavor in the base.

Step 3: Simmer Rice, Chicken, and Broth

Return the browned chicken to the pan, then add the rinsed rice, chicken stock, and water. Give everything a thorough stir, making sure the rice is evenly distributed, bring to a boil, then lower the heat and cover. Let it gently simmer for ten minutes to start infusing all those flavors into the rice.

Step 4: Add Broccoli and Finish Cooking

Once ten minutes are up, stir in your chopped broccoli, pop that lid back on, and let everything cook together. Give it a gentle stir every now and then until the rice is fluffy, the broccoli is bright green and tender, and the whole mixture smells absolutely incredible.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Bake

Pour in your milk and fold in half the shredded cheddar until the cheese melts right into the rice mixture. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over the top for that classic, irresistibly bubbly topping, and slide the pan into a preheated 425°F oven. In 10-15 minutes, that cheesy crown will be golden and irresistible!

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole with a handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives just before serving. A light dusting of extra cheddar or even a scattering of crispy fried onions adds visual appeal and a little pop of flavor and crunch.

Side Dishes

Truly, this casserole is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out the table, serve it with a simple leafy green salad with lemon vinaigrette or a loaf of crusty bread for sopping up every last cheesy spoonful. Roasted carrots or a zippy tomato cucumber salad are fresh, colorful pairings too!

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner-party feel, or scoop it into bell pepper halves and bake for a portable, veggie-packed twist. Garnish each serving with a wedge of lemon or a drizzle of hot sauce to jazz up the presentation!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days, making it perfect for work lunches or a second round of easy dinners.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a dream! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in foil if freezing the whole pan. It’ll keep well for up to three months—just label the date and reheat from frozen when you need an effortless comfort dinner.

Reheating

To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot and melty, about 15-20 minutes. If you’re short on time, microwave individual portions with a splash of extra milk to keep things creamy—it’ll taste just as great as day one!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s honestly nothing like gathering the family around a bubbling, golden pan of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole—it’s pure comfort food, through and through. Give it a try for your next cozy dinner or friendly get-together, and I guarantee it’ll be a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Serve it with love, and watch it disappear!

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