Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food with tender chicken, creamy rice, and melty cheese all baked in one dish. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and it takes just about 10 minutes to prep.

 

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe

• Perfect for Busy Weeknights. This cheesy chicken and rice casserole is great for those busy nights when you want a hot meal but you don’t have much time to throw it together. It’s basically a dump-and-bake meal – and the best part is your whole family will love it!
• Rich and Creamy. While other chicken and rice casserole recipes can end up dry after you bake them, this recipe has a rich, cheesy sauce that beautifully coats the rice, chicken, and veggies! Not a dry bite in sight!

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the creamy base of the casserole. Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as substitutes.
• Milk: Thins out the soup mixture for a perfect sauce consistency. Any type of milk or half-and-half will work.
• Herbs & Spices: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder combine to create a delicious blend of flavors. Substitute with other dried herbs you enjoy.
• Minute Rice: Quick-cooking rice that absorbs the flavors while baking. I do not recommend substituting with any other kind of rice.
• Frozen Broccoli Florets: Provides a tender vegetable component. Fresh broccoli florets can be used but you’ll need to parboil them first.
• Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Adds protein and flavor. Any cooked, shredded or diced chicken will work.
• Shredded Mild Cheddar Cheese: Creates the gooey, cheesy topping. Swap for Colby Jack or your favorite melty cheese blend.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Prepare the Base: In a 5 quart braising pan or 9×13 baking dish combine cream of chicken soup, milk, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined.

Mix the Ingredients: Add Minute Rice, frozen broccoli, shredded rotisserie chicken, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pan.

Stir everything together.

Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 60 minutes.

Finish with Cheese: Remove the foil and top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.

Broil and Serve: Broil for a couple minutes until the cheese melts. Garnish with fresh parsley and sliced green onions. Serve warm.

Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering the dish ensures the rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors. Resist the urge to peek! The steam that’s created is what cooks the rice and releasing it is going to interrupt the cooking process.
• Shred Your Cheese: Shred your own cheese for the best melt and flavor.
• Try Other Veggies: Use any 12 ounces of frozen veggies – peas and carrots, mixed veggies, etc.

Make-Ahead Instructions

• Assemble the casserole up to the baking step.
• Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
• Allow the dish to sit out on the counter to come to room temperature for about an hour before baking.
• Plan to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold temp.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole

• Freeze the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Allow the dish to sit out on the counter to come to room temperature for about an hour before baking.
• Plan to add an extra 15-20 minutes of baking time to account for the cold temp.

Reheating Chicken Casserole

• Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out.
• For faster reheating, microwave individual portions on medium power until hot.

Serving Suggestions

• simple house salad
• easy garlic bread
• Caesar pasta salad
• grilled halloumi salad

Try these chicken casserole recipes next!

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