Get ready for a comforting, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying meal that comes together with ease! This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole is a timeless family favorite, packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce, all baked under a blanket of melted cheddar cheese. It’s the ultimate fuss-free dinner solution, perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting Sunday meal.
Why I Love This Recipe
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole is a true weeknight hero, and I genuinely adore it for its simplicity and ultimate comfort factor. What I love most is how effortlessly it brings together a complete meal into one delicious baking dish. The creamy condensed soups create a wonderfully rich base that infuses the rice, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli with savory flavor. Then, that generous layer of melted cheddar cheese on top makes every spoonful irresistibly gooey and satisfying. It’s a classic for a reason – quick to assemble, always a crowd-pleaser, and makes for fantastic leftovers. It truly feels like a warm hug in a bowl!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this comforting Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole:
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked rice (long-grain white rice recommended)
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
- ¼ cup butter, unsalted, melted
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2% recommended)
- 1 small white onion, finely chopped
- 16 ounces broccoli pieces (fresh or frozen florets)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese, shredded (divided)
Swaps and Notes
- Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this casserole. Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer initial cooking time.
- Cream of Soups: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups provide the classic creamy base. You can use two cans of the same soup if you prefer.
- Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. Leftover roasted chicken or boiled chicken breasts/thighs work perfectly.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended to control the saltiness.
- Milk: Whole or 2% milk will provide the creamiest sauce.
- Onion: Finely chopped white onion adds a savory base. You can sauté it briefly before adding if you prefer a softer texture.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. If using fresh, chop into small pieces. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp or mild cheddar works great for classic flavor and melt. Colby Jack or a mix of cheeses can also be used.
- Optional Seasonings: A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper can be added for extra flavor.
Instructions
Let’s get this delicious Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole baking!
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook Rice: Cook the 2 cups of uncooked rice according to package directions using 2 cups of water. Once cooked, fluff with a fork.
- Combine Ingredients in Baking Pan: In a large 9×13-inch baking pan, add the cooked rice and the 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken. Add the 1 (10 ounce) can cream of chicken soup, 1 (10 ounce) can cream of mushroom soup, ¼ cup melted butter, 1 cup milk, 1 small finely chopped white onion, and 16 ounces of broccoli pieces. Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pan. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly in the baking pan until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
- Bake Initial: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
- Add Final Cheese & Melt: During the last few minutes of baking (around the 25-minute mark), carefully remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return to the oven and allow it to bake for another 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
- Rest & Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the casserole to set. Serve hot with a dinner salad on the side.
Tips for Success
- Cook Rice Al Dente: If your rice cooks very quickly, cook it slightly al dente initially, as it will continue to cook in the casserole.
- Shredded Chicken: Use shredded chicken for even distribution and easier eating.
- Chop Onion Finely: A finely chopped onion will blend into the casserole better.
- Even Distribution: Ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the casserole for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Don’t Overbake: Bake just until heated through and cheese is melted. Overbaking can dry out the casserole.
- Resting Time: Allowing the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving helps the sauce set and prevents it from being too runny.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This Cheesy Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole is a complete and incredibly satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with:
- Dinner Salad: As suggested, a crisp green dinner salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: For an extra vegetable boost.
- For other incredibly popular, crowd-pleasing casseroles or one-pan meals, consider our This Mexican Chicken And Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always A Hit or our These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, and the flavors often deepen overnight!
- Refrigeration: Store any cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole will thicken considerably as it cools.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. For best results (to re-crisp the cheese topping), reheat in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and hot. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth if the rice seems dry.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes fairly well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as directed above.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the cheesy, comforting, and easy nature of this casserole, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free recipes that bring warmth and satisfaction to your table:
- For another easy cheesy chicken dish, check out our Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- If you’re a fan of simple, crowd-pleasing dishes, our Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons with Ranch Golden Crunchy Addictive are a must-try.
- And for an easy weeknight shortcut that’s packed with flavor, our This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut is a fun winner.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole recipe is a brilliant solution for bringing a truly comforting, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal to your table with ease. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner, promising a bowl full of rich, cheesy, and hearty goodness that will make everyone happy.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your go-to casserole for a comforting meal? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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