If you’re craving a warm, comforting dish that feels like a big, cozy hug in every bite, you’re going to love this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, fresh-tasting broccoli, creamy melted cheese, and fluffy rice, all baked together into one satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this casserole hits all the right notes with simple ingredients that come together quickly to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Everything that goes into this casserole is straightforward but incredibly important. Each ingredient adds its own touch—whether it’s the creamy richness of cheese, the wholesome crunch of broccoli, or the hearty protein from the chicken—to make this casserole truly special.
- 2 cups water: Essential for perfectly cooking the instant rice to fluffy perfection.
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice: The comforting base that soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained: Adds tender, protein-packed bites that make this casserole filling and delicious.
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli: Brings vibrant color and a slight crunch for texture contrast.
- 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed (such as Velveeta): Melts smoothly to create that signature creamy, cheesy feel.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Boosts earthy depth and creamy consistency.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Adds savory richness that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 cup milk: Makes sure everything blends together nicely and keeps the casserole moist.
- ¼ cup butter, cubed: Adds a touch of indulgent richness to the final result.
- 1 small white onion, chopped: Offers a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation for the dish.
How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Rice
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that warms up, bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, stir in the instant rice, cover the pot, and remove it from heat. Let it stand for about 5 minutes so the rice absorbs all the water and becomes perfectly fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and mix together the cooked rice, drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped white onion. Stir everything thoroughly so every bite will be bursting with that rich, cheesy, comforting flavor.
Step 3: Bake Your Casserole
Pop the mixed casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. To get that irresistible melted and bubbly cheese topping, stir the casserole halfway through the baking time. This step helps everything heat evenly and brings out that golden, gooey goodness we all crave.
How to Serve Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole shines on its own, some simple garnishes can add a fresh, bright touch. Think chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of crispy fried onions to add texture and pops of color. A little cracked black pepper on top just before serving also wakes up the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is quite hearty, so pairing it with light and crisp sides works wonders. Consider a fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the richness. You could also serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to dress it up for guests or family events, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Layering a little extra cheese on top before the final bake creates a gorgeous golden crust that’s utterly irresistible. Adding some colorful cherry tomatoes or a drizzle of hot sauce at the table can excite the eye and the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe, you’ll definitely want leftovers. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture pleasant for your next meal.
Freezing
Freeze leftover casserole in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Make sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain the best taste. When ready, let it thaw overnight in the fridge for easiest reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until bubbling hot, about 20 to 25 minutes. You can also reheat single portions in the microwave, covering loosely to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep it creamy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be a delicious alternative. Just steam it lightly before mixing to ensure it’s tender within the casserole’s baking time.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The basic ingredients are gluten-free; however, always double-check your soup cans and processed cheese labels to confirm, as some brands may include gluten-containing additives.
Can I substitute the processed cheese?
Yes, you can swap processed cheese for shredded cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses, though the casserole might have a slightly different texture and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe comfortably serves 8, making it a perfect option for families or meal prepping.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even peas to amp up the nutritional profile and variety of flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm embrace from the inside out. It’s simple to prepare, packed with comforting flavors, and endlessly adaptable to your tastes. So gather your ingredients and give this casserole a try — I promise it will become a favorite in your recipe rotation just as it is in mine.
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy instant rice, all baked together in a rich, savory sauce.
Ingredients
Liquids and Broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup milk
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed (such as Velveeta)
Other Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and cook rice: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in the 2 cups of instant rice, cover the saucepan, and remove it from heat. Let the rice stand for 5 minutes until it absorbs the water and fluffs up.
- Combine ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the cooked rice, drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese food, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped white onion. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through baking, stir the casserole to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the mixture bubbles up nicely. The casserole is ready when the cheese is completely melted and bubbly on top.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli if preferred; blanch it before adding to the casserole.
- For a lower fat version, consider using reduced-fat cheese and soups.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking before serving to set the ingredients.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
