chicken cheese rice broccoli casserole recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best chicken cheese rice broccoli casserole recipe

I’m so excited to share this recipe with you because it’s been a staple in my household for years. My family and I just love it, and it’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

The combination of chicken, cheese, rice, and broccoli is absolute perfection, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. I like to serve it hot, straight from the oven, with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

The first time I made this recipe was when my kids were still young, and they’ve been requesting it ever since. It’s one of those comfort foods that just makes you feel good, you know?

The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and the crunchy broccoli all come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and filling. And the best part is that it’s actually pretty healthy too – with lean protein from the chicken and plenty of fiber from the broccoli.

I like to think that this recipe has been passed down through generations of home cooks, because it’s just one of those dishes that never goes out of style.

Chicken Cheese Rice Broccoli Casserole

4.6 from 1233 votes

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, broccoli, and cheese, all baked together with rice in a creamy sauce. This recipe is a must-try for any occasion.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time40 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time1 hr
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 450 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cups broccoli florets
1 1/2 cups uncooked rice
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce

2 cups chicken broth
1 cup milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder

Optional Topping

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

👨‍🍳Directions

1Preheat oven to 375°F.
2In a large skillet, cook chicken breasts over medium heat until cooked through and no longer pink in the center around 6-8 minutes per side.
3Remove from heat and shred the chicken using two forks.
4In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
5Add flour to form a roux, stirring constantly for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned.
6Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, cooking until the mixture thickens slightly.
7Stir in salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
8Remove from heat.
9In a baking dish, combine uncooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets.
10Pour the sauce mixture evenly over the ingredients.
11Stir until the rice is well coated.
12Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
13If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese for added texture.
14Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes.
15After 30 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the rice is tender.
16The casserole should be lightly golden on top when done.

🔧Equipment

Baking dish
Medium saucepan
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 450 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 10g❤️Cholesterol: 115mg🧂Sodium: 1200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 2g🍬Sugars: 3g🥩Protein: 35g

📝Notes

Tips: You can add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition. For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Cheese Rice Broccoli Casserole Works

This chicken cheese rice broccoli casserole recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends and family.

It’s easy to make ahead of time and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like serving this dish hot from the oven with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Cheese Rice Broccoli Casserole

Q: What type of cheese should I use in this recipe?

A: You can use any type of cheese you like, but I prefer cheddar or mozzarella for this recipe. Cheddar adds a nice sharpness to the dish, while mozzarella gives it a creamier texture. If you’re feeling fancy, you could even try mixing different types of cheese for a unique flavor combination.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can definitely make this recipe ahead of time. In fact, it’s one of those dishes that actually gets better with time – the flavors meld together and the sauce thickens up beautifully after a few hours in the fridge. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.

Q: How do I know if my casserole is done?

A: To check if your casserole is done, insert a knife or fork into the center – if it comes out clean and the casserole is golden brown on top, then it’s ready to go! You can also check by lifting up one corner – if the casserole is set and doesn’t jiggle at all, then it’s done.

Q: Can I substitute different vegetables in this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While broccoli is traditional in this recipe, you can definitely try using other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots instead. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly – cauliflower will take about 10 minutes less than broccoli to cook through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Leftovers are perfect for storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days – just reheat in the microwave or oven when you’re ready to serve again. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 2 months – just thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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