This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is cozy and filling! It’s packed with tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked together with creamy goodness.
Honestly, who can resist a dish that gives you a warm hug in a bowl? I love making it on busy nights—it’s an easy one-pan meal that everyone enjoys!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for its ease and flavor. You can also use leftover chicken or even turkey as a great substitute!
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets add a nice crunch, but frozen works just as well and saves prep time. If you prefer, you can swap in other veggies like cauliflower or spinach.
White Rice: This recipe calls for uncooked white rice, but brown rice is a healthy alternative. Just remember it may take longer to cook, so adjust the liquid and baking time accordingly.
Cream of Chicken Soup: If you’re looking for a healthier version, consider making homemade cream of chicken soup or swapping for cream of mushroom or celery soup.
Cheddar Cheese: While I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, feel free to mix it up with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a little spice!
How Can You Ensure the Rice is Cooked Perfectly?
Getting the rice perfectly cooked in a casserole can be tricky! The key is making sure it’s fully mixed with enough liquid. Here’s how to do it:
- Use one cup of chicken broth plus the liquid from the cream of chicken soup and milk for a rich taste.
- Mix well, ensuring every grain of rice is moistened before baking.
- Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam, making the rice cook more evenly.
- Once baked, let it rest to absorb any remaining moisture and for the flavors to meld.
Following these tips will help you avoid undercooked rice and make a creamy casserole everyone will love!
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup shredded cheese (for topping, optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and you’ll need another 1 hour for baking. In total, it’s about 1 hour and 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it will be ready to go when you’re done prepping the casserole!
2. Mix the Casserole Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is well combined—this is where all those flavors come together!
3. Pour and Spread:
Next, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it evenly so it cooks nicely throughout.
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 45 minutes—this helps the rice cook and all the flavors meld together.
5. Add Cheese and Bake Uncovered:
After 45 minutes, carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top. If you want even more cheesy goodness, add some extra cheese! Then, bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Don’t forget to sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for a nice touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is ready to be served warm! Enjoy this comforting meal with your family or friends!
Can I Use Brown Rice Instead of White Rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time since brown rice takes longer to cook. Consider pre-cooking the brown rice partially (about 20-25 minutes) before mixing it in with the other ingredients, or increase the total baking time by about 15-20 minutes.
Can I Substitute Fresh Broccoli with Frozen Broccoli?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, there’s no need to thaw it first. Just add it directly to the mixing bowl. You may want to reduce the overall baking time slightly since the frozen broccoli will be tender more quickly than fresh.
How to Store Leftovers Properly?
Cool any leftovers completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Just prepare everything up until step 3, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
