Creamy, Cheesy, and Satisfying: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole Recipe You Need to Make

Photo byAngie Bright

When you're craving something warm, comforting, and delicious, there’s nothing like a hearty casserole to hit the spot. One dish that never disappoints is the classic Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole. This all-in-one meal is perfect for feeding a crowd, and it has everything you love in a cozy dinner – tender chicken, soft rice, nutritious broccoli, and loads of melty cheese.

Casseroles are staples of home cooking, and they offer an easy way to get a wholesome dinner on the table without too much fuss. What makes this dish stand out is its combination of textures and flavors: creamy chicken, earthy broccoli, fluffy rice, and the gooey goodness of cheddar cheese. It’s a family favorite that not only tastes great but is also simple to prepare. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving leftovers the next day.

The ingredients for this dish are straightforward, and you likely have many of them in your kitchen right now. It uses pantry staples like cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup to create a rich and creamy sauce, while the fresh broccoli adds a pop of color and extra nutrients. The chicken makes the casserole hearty and filling, while the rice serves as the perfect base to soak up all the flavors.

Recipe: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 2 cups uncooked rice
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• ¼ cup butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 small white onion, finely chopped
• 16 ounces broccoli pieces (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese, shredded

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook the rice according to package directions, using the 2 cups of water.
3. In a large 9x13 baking pan, combine the cooked rice and shredded chicken.
4. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, butter, broccoli, onion, and 1 cup of the shredded cheese to the pan. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes.
6. In the final few minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese on top of the casserole and let it melt.
7. Once the cheese has melted and the casserole is bubbly, remove it from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
8. Serve the casserole alongside a fresh dinner salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole is ideal for any night of the week. It's a versatile dish that allows you to swap in different vegetables or cheeses based on what you have on hand. Don’t like broccoli? Try adding cauliflower or peas instead. Want to up the protein? Add extra chicken or even throw in some cooked bacon. The dish can be adjusted to fit your personal taste and makes for a wonderful, comforting dinner that everyone will enjoy.

As the casserole bakes, the flavors meld together beautifully, and the cheese adds a golden, crispy finish that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re preparing this for a family gathering, a potluck, or just a simple weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a hit.

Here are some sources for the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole recipe you're working with:

1. AllRecipes: This recipe includes ingredients like instant rice, frozen broccoli, and condensed soups for a quick and convenient version. It also allows for substitutions like canned or rotisserie chicken​Allrecipes.
2. The Cozy Cook: Their take on this casserole includes the option of a buttery Ritz cracker topping and suggests using fresh or frozen broccoli. They also provide a step-by-step guide for cooking the rice and preparing the dish​The Cozy Cook.
3. Mom On Timeout: This version simplifies the process even further, making it a perfect weeknight meal using rotisserie chicken and crushed corn flakes as a crunchy topping​Mom On Timeout.
4. The Kitchn: This source highlights using supermarket shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and pre-shredded cheese, and offers tips for freezing the casserole for future meals​The Kitchn.

These variations and tips can help you adjust the recipe to suit your preferences or available ingredients. Feel free to explore these sources for more details and inspiration!