![- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - Cream Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - Dairy: 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper - Topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil When I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love the blend of flavors. This dish is simple yet satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role in the final result. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. The rice acts as a hearty base. Using cooked rice makes this dish quick. You can use any rice you like, but I prefer brown rice for its nutty taste and texture. Broccoli is the star here. It can be fresh or frozen, and both work well. The cream of mushroom soup gives the casserole a creamy texture. If you want, you can swap it out for another creamy soup. I find that the cheddar cheese really brings everything together. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. They create a warm, cozy flavor that makes this dish comforting. If you want a crunchy top, add breadcrumbs. Just a little olive oil helps them brown nicely. This dish is all about balance and comfort. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe] to try this at home! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the chicken: sauté in olive oil with spices. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden and is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. - Combine rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and cheese. - Add cooked chicken to the mixture. In a big bowl, mix together cooked rice, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture until it blends well. Then, add the cooked chicken to the rice and broccoli mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined. - Transfer mixture to a baking dish. - Bake covered and then uncovered for final browning. Next, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs too. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Check the casserole to ensure all the cheese melts nicely. For the full cooking instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this simple and tasty dish! To make your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole shine, ensure the chicken is cooked through before mixing. This keeps your dish safe and delicious. For the best texture, use fresh broccoli. It adds a nice crunch and bright color to the casserole. Garnish your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish look appealing. Serve it as a main dish with a crisp side salad. The coolness of the salad balances the warm casserole nicely. Choose a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe. This size holds all the tasty ingredients well. Make sure to grease the pan before adding the mixture. A greased pan helps you serve the casserole easily without sticking. {{image_2}} You can easily change the main ingredient in this dish. Substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian meal, tofu works great too. Both will give a nice flavor. You can also switch the rice. Using jasmine rice or basmati rice adds a unique touch. These rice types have different flavors and aromas that enhance your casserole. Get creative with your spices! Adding paprika brings a mild heat. Oregano adds a lovely herb flavor. You can also mix in other veggies. Carrots add sweetness and color. Bell peppers bring crunch and a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you love best. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free cream soup. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great choice for topping. For a lower calorie dish, try using less cheese. Skim milk can replace regular milk to cut calories without losing creaminess. These small changes can make a big difference while keeping the dish tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake! Cool the casserole completely before storing it. This step helps keep the food fresh. Use airtight containers to store it. This keeps moisture out and flavor in. Place the casserole in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months in the freezer. For best texture, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). It takes about 20 minutes to heat through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. This moisture keeps it creamy and delicious. Enjoy your cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the other sections. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can last for about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out or picking up other odors from the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for longer storage. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and mix the ingredients earlier in the day. Just store the mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also prepare the whole casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Bake it when you are ready for a warm meal. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it with a crisp green salad to add freshness. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely. For a healthy option, steamed carrots or green beans work great. If you want a hearty meal, consider adding a fruit salad for a sweet contrast. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its strong flavor. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture. If you want a twist, try using pepper jack for some heat. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combo. This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is easy and delicious. We covered key ingredients like chicken, rice, and broccoli. Mixing in cream soup and cheese gives it creaminess. Don’t forget the optional toppings, which add texture. You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Try different proteins or vegetables. Store any leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these tips, you can make a meal that everyone loves. Enjoy cooking and share this recipe with friends!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8f73cfa4-d8c9-44a2-908a-c2367089e61b-768x768.webp)
Looking for a simple and tasty dish? This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the answer! Packed with protein, veggies, and creamy goodness, it’s perfect for busy weeknights. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a comforting meal that even picky eaters will enjoy. Join me as I guide you through making this delicious recipe, starting with the essential ingredients you need to gather. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
– Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Additional Ingredients
– Cream Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
– Dairy: 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper
Optional Ingredients
– Topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
– Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil
When I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love the blend of flavors. This dish is simple yet satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role in the final result. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. The rice acts as a hearty base.
Using cooked rice makes this dish quick. You can use any rice you like, but I prefer brown rice for its nutty taste and texture. Broccoli is the star here. It can be fresh or frozen, and both work well.
The cream of mushroom soup gives the casserole a creamy texture. If you want, you can swap it out for another creamy soup. I find that the cheddar cheese really brings everything together. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor.
Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. They create a warm, cozy flavor that makes this dish comforting.
If you want a crunchy top, add breadcrumbs. Just a little olive oil helps them brown nicely. This dish is all about balance and comfort. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe] to try this at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
– Cook the chicken: sauté in olive oil with spices.
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden and is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes.
Mixing Ingredients
– Combine rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and cheese.
– Add cooked chicken to the mixture.
In a big bowl, mix together cooked rice, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture until it blends well. Then, add the cooked chicken to the rice and broccoli mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined.
Baking Process
– Transfer mixture to a baking dish.
– Bake covered and then uncovered for final browning.
Next, pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs too. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Check the casserole to ensure all the cheese melts nicely.
For the full cooking instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this simple and tasty dish!
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips
To make your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole shine, ensure the chicken is cooked through before mixing. This keeps your dish safe and delicious. For the best texture, use fresh broccoli. It adds a nice crunch and bright color to the casserole.
Serving Suggestions
Garnish your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish look appealing. Serve it as a main dish with a crisp side salad. The coolness of the salad balances the warm casserole nicely.
Equipment Tips
Choose a 9×13-inch baking dish for this recipe. This size holds all the tasty ingredients well. Make sure to grease the pan before adding the mixture. A greased pan helps you serve the casserole easily without sticking.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can easily change the main ingredient in this dish. Substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian meal, tofu works great too. Both will give a nice flavor. You can also switch the rice. Using jasmine rice or basmati rice adds a unique touch. These rice types have different flavors and aromas that enhance your casserole.
Flavor Variations
Get creative with your spices! Adding paprika brings a mild heat. Oregano adds a lovely herb flavor. You can also mix in other veggies. Carrots add sweetness and color. Bell peppers bring crunch and a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you love best.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free cream soup. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great choice for topping. For a lower calorie dish, try using less cheese. Skim milk can replace regular milk to cut calories without losing creaminess. These small changes can make a big difference while keeping the dish tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake!
Storage Info
Leftover Storage
Cool the casserole completely before storing it. This step helps keep the food fresh. Use airtight containers to store it. This keeps moisture out and flavor in. Place the casserole in the fridge for up to three days.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months in the freezer. For best texture, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tips
Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). It takes about 20 minutes to heat through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. This moisture keeps it creamy and delicious. Enjoy your cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the other sections.
FAQs
How long does Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole last in the fridge?
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can last for about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out or picking up other odors from the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for longer storage.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and mix the ingredients earlier in the day. Just store the mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also prepare the whole casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Bake it when you are ready for a warm meal.
What can I serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it with a crisp green salad to add freshness. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely. For a healthy option, steamed carrots or green beans work great. If you want a hearty meal, consider adding a fruit salad for a sweet contrast.
What type of cheese works best for this casserole?
I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its strong flavor. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture. If you want a twist, try using pepper jack for some heat. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combo.
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is easy and delicious. We covered key ingredients like chicken, rice, and broccoli. Mixing in cream soup and cheese gives it creaminess. Don’t forget the optional toppings, which add texture.
You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Try different proteins or vegetables. Store any leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these tips, you can make a meal that everyone loves. Enjoy cooking and share this recipe with friends!
![- Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown) - Vegetables: 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) - Cream Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - Dairy: 1/2 cup milk, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper - Topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping) - Oil: 2 tablespoons olive oil When I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, I love the blend of flavors. This dish is simple yet satisfying. Each ingredient plays a role in the final result. The chicken provides protein, while the broccoli adds a nice crunch. The rice acts as a hearty base. Using cooked rice makes this dish quick. You can use any rice you like, but I prefer brown rice for its nutty taste and texture. Broccoli is the star here. It can be fresh or frozen, and both work well. The cream of mushroom soup gives the casserole a creamy texture. If you want, you can swap it out for another creamy soup. I find that the cheddar cheese really brings everything together. It melts beautifully and adds a rich flavor. Don’t forget the spices! Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper enhance the taste. They create a warm, cozy flavor that makes this dish comforting. If you want a crunchy top, add breadcrumbs. Just a little olive oil helps them brown nicely. This dish is all about balance and comfort. You can find the full recipe [Full Recipe] to try this at home! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Cook the chicken: sauté in olive oil with spices. Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken pieces to the skillet. Season them with garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden and is fully cooked, about 5 to 7 minutes. - Combine rice, broccoli, soup, milk, and cheese. - Add cooked chicken to the mixture. In a big bowl, mix together cooked rice, broccoli florets, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir this mixture until it blends well. Then, add the cooked chicken to the rice and broccoli mixture. Make sure everything is evenly combined. - Transfer mixture to a baking dish. - Bake covered and then uncovered for final browning. Next, pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs too. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. After that, remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until it’s golden and bubbly. Check the casserole to ensure all the cheese melts nicely. For the full cooking instructions, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy making this simple and tasty dish! To make your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole shine, ensure the chicken is cooked through before mixing. This keeps your dish safe and delicious. For the best texture, use fresh broccoli. It adds a nice crunch and bright color to the casserole. Garnish your casserole with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. This adds a burst of flavor and makes the dish look appealing. Serve it as a main dish with a crisp side salad. The coolness of the salad balances the warm casserole nicely. Choose a 9x13-inch baking dish for this recipe. This size holds all the tasty ingredients well. Make sure to grease the pan before adding the mixture. A greased pan helps you serve the casserole easily without sticking. {{image_2}} You can easily change the main ingredient in this dish. Substitute chicken with turkey for a lighter option. If you want a vegetarian meal, tofu works great too. Both will give a nice flavor. You can also switch the rice. Using jasmine rice or basmati rice adds a unique touch. These rice types have different flavors and aromas that enhance your casserole. Get creative with your spices! Adding paprika brings a mild heat. Oregano adds a lovely herb flavor. You can also mix in other veggies. Carrots add sweetness and color. Bell peppers bring crunch and a burst of flavor. Feel free to experiment and find what you love best. If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free cream soup. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great choice for topping. For a lower calorie dish, try using less cheese. Skim milk can replace regular milk to cut calories without losing creaminess. These small changes can make a big difference while keeping the dish tasty and satisfying. For the full recipe, check out the Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake! Cool the casserole completely before storing it. This step helps keep the food fresh. Use airtight containers to store it. This keeps moisture out and flavor in. Place the casserole in the fridge for up to three days. You can freeze the casserole for longer storage. First, let it cool down completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use a freezer-safe container. It will last for about two months in the freezer. For best texture, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Reheat the casserole in the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). It takes about 20 minutes to heat through. In the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir often to ensure even heating. Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating. This moisture keeps it creamy and delicious. Enjoy your cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! For the full recipe, check out the other sections. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can last for about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent it from drying out or picking up other odors from the fridge. If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze it for longer storage. Yes, you can prepare Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time. You can cook the chicken and mix the ingredients earlier in the day. Just store the mixture in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. You can also prepare the whole casserole and cover it tightly with foil. Bake it when you are ready for a warm meal. This casserole pairs well with many side dishes. You can serve it with a crisp green salad to add freshness. Garlic bread also complements the meal nicely. For a healthy option, steamed carrots or green beans work great. If you want a hearty meal, consider adding a fruit salad for a sweet contrast. I recommend using sharp cheddar cheese for its strong flavor. You can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier texture. If you want a twist, try using pepper jack for some heat. Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to find your favorite combo. This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is easy and delicious. We covered key ingredients like chicken, rice, and broccoli. Mixing in cream soup and cheese gives it creaminess. Don’t forget the optional toppings, which add texture. You can adapt this recipe to suit your taste. Try different proteins or vegetables. Store any leftovers properly and enjoy them later. With these tips, you can make a meal that everyone loves. Enjoy cooking and share this recipe with friends!](https://mycookingcast.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/8f73cfa4-d8c9-44a2-908a-c2367089e61b-250x250.webp)
