If you’re craving that perfect cozy meal that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe. It’s an irresistible blend of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy sauces, and melty cheese, all baked together into a dish that’s as satisfying as it is scrumptious. This casserole strikes the perfect balance between hearty and creamy, with just the right touch of crispiness on top, making it a true family favorite that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s fantastic about this casserole is how simple the ingredient list is, yet each item plays an essential role in delivering incredible flavor, smooth texture, and vibrant color. Whether you’re gathering staples from the pantry or grabbing fresh produce, you’ll see how these straightforward components come together to create something magical.
- 2 cups cooked rice: A fluffy base that absorbs all the creamy goodness and supports the other ingredients perfectly.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced: The star protein adding heartiness and a satisfying texture every bite.
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed: Adds a fresh pop of green and a wonderful balance of nutrition.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, tangy notes and that delicious cheesiness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, creating a luscious, gooey texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The secret to the creamy base with comforting flavor blends.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness and binding to keep everything luscious and moist.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Introduces a slight tang and extra creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts flavor with a subtle savory kick.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and aromatic warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right hint of spice.
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional, for topping): Creates a crispy, buttery crust that’s pure comfort food bliss.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional, for topping): Helps the cracker topping brown beautifully and adds savory richness.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to bake your casserole to golden, bubbling perfection the moment it goes in.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli florets. Mixing these first ensures your proteins and veggies are evenly distributed before adding the creamy elements.
Step 3: Add the Creamy Mix-Ins
Pour in the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until each grain of rice, bit of chicken, and broccoli is coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 4: Cheese It Up
Now, stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella until the cheese is well enveloped in the mixture, promising a rich, melty experience in every spoonful.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish
Butter or grease a 9×13 inch baking dish before spreading the casserole mixture evenly inside. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier, while allowing the ingredients to meld as they bake.
Step 6: Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)
If you love a little texture contrast, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this over the top. This creates a golden, buttery crust that’s absolutely irresistible when baked.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbly—inviting you to dive right in.
Step 8: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole a few minutes to settle and cool slightly. This rest time helps the casserole firm up a bit, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors even more.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh burst of color and a subtle herbal note that brightens each bite. A light dusting of paprika can also lend a gentle smokiness and vibrant hue that makes your casserole plate-ready.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully versatile, so pairing it with crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or even a slice of crusty bread can round out your meal beautifully. For a lighter contrast, steamed green beans or a tangy coleslaw work perfectly alongside this creamy dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole straight from the baking dish for family-style comfort, or spoon it into individual ramekins for an elegant, personalized touch. You can even layer it in clear casserole dishes to showcase the beautiful layers of chicken, broccoli, and gooey cheese, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole should be cooled completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it a great make-ahead lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe also freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or freeze the entire casserole before baking. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking fresh.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the microwave or oven until warmed through and bubbly once again. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can help maintain the creamy texture, ensuring every bite tastes just as delightful as the first.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and chewy texture. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole as it won’t soften much during baking.
What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a quick homemade white sauce for a similar creamy texture and flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheeses, sour cream, and mayonnaise alternatives to make this casserole friendly for lactose intolerance or dairy-free diets.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in cooked carrots, peas, or mushrooms to customize the casserole to your liking and boost the veggie content.
How do I make this casserole spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, chopped jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mix before baking for a delicious kick that wakes up the flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting, crowd-pleasing classic that shines whether you’re feeding hungry family members or whipping something tasty for yourself. The ease of preparation combined with the rich flavors and textures guarantee it will become one of your go-to dishes. Give it a try, and get ready to enjoy a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate!
Print
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is a comforting one-dish meal combining tender cooked chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is baked to golden perfection with an optional crunchy Ritz cracker topping that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli to form the casserole base.
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure every bite is flavorful and creamy.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture for a melty, cheesy texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Transfer the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform baking.
- Add Optional Topping: If using, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this over the top of the casserole to add a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the casserole is bubbly throughout.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- To save time, use leftover cooked chicken and rice from previous meals.
- Broccoli can be fresh or frozen; just make sure to steam it before adding.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheeses.
- The Ritz cracker topping is optional but adds a lovely crunchy texture to contrast the creamy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
