Cozy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this hearty cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice meld together in a creamy, golden-brown dish that screams home-cooked goodness.

Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and cheesy warmth that makes dinnertime exciting.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with minimal prep work, ensuring a stress-free cooking experience.

Weeknight meals never looked so delicious, with this one-pan wonder packed with nutrition and flavor.

Let’s find out this crowd-pleasing casserole that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal everyone will love.

Grab a plate and get ready to savor every comforting bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

What Goes in Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substantial texture and creates a filling main component for the casserole.
• Broccoli Florets: Vibrant green vegetable packed with nutrients, adding crunch and fresh flavor to the dish.

• White Long Grain Rice: Perfect neutral base that absorbs flavors and provides hearty foundation.
• Water: Essential for cooking rice and creating balanced moisture.
• Chicken Stock: Enhances depth of flavor and adds rich savory undertones.
• Milk: Creates creamy texture and helps bind ingredients smoothly.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Delivers bold, tangy taste and creates irresistible melty cheese layer.
• Onion, Garlic: Classic aromatic combination that builds robust background flavor profile.
• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and prevents sticking while adding subtle richness.
• Salt, Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that balance and elevate overall taste.

Tools for Making Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

• Large skillet or pan: Essential for browning chicken and sautéing vegetables.
• Cutting board: Perfect for seasoning and prepping chicken and onions.
• Sharp knife: Needed to cube chicken and chop ingredients precisely.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Measuring cups: Help ensure accurate liquid and rice measurements.
• Baking dish or oven-safe skillet: Allows seamless transfer from stovetop to oven.
• Cheese grater: Useful for shredding fresh cheddar cheese.
• Oven mitts: Protect hands when handling hot dishes.

How to Prepare Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Chicken Preparation

Brown bite-sized chicken pieces in a sizzling pan until golden and delicious, creating rich flavor foundations.

• Veggie Foundation

Soften diced onions until they turn translucent and sweet, then add minced garlic for an aromatic boost that wakes up the entire kitchen.

• One-Pan Magic

Combine chicken, uncooked rice, liquid stock, and water in the same pan, letting everything mingle and absorb incredible flavors while simmering gently.

• Broccoli Embrace

Nestle tender broccoli florets into the mixture, allowing them to steam and infuse the entire dish with vibrant green goodness and nutritional power.

• Creamy Transformation

Stir in velvety milk and sharp cheddar cheese, creating a luscious sauce that blankets every single ingredient with comfort and richness.

• Golden Finish

Transfer the skillet to a blazing hot oven, letting cheese melt into a bubbly, irresistible topping that turns this meal into a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

• Serving Sensation

Scoop generous portions directly from the pan, ensuring every bite includes crispy edges, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked ingredients that tell a delicious story.

Casserole Tips and Cheesy Add-Ons

• Add extra cheese varieties like monterey jack or swiss for a more complex flavor profile.
• Swap chicken with ground turkey or diced ham to keep the protein high while changing up the taste.
• Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas to add more nutrition and color to the casserole.
• Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or mix in some chopped jalapeños for a zesty kick that transforms the dish's flavor.
• Prepare the entire casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking – perfect for busy weeknight meal planning.

How to Serve Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Ease

• Cozy Family Dinner Star: This hearty casserole shines as the perfect centerpiece for a warm family meal, bringing everyone together around the table with its comforting flavors and cheesy goodness.
• Fresh Green Salad Companion: Pair the casserole with a crisp mixed green salad topped with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness and add a refreshing crunch to your plate.
• Zesty Side Kick: Sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herb flavor that brightens the entire dish.
• Weekend Meal Prep Magic: This casserole makes fantastic leftovers, so pack individual portions for easy lunches or freeze portions for a quick and delicious meal on busy weeknights.

Storing Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking, keeping portions separated to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Smart Reheating Technique: Warm individual servings in microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding small splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out rice and chicken.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Wrap casserole tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil, which stays delicious for up to three months when properly sealed and labeled with date.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare entire dish up to 24 hours before baking, covering with plastic wrap in refrigerator and adding cheese topping just before placing in oven for maximum flavor and texture preservation.

Hearty Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole delivers comforting flavors from classic American home cooking. Melted cheese, tender chicken, and hearty rice combine for a satisfying meal you can savor with family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breasts, cut into 1×1-inch cubes
• 1.5 cups (270 g) white long grain rice, rinsed
• 3 cups (450 g) broccoli florets, roughly chopped
• 2 cups (226 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
• 2 cups (473 ml) water
• 2 cups (473 ml) chicken stock
• 0.5 cups (118 ml) milk
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

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Instructions

1. Seasoning: Generously coat chicken cubes with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor profile.
2. Searing: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown chicken pieces until golden, creating a rich caramelized exterior (5-7 minutes).
3. Aromatics: Sauté onions until translucent, then add garlic, releasing its fragrant essence without scorching.
4. Building Base: Reintroduce chicken to skillet, combining with rice, chicken stock, and water. Bring to a vigorous boil, then reduce heat, covering tightly to simmer.
5. Vegetable Integration: Fold broccoli florets into the partially cooked mixture, continuing to cook until rice becomes tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. Cheese Transformation: Stir in whole milk and shredded cheddar, ensuring thorough distribution throughout the dish.
7. Oven Finale: Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). Sprinkle additional cheese on top, then bake for 12-15 minutes until cheese melts and develops a golden crust.
8. Serving: Allow casserole to rest for 3-4 minutes, letting flavors meld. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve piping hot.

Notes

• Seasoning Strategy: Always season chicken cubes generously before searing to lock in deep, rich flavors that elevate the entire dish.
• Golden Brown Technique: Sear chicken at medium-high heat to create a beautiful caramelized exterior, which adds complex depth to the casserole’s taste profile.
• Rice Absorption Tip: Keep the skillet tightly covered during simmering to ensure rice cooks evenly and absorbs all the delicious liquid and spices.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Sprinkle extra cheese on top and bake briefly to create a gorgeous golden crust that adds irresistible texture and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg