Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Q: I'm looking for simple casserole recipes; can I use pre-cooked rice to save time?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rice is a fantastic time-saver. If you're using pre-cooked rice, simply skip step one and add about 3 cups of cooked rice to the casserole. You might want to reduce the amount of milk in the cheese sauce slightly, as the pre-cooked rice might not absorb as much liquid. It's all about making life easier, innit?

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy Comfort Food

By Chef MayaAugust 28, 2025

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4.50 (6 Ratings)

Table of Contents

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a bit of comfort food, eh? Ever find yourself wondering what to cook? This cheesy chicken and broccoli rice casserole recipe is proper lush, trust me! It's like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those chilly evenings.

Quick Hook

Remember those dinners your nan used to make? Yeah, this casserole recipe is a bit like that, but maybe even better.

It's a Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole. I guarantee it's a winner.

Brief Overview

This dish hails from the good ol' USA. It's total comfort food casserole recipes at its finest. It's easy to whip up.

The prep takes about 20 minutes. Then it bakes for another 35. That will give 6-8 generous servings, just right for a simple family meal idea .

Main Benefits

Broccoli means it's packed with good stuff, too! This is one of the easy family dinner casseroles that everyone actually enjoys.

It makes dinner special. Plus, it's pretty darn budget friendly dinner ideas , you know?

Right then, what makes this recipe so special? It's the combo of the creamy cheese sauce and the tender chicken.

And don’t forget the fluffy rice. It's what really makes this one of those super quick casserole recipes ! Honestly, it’s a winner!

Ready for the ingredient list? Don’t you dare run away. We're about to make some easy casseroles !

Alright, let's dive into what you need to make this ridiculously tasty casserole. We're talking about a Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, perfect for a chilly evening!

Ingredients & Equipment

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole presentation

This is Comfort food casserole recipes at its finest. It's one of those easy casserole recipes for dinner that everyone loves.

Plus, it can be one of your budget friendly dinner ideas . Honestly, who doesn't love cheese and chicken?

Main Ingredients

Okay, listen up. Here’s the deal on what you’ll need to create some easy family dinner casseroles :

Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed. Fresh chicken is best. Look for a nice, pink color none of that grey business, yeah?
Rice: 1 cup (180g) long grain rice, uncooked. Uncle Ben’s does the trick, but basmati adds a bit of fancy.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium. Nobody wants a salt bomb!
Broccoli: 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups). Fresh is king. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh broccoli has that snap , you know?
Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted.
Flour: 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose. Plain old flour.
Milk: 2 cups (475ml) whole or 2%. Whole milk makes it extra creamy!
Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups (300g) shredded cheddar, divided. Go for mature cheddar, or a cheddar jack for a good melt.
Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (50g) panko, for that crispy top.
Melted Butter: 2 tbsp (28g) for the breadcrumbs.

Seasoning Notes

Spices can elevate this casserole to the next level, making it one of the quick casserole recipes you'll crave. It will certainly become one of your family’s simple family meal ideas .

Salt & Pepper: Essential! Don't be shy.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle kick.
Nutmeg: A pinch in the cheese sauce? Oh my gosh, yes! It’s my secret weapon.
Flavor Boosters: A dash of Worcestershire sauce or Dijon mustard in the cheese sauce? Trust me.

No nutmeg? Allspice is an acceptable sub.

Equipment Needed

Don't worry, you probably have most of this already. This is how to make easy casseroles .

Large Skillet: For cooking the chicken.
Saucepan: For the rice.
9x13 inch Baking Dish: The star of the show.
Whisk: For smooth cheese sauce.
Mixing Bowls: For everything else.

No 9x13? Two smaller dishes work fine. Seriously, whatever you have will probably do. This broccoli cheese casserole recipe will soon be a family favourite.

This list gives you the essentials for the chicken casserole recipes easy .

Cooking Method: Baking the Perfect Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole is proper comfort food casserole recipes , mate! Think of it as a warm hug after a long day.

This simple dish is perfect for a easy family dinner casseroles that everyone will love. I can remember when mum used to prepare this.

It is a sure winner.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, let's get organized. This is essential mise en place. Cube the chicken, chop the broccoli into florets, and measure out all your ingredients.

Honestly , this will save you so much time later. Safety first, too! Make sure your cutting board is stable, and use a sharp knife.

step-by-step: From Ingredients to Deliciousness

Alright, let's get cooking:

Cook 1 cup rice in 2 cups chicken broth. Simmer for 18- 20 minutes till fluffy.
Sauté 1.5 lbs cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder till cooked.
Steam 4 cups broccoli till tender crisp.
Make cheese sauce: melt 4 tbsp butter, whisk in 1/4 cup flour. Gradually add 2 cups milk. Simmer till thickened. Stir in 2 cups cheddar.
Combine rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a baking dish.
Top with 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter.
Bake at 375° F ( 190° C) for 20- 25 minutes , until bubbly and golden.

Visual cue? Look for that golden brown, bubbly top. That's when you know it's ready.

Pro Tips: Secrets to Casserole Success

Don't overcook the rice! Mushy rice is a no-no. Use freshly grated cheese melts better, tastes better.
To avoid a runny casserole, let it rest for a few minutes after baking. make-ahead option? Assemble the casserole earlier and bake it when you are ready.
I would like to add that chicken casserole recipes easy are the best! This one is particularly good.

Closing Thoughts

This broccoli cheese casserole recipe is more than just a easy casserole recipes for dinner ; it's a memory waiting to happen.

It's simple, delicious, and totally customizable. Why not give it a go? Maybe you have some simple family meal ideas .

You could create fantastic quick casserole recipes with all those budget friendly dinner ideas out there. Try our cheesy rice casserole recipes and let us know what you think!

Recipe Notes for the BEST Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole

Right then, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole. Honestly, easy family dinner casseroles are my go-to when I’m knackered after work.

There are loads of easy casserole recipes for dinner , but this one is special. It is like a warm hug.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Perfection

Okay, presentation time. You could just bung it on a plate, but why not make it look smashing? A sprinkle of fresh parsley always adds a pop of color.

Serve it straight from the baking dish for that proper comfort food casserole recipes vibe, or plate individual portions with a side salad.

Think classic, but with a touch of flair.

Fancy a drink? A crisp, dry white wine pairs beautifully. Or, for a simple family meal ideas , just a glass of milk for the kids (and maybe for you too, no judgement here).

Don't forget some Budget friendly dinner ideas , the casserole can be also part of the equation!

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Leftovers? If you somehow have any, chuck them in the fridge. This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole will keep for about 3-4 days.

Make sure it's in an airtight container. Reheating is a doddle microwave it or pop it back in the oven until it's piping hot.

Freezing is an option, too! Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in cling film and foil. It'll last for up to 2 months.

When you are ready for a quick broccoli cheese casserole recipe , thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat as above.

Variations: Tweak it Your Way

One of the things I love about how to make easy casseroles is that they’re so flexible. For a gluten-free version, simply use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce.

Easy peasy. Vegetarian? Just swap the chicken for some extra broccoli or even some mushrooms.

Feeling adventurous? Swap cheddar for a cheesy rice casserole recipe with some Gruyère for a fancy pants twist. Or maybe you are trying to cook some chicken casserole recipes easy , then start cooking chicken a little earlier.

Also, for a seasonal touch, swap broccoli for cauliflower in the winter. It's all about making it your own.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Alright, so this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole isn't exactly a salad, but it's got some good stuff in it.

Chicken provides protein, broccoli is packed with vitamins, and the rice gives you energy. Just keep in mind, cheese means it’s a treat, not an everyday thing.

This is where you can say the calories (450-550), protein (35-40g), fat (25-30g) and carbohydrates (30-35g) per serving.

So there you have it, all the extra bits and bobs you need to make this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole absolutely spot on.

Go on, give it a go, and enjoy quick casserole recipes !

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! This casserole recipes is perfect for meal prepping. Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through. It's like having a pre-cooked Sunday roast, ready to go!

How do I store leftover Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. A little sprinkle of extra cheese on top during reheating never hurt anyone, did it?

I'm not a fan of broccoli. Can I substitute it with another vegetable in this casserole?

Definitely! Feel free to swap the broccoli with other vegetables you enjoy. Cauliflower, green beans, peas, or even a medley of mixed vegetables would work well. Just make sure to steam or cook the substitute vegetable until tender crisp before adding it to the casserole, just like you would with the broccoli.

Is there a way to make this casserole healthier or lower in calories?

Sure thing! You can use brown rice instead of white rice for added fiber, substitute the whole milk with 2% or skim milk, and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lower fat cheese. You can also increase the amount of broccoli to add more nutrients and bulk without adding extra calories.

It's all about making those smart swaps!

Can I freeze this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole! Assemble the casserole, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.

When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. This method works much better than trying to re-freeze leftovers.

I'm looking for simple casserole recipes; can I use pre-cooked rice to save time?

Absolutely! Using pre-cooked rice is a fantastic time saver. If you're using pre-cooked rice, simply skip step one and add about 3 cups of cooked rice to the casserole. You might want to reduce the amount of milk in the cheese sauce slightly, as the pre-cooked rice might not absorb as much liquid.

It's all about making life easier, innit?

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

0.0 / 5 (0 Review)

Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Instructions:

In a saucepan, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium high heat. Add chicken, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Steam broccoli florets until tender crisp (about 5-7 minutes). You can steam in a microwave safe dish with a little water, or on the stovetop in a steamer basket.
In the same skillet (wipe it clean first!), melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Reduce heat to low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
In the baking dish, combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.