If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty, and utterly delicious dish that brings the whole family together, this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is a classic winner. It combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice into one cozy, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. The blend of flavors and textures is simply unbeatable, making it a go-to meal you’ll want to come back to again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients in this casserole are simple staples, yet each plays a crucial role in delivering the rich, creamy, and satisfying taste that makes the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe so special. From the softness of the instant rice to the creaminess of the cheese and soups, every element adds harmony to the dish.
- 2 cups water: Essential for perfectly cooking the instant rice to fluffy perfection.
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice: The tender base of the casserole that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained: Provides the hearty protein to keep you satisfied.
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli: Brings a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of green color.
- 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed (such as Velveeta): Melts beautifully for creamy, rich cheesy flavor.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and moisture to the mix.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Deepens the savory flavor and helps bind everything together.
- 1 cup milk: Lightens and smooths out the casserole’s texture.
- ¼ cup butter, cubed: Adds richness and a delicate buttery finish.
- 1 small white onion, chopped: Introduces a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch.
How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your casserole is assembled. Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan and stir in the instant rice. Cover it and remove from heat, letting it sit for 5 minutes to absorb the water and become tender and fluffy.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in a Baking Dish
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, toss together the cooked rice, drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped onion. Mix everything thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and evenly distributed.
Step 3: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, give the casserole a gentle stir. This helps the cheese melt evenly and prevents the top from browning too quickly. When the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges, it’s ready to come out of the oven.
How to Serve Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To give your casserole a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. The vibrant green will brighten up each serving and add a hint of freshness that pairs nicely with the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables would be ideal. A crusty bread or warm dinner rolls are also great companions to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving this casserole straight from the baking dish at the center of the table for a casual, family-style meal. Or, for a more polished presentation, scoop individual portions into ramekins and garnish with a little extra cheese and herbs for a charming personal touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap the casserole tightly before freezing or portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it excellent for meal prep or busy days.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat leftovers, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge if frozen. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, usually about 20 minutes. Stir once or twice to ensure even heating and keep that creamy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli can be chopped and lightly steamed before adding to the casserole, ensuring it cooks evenly in the baking process while maintaining its wonderful texture and color.
What if I don’t have instant rice?
You can substitute regular white rice, but cook it according to package instructions beforehand as the casserole won’t have enough time to cook the rice fully while baking.
Can I use shredded chicken instead of canned?
Yes, shredded cooked chicken works perfectly. It can add a more homemade feel, especially if you use leftover roasted chicken or poached chicken breasts.
Is there a substitute for processed cheese like Velveeta?
You can use a combination of shredded cheddar and cream cheese for a more natural alternative, but keep in mind the texture might be slightly different—still delicious though!
Can this casserole be made gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, be sure to use gluten-free cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, and confirm your rice and cheese products are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — easy to prepare, deeply satisfying, and perfect for sharing. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving a cozy dinner, this casserole brings comfort and flavor together beautifully. I encourage you to give it a try and watch it become a treasured favorite in your home too!
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a hearty and easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice baked together with savory mushroom and chicken soups, this casserole delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Rice & Water
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Dairy & Sauce
- 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed (such as Velveeta)
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup butter, cubed
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Rice: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Stir in 2 cups of uncooked instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let the rice stand covered for 5 minutes until cooked and fluffy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, add the cooked rice, drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese food, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped onion. Mix all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, stir the casserole gently to promote even melting of the cheese and melding of flavors. Bake until the cheese is melted, the casserole is bubbly, and heated through.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli steamed briefly if preferred instead of frozen broccoli.
- For a sharper flavor, consider using sharp cheddar in place of processed cheese food.
- Make sure to drain the canned chicken well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated well in the oven or microwave.
- This dish can be customized by adding other vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers, for extra nutrition and flavor.
