Introduction

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep. This creamy casserole combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and cheesy rice for a satisfying one-pan meal.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 pound frozen broccoli
10 ounces cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
3 cups diced, cooked chicken
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray.
Step 2: Cook the frozen broccoli according to package directions. Drain any excess liquid, then place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped Velveeta cheese with the broccoli. Stir well until fully mixed.
Step 4: Add the cooked rice, diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the bowl. Stir again until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices if your chicken was unseasoned.
Step 6: Transfer the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 7: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 8: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy a hearty, cheesy meal.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh broccoli if preferred—steam it lightly before chopping.
For a spicier twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream to lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
Leftover casserole can be topped with additional cheese before reheating for extra cheesiness.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, you can cook and dice fresh chicken before mixing it in, or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just ensure the chicken is fully cooked before assembling the casserole.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

This casserole freezes well. Wrap it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked dish combining tender broccoli, cooked chicken, and fluffy rice in a savory mixture enriched with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Velveeta cheese. Topped with shredded cheddar and baked to perfection, it’s a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound frozen broccoli
10 ounces cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
3 cups diced, cooked chicken

Seasonings

1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cracked pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Cook Broccoli: Prepare the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, usually by boiling or steaming. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid thoroughly. Place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating.
Mix Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated into a creamy mixture.
Add Rice, Chicken, and Seasonings: Add the cooked white rice, diced cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all components evenly.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if needed. If your chicken was unseasoned, consider adding more salt, pepper, or other spices to enhance flavor.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a cheesy crust when baked.
Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the cheeses to melt thoroughly.
Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered. This final step will brown the cheddar topping and give a slightly crisp texture.
Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven, let it cool slightly, then serve hot as a fulfilling main dish.

Notes

Sour cream adds richness; you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option.
Use leftover roasted or grilled chicken for convenience; ensure the chicken is cooked and diced before adding.
Seasonings can be adjusted according to taste or dietary needs.
Velveeta cheese helps create a smooth, creamy texture but can be replaced with processed cheese or additional cheddar for a different cheese profile.
Make sure to drain broccoli well to prevent the casserole from getting watery.

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, cream of chicken casserole, easy baked chicken dinner