Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole that brings all the comforts of a home-cooked meal. Enter the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, the ultimate comfort food that is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to perfection. The best part? It’s all made in one dish, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or even a potluck with friends and family.

This casserole has everything you want in a comforting meal: protein from the chicken, healthy veggies from the broccoli, and satisfying carbs from the rice, all bound together by a luscious cheese sauce. The blend of flavors is rich and hearty, while the broccoli adds a pop of freshness and color, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Even better, this recipe is highly customizable. You can switch up the vegetables, try different types of cheese, or add extra herbs and spices to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover ingredients, making it a budget-friendly and waste-reducing option.

So if you’re looking for a one-pan wonder that the whole family will love, look no further than this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. All-in-One Meal: This casserole packs in everything you need for a complete meal—protein, veggies, and carbs—all in one dish. No need to make multiple sides or entrees.
2. Cheesy Goodness: With layers of melted cheddar cheese, this dish is indulgent and satisfying. The cheese sauce brings everything together for a creamy, rich texture.
3. Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this dish. The mild flavors and cheesy texture are appealing to picky eaters, and the broccoli adds a healthy twist.
4. Simple and Convenient: Everything is cooked in one dish, saving you time on cleanup. Plus, it’s easy to prep and bake, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
5. Customizable: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. Whether it’s changing the type of cheese, using different veggies, or adding more spices, this dish is versatile and adaptable.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6-8
• Serving Size: 1 generous portion (about 1 cup)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 480 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 620mg

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole:

For the Casserole:

• 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
• 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of color and spice)

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Red pepper flakes (for a bit of heat)
• Extra Parmesan cheese (for sprinkling on top)

For Serving (Optional):

• Crusty bread
• Side salad

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches) with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Season the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

3. Prepare the Broccoli:

If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Brown the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned on the outside. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

2. Set the Chicken Aside:

Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll add it back into the casserole later.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Rice:

Spread 1 cup of uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the greased casserole dish. The rice will cook in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing the flavors of the chicken, broth, and cheese.

2. Add the Broth and Onion:

Pour 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth over the rice, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Add the diced onion on top of the rice, spreading it out evenly.

3. Add the Broccoli:

Scatter the broccoli florets over the rice and broth mixture. The broccoli will cook and become tender as the casserole bakes.

4. Add the Chicken:

Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the broccoli. Distribute them evenly so that every bite of the casserole will have a mix of chicken, broccoli, and rice.

5. Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the chicken and broccoli layer. This will create a delicious, gooey cheese layer as the casserole bakes.

6. Pour the Cream:

Drizzle 1/2 cup of heavy cream over the top of the casserole. This will add richness and help bind the ingredients together for a creamy texture.

7. Season with Paprika (Optional):

If you like a bit of extra flavor and color, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of paprika over the top of the casserole before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Uncover and Add More Cheese:

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This extra layer of cheese will melt and become golden brown as it bakes.

3. Bake Until Golden:

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Rest the Casserole:

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

2. Garnish:

Before serving, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

3. Serve:

Scoop out generous portions of the cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole onto plates. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

While this casserole is delicious all on its own, here are a few ways to elevate your serving presentation:

• With Crusty Bread: Serve the casserole with slices of warm, crusty bread for dipping into the cheesy sauce.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the casserole with a fresh green salad or a tangy coleslaw to add some crunch and brightness to the meal.
• Topped with Red Pepper Flakes: For those who like a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top before serving.
• As Leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for lunch the next day. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken: When browning the chicken, be careful not to overcook it. You just want to sear the outside and add flavor, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
2. Use Fresh Broccoli: If possible, use fresh broccoli florets instead of frozen for a better texture. Fresh broccoli will retain some of its crunch, while frozen broccoli tends to be softer.
3. Shred Your Own Cheese: For the best melting results, shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
4. Check the Rice: Depending on the type of rice you use, the cooking time may vary. If the rice isn’t fully cooked after the baking time, cover the casserole with foil again and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, adding a little more broth if needed.
5. Add Extra Vegetables: This casserole is a great way to sneak in more veggies. Try adding sliced mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

Recipe Variations

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is delicious as-is, but it’s also a highly customizable recipe. Here are a few variations to try:

1. Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Quinoa Casserole:

Swap out the rice for quinoa for a slightly nuttier flavor and extra protein. Simply follow the same instructions, but use 1 cup of quinoa instead of rice, and adjust the broth amount to 2 cups.

2. Extra Veggie Casserole:

Boost the veggie content by adding more of your favorite vegetables. Sliced mushrooms, diced zucchini, or sautéed spinach are all great options to mix into the casserole before baking.

3. Spicy Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole:

If you like a little heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for an extra spicy kick.

4. Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole (Vegetarian):

For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the amount of broccoli. You can also add cauliflower, carrots, or even butternut squash for a hearty vegetable-filled casserole.

5. Mexican-Inspired Chicken and Rice Casserole:

Give this casserole a Tex-Mex twist by adding diced tomatoes, black beans, and corn. Replace the cheddar with a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, and season with cumin and chili powder for a zesty flavor.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

If you have any leftover casserole, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for a few minutes, or reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Freezing:

This casserole freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely after baking, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Reheating:

To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream before reheating to restore its creamy texture.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For browning the chicken before assembling the casserole.
• Casserole Dish (9×13 inches): A large, oven-safe dish is essential for baking the casserole.
• Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole while baking to prevent it from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate it before baking. When you’re ready to serve, simply bake it as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if necessary.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can use brown rice for a healthier option. Keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook, so you may need to increase the baking time by 15-20 minutes and add a bit more chicken broth.

3. What other cheeses can I use?

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! While cheddar is a classic choice, you can use Gruyère, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix of cheeses for a more complex flavor.

4. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! If you’re short on time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a great option. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the casserole without the need for browning it beforehand.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! To make this casserole gluten-free, simply ensure that your chicken broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. You can also swap out the rice for a gluten-free grain like quinoa or wild rice.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect dish for busy weeknights or special occasions alike. With its combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

What makes this casserole even better is its versatility—you can switch up the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, and it’s a great way to use up leftovers. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dinner or a dish to impress guests, this casserole has got you covered.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a warm, cheesy, and utterly delicious meal that you’ll want to make again and again!

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