If you’re looking for a comforting, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is absolutely the dish to try. This casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a marvelous cheesy sauce that melds everything together into a soul-satisfying bite. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and veggie freshness, it’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or casual family gatherings that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures, keeping the dish rich yet balanced. The mix is simple but essential, starting with pantry staples that turn into something extraordinary.
- 2 cups water: Needed to cook the instant rice perfectly fluffy without any fuss.
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice: Quick to prepare and gives the casserole a soft, comforting base.
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained: Tender, protein-packed pieces providing hearty flavor and substance.
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli: Adds beautiful color and a nutritional boost with tender-crisp veggies.
- 1 pound processed cheese food, cubed (such as Velveeta): Melts smoothly to deliver that creamy, cheesy essence that binds everything together.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup: Adds savory depth and a luscious texture to the sauce.
- 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup: Boosts the chicken flavor and enriches the casserole’s saucy richness.
- 1 cup milk: Helps thin the soups and cheese for a smooth, luscious consistency.
- ¼ cup butter, cubed: Contributes richness and silkiness to each bite.
- 1 small white onion, chopped: Adds a subtle, sweet crunch that elevates the overall flavor profile.
How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Once boiling, stir in the instant rice, cover the pan, and remove it from the heat. Let it stand for 5 minutes – this makes sure the rice is tender, fluffy, and ready to soak up all the delicious flavors.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
In a large 9×13 inch baking dish, combine your perfectly cooked rice with the drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped white onion. Use a spoon or spatula to mix thoroughly until every bite will have that creamy, cheesy, chicken goodness.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it and stir gently halfway through baking to help the cheese melt evenly, ensuring the casserole becomes wonderfully bubbly and golden on top.
How to Serve Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To brighten up the creamy casserole, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top before serving. A light dusting of crushed red pepper flakes can add a delightful kick for those who love a little heat, balancing the richness.
Side Dishes
Keeping the meal well-rounded, consider pairing this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as carrots or asparagus also complement the cheesy, comforting flavors beautifully, offering a fresh, crunchy element.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make dinner feel extra special, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins. It adds charm to the presentation and allows for easy portion control. Alternatively, layering extra cheese on top and broiling for a couple of minutes can create a delectably crispy golden crust that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe store wonderfully in an airtight container placed in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 days, making this a perfect recipe to enjoy again the next day.
Freezing
This casserole also freezes beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep. Transfer cooled leftovers into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, pop the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through. If reheating from frozen, give it a bit more time and cover loosely with foil to prevent dryness. Microwaving is also quick; just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great in this recipe. Just steam it first until tender but still bright green before adding it to the casserole to maintain the dish’s perfect texture.
Is there a substitute for processed cheese food?
If you prefer a less processed option, cheddar cheese or a sharp American cheese can be used. Be mindful that melting properties might differ, so you may want to shred the cheese and adjust the quantity to taste.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
You certainly can! Simply omit the chicken and replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Adding beans or chickpeas can help keep the protein content satisfying.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, swap the butter with a plant-based alternative, use dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk, and choose dairy-free cheese substitutes. Also, check the soups to ensure they’re dairy free or make your own creamy base with broth and coconut milk.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the entire casserole up to the mixing stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes your mealtime much easier without compromising flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe that makes it a staple in family kitchens everywhere. Its creamy, comforting blend of ingredients is not just filling but also offers a beautiful mix of textures and flavors everyone will adore. Give this recipe a try and prepare to have a new favorite on repeat – your dinner table will thank you!
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole that’s quick to prepare and perfect for family dinners. This creamy casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and melted cheese in a savory sauce served over fluffy rice.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 (10 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
- 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
- 1 small white onion, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and cook rice: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Stir in 2 cups of uncooked instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow the rice to cook through.
- Mix casserole ingredients: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the cooked rice, drained chunk chicken, frozen chopped broccoli, cubed processed cheese, condensed cream of mushroom soup, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, cubed butter, and chopped onion. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly. Stir the mixture halfway through the baking time to ensure even melting and heating throughout.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh processed cheese like Velveeta to achieve a creamy texture.
- You can substitute canned chicken with cooked shredded chicken breast if preferred.
- If you want a lower-fat version, substitute half-and-half or light milk for whole milk and use low-fat cheese alternatives.
- To add extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder or black pepper to the mix before baking.
- This casserole stores well and can be reheated for leftovers.
