Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Creamy and cheesy, it combines tender chicken, broccoli, and rice into a satisfying casserole that everyone will love.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
2. Step 2: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Drain any excess liquid, then place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and run a knife through it to create smaller, bite-sized pieces.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir well to blend everything together.
4. Step 4: Add the cooked rice, diced chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the mixture. Stir again to fully combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Taste the mixture and adjust seasonings if needed, especially if your chicken was not pre-seasoned.
6. Step 6: Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
7. 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.
8. Step 8: Serve the casserole hot and enjoy your comforting meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the mixture.
• Swap Velveeta for cream cheese for a slightly different texture and creaminess.
• Mix in some sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers for added vegetables.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Steam it until just tender before adding it to the casserole to ensure it cooks evenly in the baking process.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, bake it covered with foil for 15 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10 minutes as directed.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 113 reviews

This creamy and comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy white rice in a cheesy, savory sauce. Velveeta and shredded cheddar cheese add rich, melty goodness while sour cream and cream of chicken soup create a luscious base. Perfect as a hearty family dinner or potluck dish, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese topping.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 pound frozen broccoli

Dairy & Cheese

• 1 cup sour cream
• 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Protein

• 3 cups diced, cooked chicken

Pantry & Seasonings

• 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
• 3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Broccoli: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid and transfer the hot broccoli to a cutting board. Use a knife to chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
3. Make Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly blended.
4. Add Rice, Chicken, and Seasonings: To the broccoli and sauce mixture, add the cooked white rice, diced cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well distributed.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed. If the chicken was unseasoned before, you may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or other seasonings to suit your preference.
6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through and the cheeses to melt.
8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This will brown the cheese topping and create a bubbly, golden crust.
9. Serve Hot: Remove from the oven and serve immediately for a warm, comforting meal.

Notes

• Sour cream adds creaminess, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Use cooked chicken that is already seasoned for richer flavor; if unseasoned, adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to maintain moisture.
• For a lower-fat version, reduce the cheese amounts or use reduced-fat cheese options.

Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner Recipe, One-Pot Meal