Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful soups, broccoli, and cheesy goodness, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

  • 3 chicken breasts (cooked and shredded or cubed, about 4 cups)
  • 10.5 ounces Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 10.5 ounces Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup (1 can)
  • 2 cups Minute rice or quick cooking rice (uncooked)
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets (frozen or fresh)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chicken base (optional, for extra richness and flavor)
  • Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400˚F (200˚C).
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream, and chicken base if using. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
  3. Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top and cover the dish with aluminum foil.
  5. Step 5: Bake on the middle rack for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes uncovered.
  6. Step 6: (Optional) For a crispy top, broil the casserole for 3 to 4 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your comforting casserole!

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the mix.
  • Use fresh broccoli for a firmer texture or frozen for convenience; just make sure to thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
  • Substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option without losing creaminess.
  • If you want to make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own homemade version.
  • Add some diced bell peppers or mushrooms for more veggies and color.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. If the casserole thickened too much upon storage, add a splash of chicken broth or water before reheating to loosen it up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of Minute rice?

Brown rice can be used, but since it requires a longer cooking time, it’s best to pre-cook it before mixing into the casserole to ensure it softens properly.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it according to the instructions when you’re ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Print

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together in a rich mixture of cream of chicken and cheddar cheese soups. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and fresh parsley, it’s a one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

  • Author: Maya
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 3 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or cubed (about 4 cups)
  • 12 ounces broccoli florets (frozen or fresh)
  • chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Soups and Dairy

  • 10.5 ounces Campbell’s cream of chicken soup (1 can)
  • 10.5 ounces Campbell’s cheddar cheese soup (1 can)
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Rice and Broth

  • 2 cups Minute rice (or quick cooking rice, uncooked)
  • 2 cups chicken broth

Additional Flavoring

  • 1 tablespoon chicken base (optional, but amps up the richness and flavor)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400˚F to get it ready for baking the casserole.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly mix together the cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese soup, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, chicken broth, sour cream, and chicken base if using. Ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated to create a creamy mixture.
  3. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish so it cooks uniformly.
  4. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to create a cheesy crust.
  5. Cover and Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake on the middle rack of the oven for 40 minutes. This allows the rice to absorb the liquid and the flavors to meld.
  6. Uncover and Continue Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to brown the cheese topping.
  7. Optional Broiling: For a crispier top, broil the casserole for 3-4 minutes until you achieve golden, crispy bits.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley, and serve hot for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Using Minute rice or quick cooking rice ensures the casserole cooks properly within the given time; if using regular rice, additional cooking time may be needed.
  • Chicken base is optional but recommended for an extra depth of flavor.
  • Fresh broccoli works well, but frozen broccoli florets are convenient and equally delicious.
  • Broiling at the end is optional but adds a lovely crisp texture on top.
  • This casserole can be prepared in advance and baked when ready.
  • Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated.

Keywords: cheesy broccoli chicken casserole, chicken and rice casserole, broccoli rice bake, comfort food casserole, easy chicken dinner

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