Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Easy One-Pan Dinner

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Dinner

When you need a dinner that’s guaranteed to please everyone at the table, look no further than this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole. Imagine tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug comforting, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole is your new secret weapon.

What makes this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole so special is its perfect balance of nutrition and indulgence. You get lean protein from the chicken, vitamins from the broccoli, and whole grains from the rice, all brought together with that irresistible cheesy goodness. Plus, everything comes together in one dish, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. This is the dinner solution you’ve been searching for!

Why This Casserole Beats All Others

Unlike many casserole recipes that rely on canned soups, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole features a homemade creamy sauce that’s both richer and more flavorful. The combination of multiple cheeses creates depth of flavor, while the fresh broccoli adds brightness and texture. This recipe is also incredibly versatile you can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey. It’s the perfect way to create a delicious, from-scratch meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
3 cups broccoli florets, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice
Cook the rice according to package directions. For best results, use slightly less water than called for to ensure the rice isn’t too moist since it will continue cooking in the casserole. Fluff with a fork and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli
While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are bright green and crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes. Immediately transfer to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and preserve their color and texture. Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, whisking constantly to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base
Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure to eliminate any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 5: Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 6: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli to the cheese sauce. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the broccoli florets too much.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top, followed by breadcrumbs if using. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Scoop into bowls and enjoy the ultimate comfort food!

Expert Tips for Perfect Casserole Every Time

Use slightly undercooked rice to prevent mushiness after baking
Shock the broccoli in ice water to maintain bright color and perfect texture
Grate your own cheese for better melting than pre-shredded
Let it rest after baking for cleaner slices and better flavor distribution
Make it ahead – assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
Add a crunchy topping with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
A: Yes! Use frozen broccoli florets without thawing. Add them directly to the casserole, but increase baking time by 5-10 minutes since frozen broccoli will release more liquid.

Q2: How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Assemble the entire casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold from the refrigerator.

Q3: Can I freeze chicken broccoli rice casserole?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as directed.

Q4: What’s the best rice to use for casserole?
A: Long-grain white rice works best as it holds its shape well. Avoid using instant rice as it can become mushy. Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and more liquid.

Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes! Use gluten-free flour for the roux and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Q6: My casserole is too dry how can I fix it?
A: If your casserole seems dry, stir in an additional ½ cup of chicken broth or milk before baking. You can also cover it with foil during the first 20 minutes of baking to prevent excessive moisture loss.

Delicious Variations to Try

Mexican Style: Add diced green chiles, corn, and use pepper jack cheese
Mushroom Lover’s: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions
Buffalo Chicken: Mix in ½ cup buffalo sauce and use blue cheese crumbles
Italian Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes and use mozzarella and Parmesan
Lightened Up: Use Greek yogurt instead of some cheese and brown rice

What to Serve With Your Casserole

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are some great side dishes if you want to round out the meal:

Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or dinner rolls
Roasted carrots or green beans
Fresh fruit salad
Crusty bread for soaking up the cheesy sauce

Why This Recipe Will Become Your Family Favorite

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole has everything you want in a family dinner: it’s comforting, nutritious, easy to make, and incredibly delicious. The homemade cheese sauce elevates it far above versions that use canned soup, while the combination of textures from the tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice keeps every bite interesting.

Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights, potlucks, or comforting weekend meals, this casserole delivers every time. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll turn to again and again the one that becomes part of your family’s story. So preheat your oven and get ready to make a dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds!