Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheesy rice in one satisfying bake.

The image shows a frying pan filled with a mix of bright green broccoli florets and creamy, melted orange cheese. The broccoli pieces are spread throughout the pan, covered with smooth cheese that looks warm and gooey. The pan has a white marbled surface underneath, giving a clean, fresh look, and the broccoli and cheese fill the pan all the way around, layering together without separate sections. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and rice mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
  6. Step 6: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  7. Step 7: If using, sprinkle crispy fried onions over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking to add a crunchy topping.
  8. Step 8: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh or frozen broccoli; if frozen, thaw and drain excess water before mixing.
  • Substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
  • Add diced onions or bell peppers for extra texture and taste.
  • Use brown rice instead of white rice for a whole-grain option.
  • For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or reheat the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white skillet filled with scrambled eggs mixed with bright green broccoli pieces. The eggs have a soft, slightly glossy texture with patches of melted orange-yellow cheese blending smoothly with the eggs and broccoli. Small broccoli florets are scattered evenly throughout, adding texture and color contrast to the fluffy egg base. The skillet’s silver handle is partially visible at the bottom. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding additional baking time if needed.

Can I freeze the Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

Print

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Bake with Cheddar Recipe

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole is a creamy, comforting, and easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy cooked rice, and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a hearty meal that combines savory flavors with a rich, creamy texture. The addition of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and crispy fried onions on top adds extra moisture and a delightful crunch, making this casserole a crowd-pleaser.

  • Author: Zane
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
  • 2 cups broccoli florets
  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup crispy fried onions, for topping

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, usually about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. Mix the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
  4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Add the Topping: Sprinkle the crispy fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for added texture and flavor.
  6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden on top.
  7. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this warm, comforting dish as a complete meal.

Notes

  • You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
  • For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated within 3 days.
  • Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
  • Steaming broccoli briefly retains its bright green color and nutrients.
  • If you prefer, you can add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.

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

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