Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 6-8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate up to 3-4 days.Quick Answer
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and cheese in a warm, comforting dish perfect for holiday gatherings.As the crisp autumn air sweeps through New York City and the allure of Thanksgiving and Christmas begins to warm our hearts (and kitchens), I'm finding myself gravitating towards comforting, hearty dishes that bring both ease and joy to the holiday table. One of my absolute favorites to whip up this time of year is a Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, filled with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, cheesy goodness, and a satisfying layer of rice-perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights at home.
A Cozy Holiday Treat
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Comforting and hearty, perfect for chilly autumn nights and holiday gatherings.
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients-just one dish to handle!
- Rich, creamy flavor makes it a hit with both kids and adults.
- Versatile-customizable with your favorite vegetables or protein options.
- Leftovers are amazing, making it great for meal prep throughout the week.
Ingredients
This creamy casserole combines hearty ingredients for the perfect comfort dish.
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup breadcrumb topping for added crunch
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole (Step-by-Step)
This step-by-step guide will help you create a delicious and comforting casserole in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. The anticipation of turning raw ingredients into a warm, bubbling dish already makes me smile.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the long-grain rice and stir gently. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The aroma in your kitchen will be deliciously inviting!
Step 3: Blanch the Broccoli
While the rice cooks, in a separate pan, blanch the broccoli by boiling it for 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green. Then, quickly transfer it to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step keeps the broccoli crisp and vibrant, adding not just nutrition but also beautiful color to your casserole.
Step 4: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined-the cheesy, creamy texture is absolutely comforting to behold.
Step 5: Transfer to Casserole Dish
Transfer the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing it out evenly. If you're a fan of a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. As I watch it bake, the optimistic aroma of melting cheese and tender chicken fills my kitchen, reassuring me that warmth is on the way.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This is an important step-trust me, rushing into this masterpiece will only result in molten cheese burns!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Blanching should only be quick to maintain its vibrant color and crunch.
- Not Adjusting Liquid: Ensure the rice absorbs enough moisture for a creamy texture; too much or too little broth can alter the final result.
- Skipping Rest Time: Letting the casserole sit post-bake is crucial for the flavors to meld and to make serving easier.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Pair it Perfectly: Serve this casserole with a light salad or some crusty bread to balance the richness of the dish.
- Make Ahead: Prepare everything the day before and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Add Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an added layer of flavor.
- Garnish: Top with fresh parsley or green onions before serving for a pop of color.
Variations
- Substitute the chicken with turkey for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
- Use brown rice instead of white rice for a heartier option, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
- Add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrition.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor.
- Omit the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
How to Serve
- Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.
- Serve with a side of mixed greens or a light salad to complement the dish.
- Pair with a glass of white wine for an adult gathering.
- Offer crusty bread or dinner rolls on the side for a heartier meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Prepare everything the day before and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's cold from the fridge.
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a quicker option if you're in a hurry.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Just wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as instructed.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
Testing this recipe has reinforced my love for one-dish meals during the hectic holiday season. There's something undeniably fulfilling about creating a beautiful casserole that brings a whole table together. It's not just a dish; it becomes a canvas for shared memories and holiday cheer!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 8 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 30g carbs · 15g fat
Recipe by:
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add the long-grain rice and stir gently. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until tender.
- Blanch the broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green, then transfer to an ice bath.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, blanched broccoli, cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and smooth it out evenly. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
1. Can I use leftover chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Leftover shredded or diced chicken works perfectly in this recipe, making it a great way to use up any extra chicken you have.
2. Can I substitute the broccoli with another vegetable?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with vegetables like cauliflower or green beans. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the chicken broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
4. How do I store leftovers properly?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave.
5. Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Just assemble it and keep it in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
