Irresistible Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

There’s something utterly delightful about a chicken broccoli rice casserole that warms the soul and tickles the taste buds. Imagine tender pieces of chicken swimming in a creamy sauce, mingling with vibrant green broccoli and fluffy rice, all baked to bubbly perfection. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will have everyone clamoring for a seat at the dinner table, forks poised and ready for action.

This dish is not just food; it’s an experience! I remember the first time I made this chicken broccoli rice casserole for my family. They devoured it faster than I could say “seconds, please!” It has become a staple in our household, perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or when you want to impress guests without being overly fancy. Get ready for an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing!

I vividly recall the smiles on my kids’ faces the first time they tasted this dish; it was like Christmas morning!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust based on your crowd size.

• Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets that are firm and fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

• White Rice: Long-grain white rice gives a light texture; cook it according to package instructions beforehand.

• Chicken Broth: Use low-sodium broth for better control over seasoning without sacrificing flavor.

• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the casserole; don’t skimp on this ingredient if you want that creamy goodness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for superior melting properties and flavor—because who doesn’t love gooey cheese?

• Garlic Powder: A sprinkle of garlic powder elevates the flavors beautifully; use more if you’re feeling adventurous!

• Pepper and Salt: Season generously but taste as you go. You can always add more but can’t take it away!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while you gather your ingredients and channel your inner chef.

Prepare Your Chicken: Dice the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder—it adds so much flavor!

Sauté Your Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Once hot, toss in your seasoned chicken and sauté until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes should do.

Add Broccoli and Rice: Stir in chopped broccoli florets along with cooked rice into the skillet, mixing everything together until well combined. The colors alone are worth the price of admission!

Create Your Sauce Mix: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and chicken broth until combined. Pour this luscious mixture over the chicken-rice-broccoli medley in your skillet.

Cheese It Up!: Fold shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture while leaving some aside for topping later—because we all know extra cheese never hurt anyone.

Bake It Up!: Transfer your entire mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle with reserved cheddar cheese on top and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top—a true masterpiece!

Now that you’ve followed these steps meticulously (and perhaps danced around your kitchen), let that casserole cool slightly before serving!

Enjoy every cheesy bite of this hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole that truly makes dinner feel like a special occasion—even if you’re still in pajamas!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken in a skillet until golden brown, then steam the broccoli while preparing the rice mixture. This way, everything comes together in perfect harmony.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out broccoli for your favorite veggies like cauliflower or carrots. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top can elevate the flavor even more!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly for best results.

The first time I made this dish, my kids devoured it so fast I thought they were competing in a food-eating contest! Their smiles were priceless.

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in my chicken broccoli rice casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just thaw and drain excess water before adding.

What can I substitute for rice if I want a low-carb option?

Try using cauliflower rice or quinoa as a delicious low-carb alternative.

How can I make my casserole spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for an extra kick!

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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that brings joy to any family dinner. With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole is not just a meal; it’s an experience that will have everyone asking for seconds. Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers an explosion of flavors that will warm your soul.

• Author: Logan Reed
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs), diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, cooked
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic powder until golden brown (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Mix in the fresh broccoli florets and cooked rice until well combined.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and chicken broth. Pour over the chicken-rice-broccoli mixture.
5. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese while reserving some for topping.
6. Transfer everything to a greased baking dish, top with reserved cheese, and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 75mg