Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Looking for a cozy, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare?
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese into one comforting dish. It’s a family-friendly dinner that’s ready in just 30 minutes!
With minimal prep and only one skillet, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. The blend of flavors—from the creamy chicken to the cheesy, crispy topping—makes it a dish everyone will love. It’s warm, hearty, and absolutely irresistible.
Key Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Chicken breasts – Tender chunks of chicken make this casserole hearty and protein-packed.
- Broccoli florets – Adds a fresh, crunchy element that balances the richness of the cheese and chicken.
- Cheddar cheese – The star of the dish, melted and golden for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Uncooked rice – Absorbs all the flavors and creates a soft, satisfying base for the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup – Gives the dish its creamy, comforting texture.
- Chicken broth – Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the rice perfectly.
How to Prepare This Cheesy Casserole
- Sauté the chicken and onion
In an oven-proof skillet, cook the cubed chicken and chopped onion in olive oil until browned. Add garlic for an aromatic boost. - Simmer with rice and broth
Stir in uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Let it simmer until the rice is tender and absorbs all the delicious flavors. - Mix in the broccoli and cheese
Once the rice is cooked, stir in fresh broccoli and half the cheese, letting the broccoli soften just slightly. - Broil for a crispy cheese finish
Top with the remaining cheese and place the skillet under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish.
Tips for a Perfect Casserole
To make this dish even more irresistible, use sharp cheddar for extra flavor. If you prefer a bit of crunch, add breadcrumbs before broiling for a crispy topping. You can also swap in brown rice for a more wholesome option, but be sure to adjust the cooking time. Want extra veggies? Carrots or cauliflower can be added alongside the broccoli for more color and texture.
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to keep the rice moist, and reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—just make sure to wrap it tightly before freezing, and thaw it overnight before reheating.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Zutaten
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup 1 can
- 2 chicken breasts cubed
- 2 cups chicken broth low sodium
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup uncooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 small onion chopped
Anleitungen
- Cook the chicken and onion: In a large, oven-proof skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cubed chicken, cooking for about 5 minutes until the chicken is no longer pink and begins to brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate the rice and liquids: Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and 2 cups of chicken broth. Bring this mixture to a boil, then lower the heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer on medium heat for around 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the rice is tender. Add more broth if necessary to ensure the rice cooks through.
- Add broccoli and cheese: Once the rice is cooked, mix in the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the broccoli to soften slightly.
- Broil to finish: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top and place the skillet under the broiler for a few minutes, just until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.
- Garnish and serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy.