chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe

I still remember the evening when I first whipped up this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe for Lila and Jack. It was one of those hectic weeknights where homework spilled across the kitchen table, soccer practice ran late, and I needed something comforting on the table fast. My sister Grace had just called with her own version of this dish, and I knew instantly it would become a staple in our home.

The way this casserole brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in one bubbling, cheesy dish reminds me of the meals Mark loved most—simple, warming, and made with heart. This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe has since saved countless busy evenings in our household, and I’m confident it will do the same for yours.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole checks every box for a perfect family dinner. First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare. You’ll have everything mixed and in the oven in less than fifteen minutes.

Second, it’s a complete meal in one dish. You get protein, vegetables, and grains all working together beautifully. Third, kids actually eat it—and that’s saying something!

Moreover, this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe is wonderfully budget-friendly. You probably have most ingredients already sitting in your pantry. Furthermore, it reheats like a dream, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken. Additionally, you can customize it endlessly to suit your family’s tastes.

I love how forgiving this recipe is. Forgot to thaw the chicken? Use rotisserie instead.

No fresh broccoli? Frozen works perfectly. This chicken and broccoli rice casserole adapts to whatever your week throws at you. It’s comfort food that doesn’t demand perfection, just a willingness to gather around the table together.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering ingredients for this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Cooked chicken breast, diced	3 cups
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets	3 cups
Long-grain white rice, uncooked	1½ cups
Cream of chicken soup	2 cans (10.5 oz each)
Chicken broth	2 cups
Sour cream	1 cup
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups, divided
Garlic powder	1 teaspoon
Onion powder	1 teaspoon
Salt	½ teaspoon
Black pepper	½ teaspoon
Butter	2 tablespoons

This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients. Nothing fancy or hard to find. Just good, honest food that feeds both body and soul.

Substitutions & Variations

One reason this easy chicken and broccoli rice casserole works so well for busy families is its flexibility. Let me share some variations I’ve tried successfully.

For the chicken, rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut. It saves time and adds extra flavor. Alternatively, you can use leftover turkey, especially after Thanksgiving. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower.

Regarding the rice, brown rice works beautifully in this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe, though you’ll need to adjust the liquid and cooking time. Wild rice adds a nutty flavor. Even cauliflower rice works for a low-carb version, but reduce the broth significantly.

The cheese options are endless. Sharp cheddar brings boldness. Monterey Jack offers creaminess.

Swiss adds sophistication. I often mix several cheeses together for complex flavor. Grace likes adding pepper jack for a spicy kick.

For the soup base, cream of mushroom soup creates an earthy variation of this chicken broccoli and rice casserole. You can also make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, and milk if you prefer avoiding canned soup.

Add-ins transform this dish completely. Diced bell peppers add sweetness. Water chestnuts provide crunch.

A handful of frozen peas brings extra color. Bacon crumbles on top? Absolutely delicious. This recipe welcomes your creativity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe couldn’t be simpler. Let me walk you through each step.

First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later.

Next, prepare your broccoli if using fresh. Cut it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw—just break up any large clumps. This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole works perfectly with either option.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, and one cup of shredded cheese. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed. The mixture will look soupy—that’s exactly right.

Now fold in the diced chicken and broccoli florets. Mix gently but thoroughly. Every bite should have chicken, broccoli, and rice.

Pour this mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly across the pan.

Dot the top with small pieces of butter. This helps create a golden, flavorful surface. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. The foil traps steam, which cooks the rice perfectly in this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe.

Bake covered for 60 minutes. The rice should be tender and have absorbed most of the liquid. Remove the foil carefully—steam will escape.

Sprinkle the remaining cup of cheese over the top. Return the uncovered dish to the oven for 10-15 minutes until the cheese melts and turns golden.

Finally, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows everything to set up nicely. The wait is hard, I know, but it makes serving so much easier.

Making this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe couldn’t be simpler. For another quick and delicious meal, check out our sheet pan chicken pitas with herby ranch slaw recipe.

Pro Tips for Success

After making this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned some tricks that guarantee perfect results every time.

First, don’t skip covering the dish with foil during initial baking. The trapped steam cooks the rice properly. Without it, you’ll end up with crunchy, undercooked rice surrounded by dried-out edges.

Second, use long-grain white rice for this easy dinner chicken broccoli rice casserole. Instant rice becomes mushy. Short-grain rice gets too sticky. Long-grain provides the best texture.

Third, dice your chicken into uniform pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the casserole. Bite-sized pieces mean every forkful has protein.

Fourth, don’t overcook the broccoli beforehand. It cooks further in the oven. If using fresh broccoli, raw florets work perfectly. They’ll steam to tender-crisp perfection while baking.

Fifth, taste your mixture before baking. The seasoning should be slightly bold since rice absorbs flavor. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This simple step elevates your chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe significantly.

Sixth, invest in good-quality chicken broth. It makes a noticeable difference. Low-sodium broth lets you control salt levels better. I prefer homemade when I have it, but good store-bought works wonderfully.

Finally, let the casserole rest before serving. Those few minutes allow the sauce to thicken. Cutting into it immediately results in a runny mess. Patience pays off here.

Storage & Reheating Tips

This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers.

For refrigerator storage, let the casserole cool completely first. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well for 3-4 days in the fridge. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers especially delicious.

To reheat individual portions, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry. For larger portions, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through.

This chicken and broccoli rice casserole also freezes wonderfully. Cool completely, then wrap the entire dish in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil. Alternatively, portion into individual freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy frozen casserole, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat covered at 350°F for 30-40 minutes. You can also bake from frozen—just add 45-60 minutes to the cooking time and keep it covered until the last 15 minutes.

This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe stores beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. If you’re looking for a sweet treat to complement your meal, try our strawberry crackle salad creamy dessert idea.

What to Serve With This Recipe

While this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe is a complete meal on its own, certain side dishes complement it beautifully.

A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch. I toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. The acidity cuts through the casserole’s richness perfectly.

Garlic bread is always a hit with Lila and Jack. The buttery, crispy texture contrasts wonderfully with the creamy casserole. Plus, it’s perfect for soaking up any extra sauce.

Roasted vegetables make an excellent addition. Try carrots, green beans, or Brussels sprouts seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. They add color and nutrition to your plate.

For a lighter option, steamed asparagus with lemon works wonderfully. The bright, fresh flavor balances the comfort food richness of this easy chicken broccoli rice casserole.

Fresh fruit provides a refreshing finish. Apple slices, grapes, or a simple fruit salad cleanses the palate. On special occasions, I’ll make a berry crisp for dessert.

FAQs

Can I use instant rice for this chicken broccoli rice casserole?

I don’t recommend instant rice for this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe. It becomes mushy since the cooking time is designed for regular long-grain rice. If you must use instant rice, prepare it according to package directions first, reduce the broth to 1 cup, and decrease baking time to 30 minutes covered.

Do I need to cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole?

Yes, always use cooked chicken in this easy chicken and broccoli rice casserole. Raw chicken won’t cook through properly in the oven time required. Rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or pre-cooked chicken breast all work perfectly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the entire chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe up to 24 hours ahead. Cover tightly and refrigerate.

When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then bake as directed. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time.

Why is my casserole watery?

A watery casserole usually means insufficient baking time or too much liquid. Make sure you bake covered for the full 60 minutes. The rice needs time to absorb the liquid. Also, let it rest 10 minutes after baking—this allows excess moisture to be absorbed.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe is easily adapted. Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make a homemade white sauce with gluten-free flour.

Check that your broth and other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The rest of the recipe remains the same.

Chicken broccoli rice casserole is a comforting dish that combines chicken, broccoli, and rice in a creamy sauce, making it a popular choice for family dinners. This versatile recipe can be adapted with various ingredients to suit different tastes and dietary needs, providing a hearty meal option for busy weeknights. For more information, visit this casserole page.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Based on 8 servings of this chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe:

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	425
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	85mg
Sodium	780mg
Fiber	2g
Sugar	3g

This chicken broccoli rice casserole easy dinner recipe provides a balanced meal with substantial protein, complex carbohydrates, and vegetables. It’s hearty enough to satisfy growing kids and active adults alike.

In our home, this casserole represents more than just dinner. It’s the meal that brings us together after long days, the dish that makes Grace drive over for seconds, and the recipe that reminds me of Mark’s love for simple, honest food. Every time I pull this bubbling, golden chicken broccoli rice casserole from the oven, I see Lila and Jack’s eyes light up.

That’s the magic of good comfort food—it nourishes far more than just our bodies. I hope this easy dinner recipe becomes a beloved staple in your home, just as it has in ours.

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