A Comforting, Cheesy Classic That’s Easy, Hearty, and Family-Approved
Introduction
This Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, all-in-one meal perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or make-ahead meal prep. It combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese—all baked into a golden-topped, bubbly casserole.
With options to keep it low-carb (swap in cauliflower rice) or extra rich (add cream or sour cream), this dish is highly customizable while staying comforting and wholesome.
🍽️ Recipe Overview
- Yield: 6 servings
- Skill Level: Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Course: Dinner, Main Dish
- Calories: ~400–450 kcal per serving (varies by rice type)
🛒 Ingredients and Their Purpose
Proteins
-
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
Lean protein that holds up well during baking. Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
Vegetables
-
3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
Adds color, fiber, and texture. Lightly steam if using fresh; thaw and drain if using frozen.
Grains
-
2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower)
Provides bulk and comfort.- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb, keto-friendly version.
- Brown rice adds extra fiber and nuttiness.
Cheese
-
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Melty, sharp, and satisfying—½ cup is melted into the mix, 1 cup for that golden topping.
🧂 Optional Add-Ins (Not in base list, but often used)
- ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese (for a richer, creamier texture)
- ¼ tsp garlic powder & onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔪 Equipment Needed
- 9×13” casserole dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Saucepan (if making cream sauce)
- Oven preheated to 375°F (190°C)
👨🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- If needed, cook rice and set aside.
- Steam broccoli until just tender (or thaw frozen and pat dry).
- Shred or dice cooked chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- Cooked rice
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: Stir in sour cream or cream cheese and seasonings like garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Lightly grease your 9×13” baking dish.
- Pour the chicken-broccoli mixture evenly into the dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.
Step 5: Serve
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or a sprinkle of paprika (optional).
🌶️ Flavor Profile
- Creamy & Cheesy: Melted cheddar throughout
- Savory & Mild: From chicken and rice
- Fresh & Earthy: Crisp broccoli cuts the richness
🔄 Variations & Substitutions
- Low-carb: Use cauliflower rice
- Extra creamy: Add ½ cup sour cream or cream of chicken soup
- Different cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend
- Add spice: Toss in red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months
- Reheat: In the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through
🧾 Nutritional Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)
- Calories: ~400–450 kcal
- Protein: ~30 g
- Fat: ~20 g
- Carbs: ~25 g (less with cauliflower rice)
- Fiber: ~3–4 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~500–600 mg
🍴 Final Thoughts
Broccoli Chicken Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort meal—easy, flexible, and satisfying. It’s great for using up leftover chicken, feeding a crowd, or sneaking extra veggies into your dinner. Whether you keep it classic or go keto, it’ll quickly become a weekly favorite.
