Cheesy and Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is a classic favorite with easy prep and comforting flavors. This is a great recipe whether you are in a hurry to put together a satisfying dinner on busy weeknights or looking to repurpose leftover chicken.

❤️ Why you'll love it

Easy recipe: this is the recipe for you if you love easy casserole recipes the entire family will enjoy.

Simple ingredients: made with simple and fresh ingredients you may already have on hand.

Pure Comfort Food: the combination of creamy, cheesy flavors and tender chicken is comfort food at it's best!

🥘 Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Fresh chicken breasts: I used cubed raw chicken, but you can useany leftover rotisserie chicken or turkey you have on hand in place of raw chicken.

Cooked rice: I used uncooked white rice and steamed it in the microwave per the package instructions. You can also use brown rice, wild rice, or instant rice.

Canned soups: Use either cream of chicken, cream of broccoli, or cream of mushroom soup (my brand preference is Campbells).

Fresh broccoli: use broccoli florets chopped into smaller pieces.

Fresh mushrooms: chopped into smaller pieces.

Raw onion

Cheddar cheese: I like to buy the brick cheese and shred it myself. 

Sour cream

Chicken broth or milk (if needed)

Buttery round crackers: I use ritz or townhouse crackers.

Olive oil: to saute the chicken and mushrooms

🔪 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat until hot. Add diced raw chicken breasts to the hot oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and onions and cook another 3 minutes, until water from mushrooms has evaporated and mushrooms have shrunk in size.
4. Add the cooked rice, broccoli, canned soup, and sour cream. Use chicken broth or milk to thin the sauce out some (if desired). 
5. Stir in the cheddar cheese, then transfer to prepared baking dish.
6. Using the back of a spoon,spread casserole mixture out evenly in baking dish. Top with crushed crackers.
7. Bake casserole for 25 minutes, or until mixture bubbles up around the edges and throughout the center of the casserole.
8. Remove casserole from oven and let sit for 10 minutes prior to serving.

🥄 Equipment

Casserole Dish: A 9x13-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.

Large pot or large skillet: To cook the chicken and combine the ingredients

Cooking Utensils: You'll need a spatula and/or wooden spoon for mixing.

Aluminum Foil: To cover the casserole dish during baking.

🥫Storage

Refrigerate: ​store leftovers in an airtight container up to 5 days.

Freeze: store in a freezer safe container up to 3  months.

Reheat: warm in the microwave until heated through, adding chicken broth or milk if needed to loosen the casserole up some.

📖 Variations

• Use crushed corn flakes or seasoned panko tossed with some parmesan cheese for the buttery cracker topping.
• Swap out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or swiss or use a blend of your favorite cheeses.
• Make it vegetarian by using broccoli or mushroom soup and leave out the chicken or use your favorite vegetable protein in place of the chicken.
• Spice it up a little by adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
• Amp up the flavor with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil.
• Make it low carb by substituting cauliflower rice for the cooked rice.

💭 Tips

• For an extra creamy cheesy casserole, use 4 ounces of velveeta cheese, cubed in place of the shredded cheese.
• Add more flavor by mixing in ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder.
• If the mixture seems too thick for you, stir in ½ cup of chicken broth or milk.

🙋 FAQ's

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but make sure to thaw, drain and chop it (if not already chopped) before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, for a convenient meal prep option, assemble the chicken broccoli casserole and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. Add the buttery cracker topping just before baking. 

Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it for up to 3 months in an air tight freezer safe container. Thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You may need to add a little milk or chicken  broth  when reheating as the rice absorbs moisture.

📚 Related Recipes

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This Easy Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is creamy and delicious and perfect addition to the holiday table.

Tuna Noodle Casserole is another great weeknight dinner ready in a hurry and one the entire family loves.

Fans of ranch chicken will love this King Ranch Chicken Casserole recipe.

🍽 Serve with...

Serve this creamy chicken casserole as a main dish with a green side salad, cooked veggies, or a crusty baguette.

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📖 Recipe