Chicken Casserole  

This easy Chicken casserole recipe with broccoli, rice and cheese is hearty, wholesome and simple to prepare. If you are looking for a warm, satisfying meal that’s as easy to make as it is to enjoy, then you’re in for a treat with this chicken broccoli rice casserole. 

Suitable for Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

If you are looking for a dish that’s not only ridiculously tasty but also pretty darn healthy, look no further than this chicken and rice casserole with a creamy sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food meal that won’t leave you feeling like you need a nap after you eat. 

Some chicken casserole recipes require a lot of hands-on work. Not this one. Spend a few minutes prepping, then pop everything in the oven for an incredible meal in under an hour.

Just like this easy Baked Ranch Chicken and my Chicken Meatloaf, It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when all you want to do is curl up with a good book or catch up on your favorite show.

This chicken broccoli casserole has tender chunks of chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant green broccoli, and a generous smattering of ooey-gooey cheddar cheese.

It’s like a cozy hug for your taste buds! If you want to whip up something equal parts easy, healthy, and satisfying, you will love this simple recipe. 

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick and Effortless – Let’s be real – life can get busy. This recipe’s minimal prep work means you can have a wholesome, delicious meal on the table without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Nutritious – We all know we should eat our veggies, and this casserole makes that easy. With the addition of broccoli, you’re getting a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals without even realizing it.
• Perfect for Leftovers – This casserole reheats like a dream. So, when you inevitably make a bit more than you can eat, you’ve got tomorrow’s lunch or dinner sorted without any extra effort.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken – Cubed chicken breast fillets cook up tender and juicy. Swap them with boneless chicken thighs, turkey, or even tofu. You can also use leftover chicken. 
• Broccoli – Fresh broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients. You can replace it with cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even spinach for a different twist.
• Basmati Rice – Fragrant and long-grain, basmati rice is a great choice. You can use other types of rice, like jasmine or long-grain white rice. For a healthier option, go for brown rice or quinoa but adjust the cooking time accordingly. 
• Cheese – Grated sharp cheddar cheese brings that creamy, cheesy goodness. Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan.
• Onion – Chopped onion adds flavor, and sautéing it makes the flavor sweet and mild. If you’re not a fan of onion, you can use shallots or leeks for a milder taste.
• Chicken Broth – Chicken broth adds moisture and depth. Swap it for vegetable broth or even water, if desired. 
• Salt and Pepper – These seasonings enhance the flavor of the dish. Adjust the quantities to your taste preferences.
• Butter – Butter provides richness and flavor. Substitute with olive oil, coconut oil, or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version.

Handy Tip: Use Good Kitchen Tools!

For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

How To Make Creamy Chicken Casserole

Get full ingredients list and instructions from the recipe card below.

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F / 180 degrees C. 
2. Melt butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the onion to the melted butter and sauté for about 5 minutes until tender and translucent. Transfer to a plate.  
3. In the same pan, cook the chicken breast pieces for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. You are browning the chicken in this step and do not need to worry if the chicken is cooked through at this point. 
4. In a large covered baking dish or Dutch oven, combine the chicken broth, rice, cooked chicken breasts, sauteed onions, salt, pepper, and one cup of cheddar cheese. Stir well to combine. 
5. Cover with a lid and cook for 35-40 minutes in the oven.
6. While the casserole bakes, blanch the broccoli florets by dropping them into salted boiling water for 5 minutes. Transfer cooked broccoli to ice water to stop the cooking, then drain the broccoli.
7. Remove the casserole from the oven and stir to combine.
8. Top with the broccoli and the remaining cheese. Return the casserole to the oven for another 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

Note: Always check for doneness with a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165 degrees F / 74 degrees C when inserted into the thickest part of the chicken.

Tips For Success

• Chop the chicken, onion, and broccoli ahead of time to streamline the cooking process and reduce prep time on the day you cook.
• Use leftover chicken to save even more time and money. 
• When cubing the chicken, try to make the pieces roughly the same size. This ensures even cooking.
• Give the rice a quick rinse under cold water before cooking. This helps remove excess starch and prevents clumping.
• Grate your cheese on a box grater for best results. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that can affect the melt and texture.
• Adjust the seasonings, especially the salt and pepper, to your personal preference to ensure the flavors are balanced.
• The ratio of liquid to rice is crucial. Follow the recipe instructions closely to ensure the rice cooks properly.
• Cover the casserole dish with a lid or aluminum foil during baking to keep moisture in and prevent the top from drying out.
• If you want a golden, bubbly cheese topping, add the remaining grated cheese and bake for a few more minutes before serving. 
• Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This lets the flavors meld and makes it easier to serve.
• Consider adding a touch of fresh herbs, like chopped parsley or chives, just before serving to brighten up the dish.

Variations

• Chicken Soup – Easily turn this chicken casserole into a chicken soup by adding additional stock or stirring in a can of cream of chicken soup or cream of mushroom soup and water.
• Mexican-Inspired – Add some black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes with green chilies to the mix. Season with cumin, chili powder, and a touch of lime zest. Top with a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
• Creamy Mushroom – Sauté sliced mushrooms and garlic with the onions for an earthy flavor. Use a mix of Swiss cheese and Gruyere cheese for a rich and nutty taste.
• Buffalo Chicken – Toss the cubed chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the casserole. Mix in some cooked quinoa along with the rice. Top with blue cheese crumbles for a tangy kick.
• Chicken Noodle Casserole – Instead of rice, add egg noodles with the tender chicken to make a comforting chicken casserole.

Budget-Friendly Tips 

• Purchase ingredients like rice, chicken, and cheese in bulk when they’re on sale. This can save you money in the long run.
• Instead of fresh broccoli, consider using frozen broccoli florets. They’re often more affordable and just as nutritious.
• If you’re comfortable deboning chicken, buying bone-in cuts can be cheaper than boneless. You can cook the chicken, remove the meat, and use the bones to make homemade chicken broth.
• Make this recipe with leftover chicken, such as leftover rotisserie chicken. Shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken is tender and flavorful.
• Instead of buying chicken broth, make your own by simmering chicken bones, onion peels, carrot ends, and celery scraps in water. This homemade broth is budget-friendly, adds flavor and freezes well. 
• Use leftover cooked rice instead of raw rice. You will not need to cook the chicken casserole recipe as long, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Check out a few of my favorite things to use to make this recipe.

Prep Ahead And Storage

• Prep Ahead – Pre-chop all of your ingredients. 
• Store – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. 
• Freeze – Cool completely and divide into individual portions. Freeze in individual containers for up to 3 months. 
• Reheat – Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. 

Meal Prep

• Prepare a larger batch of the chicken broccoli rice casserole on a day when you have more time. Portion out individual servings for easy meals later in the week. 
• If freezing, be sure to label each container with the contents and the date it was prepared. 
• While the casserole is a complete meal, you can enhance it with a side salad, a piece of crusty bread, or some steamed vegetables.

FAQs

More Recipes You May Like

• Crockpot Ranch Chicken Casserole.
• Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake.
• Doritos Chicken.

Serving Suggestions

• Fruit Salad with Poppyseed Dressing.
• Cherry Pie Sliders.
• Grilled Watermelon Salad.

Recommended Tools

• An awesome casserole pan / dutch oven set.
• Sharp knife for cutting.
• For the best tools to help make your recipe even easier and more successful, check out my collection of the Best Kitchen Tools on Amazon.

Weight Watchers Points

There are 7 Blue Plan SmartPoints in one serving of this.

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Did you make this recipe? Then I would love to hear how it turned out. Please leave a comment and star rating below. And I really appreciate you sharing this recipe with your family and friends. Enjoy every mouthful 😊🍲 – Bintu

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