There are some recipes that feel less like a meal and more like a warm hug, and this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is certainly one of them. It’s a simple, heartwarming dish that brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy rice, all baked under a blanket of melted cheddar. It is the definition of comfort in our home.
I remember coming home from school on chilly afternoons, and the aroma of this very bake would greet me at the door. My mom, Eva, had a special talent for turning simple ingredients into the most comforting hug in a dish. She’d be standing at the counter with a little flour on her apron, and she’d always let me be the one to sprinkle the extra handful of cheese on top before it went into the oven. It was our little ritual, and it made this simple weeknight dinner feel like a special occasion every single time. That’s the magic of a good cheese casserole.
Why This Recipe Feels Like Home
- Effortless Comfort: This recipe is straightforward and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
- From-Scratch Sauce: A simple homemade creamy sauce means no canned soups and full control over the ingredients.
- Family-Approved: The classic combination of chicken, broccoli, and cheese is a guaranteed hit with all ages.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can assemble it ahead of time or freeze it for a future meal, making it perfect for busy schedules.
The Simple Ingredients for Our Casserole
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine or long-grain)
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce (no canned soup):
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko or crushed crackers
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
A Couple of My Favorite Kitchen Tools for This
Before we get started, here are two simple tools that I find make this process a breeze.
My Trusty 9×13 Inch Baking Dish
A classic 9×13 inch dish is a must-have in my kitchen; it gives the casserole enough room to bake evenly without bubbling over.
A Good, Sturdy Whisk
For the creamiest, lump-free sauce, a good, sturdy whisk is your best friend.
Bringing It All Together, Step by Step
First, Let’s Get Everything Ready
First things first, let’s get the oven warming up to 375°F (190°C) and give your 9×13 inch baking dish a little grease so nothing sticks. Then, gently steam your broccoli for just 2–3 minutes. You want it to be crisp-tender, not mushy. If you’re using frozen, just be sure to thaw it and pat it nice and dry to avoid a watery casserole.
Crafting That Velvety, From-Scratch Sauce
Now for the heart of the dish. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and stir it for about a minute, this little step cooks out the raw flour taste. It’s the secret to a perfectly smooth sauce.
Whisking Up That Creamy Goodness
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk. Keep whisking to avoid any lumps! Add your garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and a little pinch of paprika. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it has a lovely, thick consistency. Don’t forget to give it a taste and season with salt and pepper.
Mixing It All with a Little Love
In a large bowl, it’s time to bring everything together. Combine your cooked rice, that crisp-tender broccoli, the chicken, chopped onion, minced garlic, cheddar cheese, and Greek yogurt. Pour that wonderfully hot, creamy sauce over the top and give it a good, gentle stir until every single piece is coated.
Tucking the Casserole into Its Dish
Carefully spread your chicken broccoli rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. For a little extra cheesy goodness, sprinkle another handful of cheddar over the top. This is the part I always loved doing as a kid!
A Little Something for That Perfect Crunch
If you love a bit of crunch like we do, toss the panko or crushed crackers with the melted butter (and Parmesan, if you’re feeling fancy). Scatter this mixture evenly over the cheese.
Baking Until It’s Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is a beautiful golden brown. The whole kitchen will smell divine.
The Hardest Part: Letting It Rest
This might be the hardest part! Let the casserole rest for about 10 minutes before you scoop into it. This helps it set up, so it’s perfectly creamy and not too runny. A little sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a nice touch of color before serving.
A Gentle Note on Nutrition
Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used. This is intended as a general guide for this recipe.
Ways to Lighten It Up a Bit
- Use Brown Rice: For extra fiber and nutrients, you can easily swap the white rice for cooked brown rice.
- Increase the Veggies: Feel free to add more broccoli or even stir in some sautéed mushrooms or carrots for an extra nutritional boost.
- Leaner Protein: While any cooked chicken works, using exclusively chicken breast will make the dish a bit leaner.
How We Love to Serve This Dish
- I love serving this cheesy casserole with a simple side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- A slice of warm, crusty bread or my Mom’s classic buttermilk biscuits are perfect for scooping up any extra sauce on the plate.
- For a simple supper, a bowl of this all on its own is perfectly satisfying and feels like a complete meal.
A Few Little Secrets for Success
- Overcooking the Broccoli: Boiling or steaming the broccoli for too long before baking will result in a mushy texture. A quick 2-3 minute steam is all it needs to stay tender-crisp.
- Forgetting to Pat Frozen Broccoli Dry: If you’re using frozen broccoli, excess water can make your final cheese casserole runny. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry with a paper towel.
- Not Letting it Rest: It’s tempting to dig in right away, but letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken and set, ensuring a perfect scoop every time.
Keeping Leftovers Cozy and Fresh
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This casserole is more than just a meal to me; it’s a taste of home, a reminder of my mom’s love and the simple joy of a shared family dinner. I hope that when you make this in your own kitchen, it fills your home with the same warmth and brings as many smiles to your table as it has to mine. May it be the start of your own cherished memories.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have cheddar?
Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is my favorite for its classic flavor, you could easily substitute it with Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of your favorite melting cheeses.
Is it okay to assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this is a great make-ahead meal. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
What’s the best kind of chicken for this recipe?
Any cooked chicken will work beautifully here. This recipe is a perfect way to use up leftover roasted chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy prep. You can also use poached or baked chicken breasts or thighs.
Print
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A heartwarming casserole with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy rice, and melted cheddar. It’s comfort food at its finest, perfect for cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked rice (jasmine or long-grain)
- 3 cups small broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 1/2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- Pinch of paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko or crushed crackers
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Steam broccoli for 2–3 minutes until crisp-tender (or thaw and pat dry if frozen).
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour for 1 minute.
- Whisk in chicken broth and milk slowly. Add garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and paprika. Simmer 3–4 minutes until thick. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine rice, broccoli, chicken, onion, garlic, cheddar, and yogurt. Pour sauce over and stir gently to coat.
- Spread mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with extra cheddar.
- If desired, mix panko with melted butter (and Parmesan). Sprinkle over the top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
For best results, don’t overcook broccoli, pat frozen broccoli dry, and allow casserole to rest before serving so it sets perfectly.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: broccoli rice cheese chicken casserole, comfort food, family dinner