Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake with Cheesy Rice Layers

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Okay, friend, let me tell you about this casserole—this one’s the ultimate comfort food. Picture this: tender bites of chicken, creamy cheese that’s gooey in all the right ways, nutty broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice all coming together in one bubbling, golden masterpiece. The smell alone will have your family wandering into the kitchen, asking, “Is it ready yet?” This dish is a true lifesaver. Busy weeknight? Done. Family potluck? You’ll be the hero. It’s like a hug in casserole form—rich, savory, and so simple to make, you’ll wonder why it isn’t on your weekly rotation already. Trust me, this one’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake with Cheesy Rice Layers

One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together, so you’ll spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying.
Perfectly Balanced: It’s the trifecta—protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite.
Customizable: Swap in cauliflower, turkey, or even quinoa for a fun twist!
Make-Ahead Friendly: Assemble it earlier in the day and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
Kid-Approved: Cheese and rice? Enough said. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds.

Ingredients

Broccoli Florets
Fresh or frozen, these bring that pop of green and a hint of earthiness that balances the richness.
Chicken Breasts
Juicy, tender, and full of protein. Dice them up or shred for ultimate comfort food vibes.
Cooked Rice
Fluffy white rice or hearty brown rice—it soaks up all those creamy, cheesy flavors.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
The cheese pull dreams are made of! Go for sharp cheddar for bold flavor or mix in mozzarella for extra stretch.
Cream of Chicken Soup
This is the creamy base that ties it all together. Homemade or canned—it’s up to you.
Sour Cream
Adds a tangy richness to the sauce, making every bite irresistible.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder
These pantry staples add depth and warmth to the dish.
Paprika
For a little smokiness and a pop of color on top.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and perfect textures.
Prepare Your Ingredients
Steam the broccoli until just tender and dice your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth.
Layer It All Together
Grease a baking dish and spread an even layer of cooked rice on the bottom. Top with the steamed broccoli, followed by the chicken pieces. Pour the creamy mixture evenly over the top, making sure everything is well-coated.
Add the Finishing Touches
Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the casserole. Dust with a pinch of paprika for that golden, baked look.
Bake to Perfection
Pop it in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake

Simple and Solo: Serve it straight from the dish—it’s hearty enough on its own!
With a Side Salad: Add a crisp Caesar or garden salad for some freshness.
Crusty Bread: Perfect for scooping up that cheesy, creamy goodness.

Additional Tips

Swap the Veggies: Don’t love broccoli? Cauliflower, spinach, or peas work beautifully.
Amp Up the Flavor: Add cooked bacon bits or a handful of diced mushrooms.
Freeze for Later: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

FAQ

Q1: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A1: Yes! While sharp cheddar is ideal for bold flavor, you can use mozzarella for extra gooeyness, Monterey Jack for creaminess, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Q2: Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
A2: Absolutely! Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure any additional seasonings or toppings (like breadcrumbs) are gluten-free.

Q3: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A3: Yes, brown rice works perfectly! It adds a slightly nutty flavor and more texture. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before layering it into the casserole.

Q4: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A4: Definitely! Just thaw it beforehand and pat it dry to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.

Q5: Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
A5: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in the fridge covered, and bake when ready.

Q6: Can I add more vegetables?
A6: Absolutely! Try adding diced carrots, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Q7: How do I store and reheat leftovers?
A7: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave individual portions.

Q8: Can I freeze this casserole?
A8: Yes! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Q9: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A9: Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut! Just shred it and layer it in as directed.

Q10: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A10: Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use low-fat cheese, and add more veggies like spinach or kale. You can also use reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup for a lighter option.

Conclusion

There you have it—your ultimate comfort food: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole! This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with hearty bites of chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or impressing your guests at a potluck, this casserole delivers every time.

It’s versatile, simple to prepare, and oh-so-satisfying. So grab your casserole dish, whip up this recipe, and watch it become an instant classic in your kitchen. Trust me—this one will have everyone coming back for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). Enjoy!

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Creamy Broccoli Chicken Bake with Cheesy Rice Layers

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This creamy and cheesy Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s quick, easy, and satisfying! Packed with tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  1. 2 cups water
  2. 2 cups uncooked rice
  3. 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
  4. 1 (10-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
  5. 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  6. ¼ cup butter
  7. 1 cup milk
  8. 1 small white onion, finely chopped
  9. 16 ounces broccoli pieces
  10. 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Rice

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Cook the rice according to package directions.

Step 2: Prepare the Casserole

  • In a 9×13-inch baking pan, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, butter, broccoli pieces, and chopped onion.
  • Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.

Step 3: Bake

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes.

Step 4: Add the Cheese Topping

  • During the last few minutes of baking, sprinkle the remaining cup of cheddar cheese over the top and let it melt.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes.
  • Serve hot, alongside a fresh dinner salad.

Notes

  • Substitute frozen broccoli for fresh if needed, just thaw and drain it first.
  • Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: Approx. 1/6 of casserole
  • Calories: 430
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg

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