Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and hearty rice. A crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 (10.5 ounces each) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces) can cream of mushroom soup
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 3 cups Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 12 ounces frozen broccoli
• 3 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from heat and cut into bite-sized pieces.
2. Step 2: Reduce the heat to low and add both cans of cream of chicken soup, the can of cream of mushroom soup, and the heavy whipping cream to the skillet. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in 2 cups of the shredded Colby Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
3. Step 3: Add the cooked chicken, frozen broccoli, and cooked rice to the skillet. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
4. Step 4: Transfer the mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 40 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling.
5. Step 5: Remove from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use cooked brown rice instead of white rice for a nuttier flavor and added fiber.
• Swap the Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella for different cheesy flavors.
• Add sautéed onions or mushrooms to the skillet for extra depth and texture.
• If you prefer fresh broccoli, steam it lightly before adding to ensure it cooks through in the casserole.
• For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk and use reduced-fat cheese.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of milk or cream if the casserole seems dry. You can also freeze the casserole before baking; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cooked chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen cooked chicken to save time. Just thaw and cut it into bite-sized pieces, then mix it directly with the sauce and other ingredients before baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this gluten-free, ensure the cream of chicken and mushroom soups are labeled gluten-free, or use homemade versions. Also, check that any seasoning blends used do not contain gluten ingredients.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 111 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender chicken breasts, creamy soup sauce, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice all combined with gooey melted Colby Jack cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole is baked to bubbly perfection and delivers delicious flavors with a creamy texture and cheesy goodness.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
• 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
• 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
• 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• Salt and Black Pepper to taste

Soup and Cream Mixture

• 2 (10.5 ounces each) Cans Cream of Chicken Soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces) Can Cream of Mushroom Soup
• ½ cup Heavy Whipping Cream

Cheese and Vegetables

• 3 cups Colby Jack Cheese, shredded (divided as 2 cups for sauce, 1 cup for topping)
• 12 ounces Frozen Broccoli

Grains

• 3 cups White Rice, cooked

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, then season them evenly with onion powder, garlic powder, and seasoned salt. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, remove from the heat and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the two cans of cream of chicken soup, one can of cream of mushroom soup, and the heavy whipping cream into the same skillet. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to your taste. Stir in 2 cups of shredded Colby Jack cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
3. Combine Ingredients: Mix the cooked chicken pieces, frozen broccoli, and cooked white rice into the creamy sauce mixture in the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture while baking.
5. Bake the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the covered casserole for 30 to 40 minutes until it is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
6. Serve: Scoop portions onto plates and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken broccoli rice casserole as a comforting family meal.

Notes

• Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure safety.
• The recipe uses frozen broccoli; there’s no need to thaw before mixing. It will cook perfectly in the casserole.
• For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper when seasoning the chicken.
• To make the dish lower in fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use reduced-fat cheeses.
• If you prefer a different cheese, mozzarella or cheddar can be used instead of Colby Jack.
• This casserole can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator before baking; increase baking time slightly if chilled.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Casserole, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Comfort Food, Baked Chicken Casserole