I’ve been experimenting in the kitchen and recently whipped up a Cheese Broccoli Chicken Casserole that pleasantly surprised me. Combining shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and fluffy white rice with a creamy medley of cheddar, mozzarella, and cream of chicken soup, this dish has quickly become a new favorite in my weekly rotation.

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I recently tried a new twist on a classic chicken and rice dish and thought I’d share it with you. This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole caught my eye with its mix of flavors and textures.

I started with 2 cups of cooked white rice and added 3 cups of shredded chicken breast, which provides a great protein boost. The dish came alive with lightly steamed broccoli florets and a luscious blend of cream of chicken soup, whole milk, and a bit of sour cream.

I couldn’t resist throwing in some shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to give it that perfect melt, plus a dab of butter to bring the flavors together. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, it’s one of those Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole recipes that promises a satisfying bite every time, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a quick and tasty meal.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe for several reasons. First, it’s so comforting and warm, it just feels like a big hug on a cold day. The creamy mix of chicken soup, milk, and cheese combined with tender chicken and crisp broccoli makes every bite satisfyingly tasty.

Another thing is that the ingredients work so well together. I mean, who would have thought that rice, broccoli, and two types of cheese would blend so nicely? It’s a balanced meal that has protein, vitamins, and carbs all in one dish.

Also, I like that it’s super easy to make. Even when I’m tired, I can throw all the ingredients together and pop it in the oven knowing that the flavors will meld into a neat, delicious casserole.

Finally, I appreciate that I can always switch it up a bit. Some days, I might add extra spices or different veggies. It’s a recipe that feels both reliable and flexible, perfect for when I want something yummy that doesn’t take forever to prep.

Ingredients

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Rice: Provides carbs and substance; an affordable and filling base for the casserole.
Chicken: Lean, protein-packed meat that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
Broccoli: Crunchy veggies loaded with fiber and vitamins for a healthy kick.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creamy base that adds smooth and savory flavor throughout.
Cheddar and Mozzarella: Melted cheeses offering gooey texture and rich, salty taste.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess that balances the savory flavors perfectly.
Whole Milk: Provides slight sweetness and smooth consistency to the sauce.

Ingredient Quantities

2 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)

3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast

2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

1 1/2 cups whole milk

1/2 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

2 tablespoons butter or olive oil

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

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1. Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a casserole dish with a bit of butter or olive oil.

2. In a big bowl, mix together the 2 cups of cooked rice, 3 cups of shredded chicken, and 2 cups of lightly steamed broccoli.

3. In another bowl, stir the can of cream of chicken soup, 1 1/2 cups of whole milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.

4. Pour the soup mixture over the rice and chicken mix and stir everything until its evenly combined.

5. Gently fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese.

6. Transfer your mixture into the prepared casserole dish and drizzle the 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil evenly on top if you havent used it earlier.

7. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes until it starts to bubble and the top looks nice and lightly browned.

8. Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to let all those creamy flavors settle in. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven – you’ll need this to preheat and bake your casserole.
2. Casserole dish – use one that fits all your ingredients and can go in the oven, also for greasing with butter or olive oil.
3. Mixing bowls – get at least two large ones; one for the rice, chicken, and broccoli mix, and another one to stir together the soup, milk, sour cream, and spices.
4. Measuring cups and spoons – these are important for getting the right amount of ingredients like milk, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder.
5. Stirring utensils – a spoon or whisk for mixing the soup mixture and a spatula for gently folding in the cheeses and mixing everything well.
6. Butter brush or small spoon – handy for evenly greasing the casserole dish if you haven’t already done so.
7. Steamer or pot – if your broccoli isn’t already steamed, you’ll need something to lightly steam it before adding to the mix.

FAQ

Question: Can i use brown rice instead of white rice? Answer: Yes, you can use brown rice but you'll need to adjust the cooking time since it takes longer to cook.

Question: Can i swap the broccoli for other veggies? Answer: Sure, you can try using green beans or cauliflower, but the texture and flavor might change a bit.

Question: Can i replace the cream of chicken soup with another cream soup? Answer: Yes, you could use cream of mushroom soup for a twist, though it will give a slightly different taste.

Question: How do i know when the casserole is done? Answer: The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly on top, usually after about 25-30 minutes at 375°F.

Question: Can i freeze leftovers? Answer: Yep, just let the casserole cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. When you're ready to eat, reheat it in the oven or microwave.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can mix 1 cup chicken broth with 1 tablespoon flour and a bit of cream to make your own version.
You can swap whole milk with 2% milk or even a little heavy cream if you want a richer taste.
If you prefer something a bit lighter or different, try replacing broccoli with cauliflower florets.
For the cheddar cheese, a combo of Monterey Jack and a bit of pepper jack can work great for a different flavor twist.

Pro Tips

1. Try mixing in a little extra seasoning to your chicken before shredding it. A bit of paprika or even a dash of cayenne can really give it a kick without overpowering the other flavors.
2. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s not overcooked. Lightly steaming it just until it’s tender adds a good crunch to the casserole.
3. Stir half of the shredded cheese right in and save the rest to sprinkle on top. This helps create a yummy, melty layer on the baking surface.
4. Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This resting time helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve without falling apart.