When it’s cold outside nothing warms you up better than warm, hearty casserole. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the perfect dish to make when it’s cold outside and you’re looking for some comfort food.
The great part about this casserole is simple ingredients that most people already in the kitchen. You could easily replace the fresh ingredients with frozen ingredients to make it more convenient.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole hits all the marks: it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, while also being incredibly easy to make.
This chicken rice casserole is a crowd-pleaser that your whole family will love. It’s an easy way to make a cheesy, creamy, and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this chicken broccoli rice casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your home.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your twists and tips in the comments below!
Why You’ll Love This Casserole Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples like rice, chicken, and broccoli, along with cheese and a creamy base to tie everything together.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love the cheesy goodness and mild flavors, great way to sneak in some extra broccoli!
- One pan meal – less cleanup, more time with family!
- Customizable: You can easily add extra veggies, use different cheeses, or make it lighter with healthier swaps.
- Make-Ahead Meal: Prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready, or freeze it for a no-fuss dinner down the line.
What is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole?
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a hearty, one pan comfort food made with tender chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets, all mixed together in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
This simple casserole recipe is a family-friendly favorite, perfect for a hearty dinner that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to enjoy cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice all in one delicious meal!
It’s a popular choice for busy weeknights, potlucks, or make-ahead freezer meals, as it’s easy to assemble and bake with minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Olive oil
- Onion, diced
- Boneless chicken breast, cut into bite sized pieces
- Garlic, minced
- Long grain white rice, uncooked
- Fresh broccoli florets
- Chicken broth
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Salt
- Pepper
How to make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
In a large skillet or pan, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
Once onions soften, increase the heat to medium-high and add chicken to the pan.
Brown the chicken, then add the garlic. Cook for about 3 more minutes.
Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.
Add the uncooked rice in the olive oil and sauté it for a couple of minutes, until the rice turns a slight golden color.
Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.
Add the broccoli to the chicken and rice mixture; stir to combine.
Continue to cook covered another 10 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.
Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1/2 medium yellow onion diced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite sized pieces
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
- 1 cup uncooked extra long grain white rice
- 1 large bunch of fresh broccoli
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup extra sharp cheddar cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet or pan, sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
- Once onions soften, increase the heat to medium-high and add chicken to the pan.
- Brown the chicken, then add the garlic. Cook for about 3 more minutes.
- Push chicken to one side of the pan and add additional tablespoon of olive oil to other side.
- Add the uncooked rice in the olive oil and sauté it for a couple of minutes, until the rice turns a slight golden color.
- Add the chicken broth to the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the pan with a lid.
- Cook chicken and rice mixture covered for about 12 minutes.
- Add the broccoli to the chicken and rice mixture; stir to combine.
- Continue to cook covered another 10 minutes on low, or until broccoli and rice are both tender.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheese.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
