Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines equal two-cup portions of cooked rice, cooked chicken, and broccoli in a creamy chicken-soup sauce with cheddar. An optional buttered breadcrumb topping adds crunch while the uncovered bake turns the edges bubbly and the surface golden.
The casserole serves 6 and takes 15 minutes to prepare plus 30 minutes to cook, for a 45-minute total.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredients
Measure 2 cups cooked white or brown rice, 2 cups cooked shredded or diced chicken, 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, and 1 cup shredded cheddar plus extra cheddar for topping.
The sauce uses one 10.5-ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup, 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. For the optional crisp top, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter.
If you enjoy this recipe, you may also like Cheesy Potato Burritos.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, also given as 180°C, and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
- If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2 to 3 minutes until tender, then drain them well.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked chicken, broccoli, 1 cup cheddar, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix thoroughly and spread evenly in the prepared dish.
- Top with extra cheddar. If desired, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle that over the cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Cool slightly before serving.
For food-safety guidance while cooking, use the USDA safe minimum temperature chart.
Start with Fully Cooked Rice and Chicken
Prepare Fresh Broccoli for Two to Three Minutes
Grease the Nine-by-Thirteen-Inch Dish
Build the Creamy Sauce in the Mixing Bowl
Fold in Rice, Chicken, Broccoli, and Cheddar
Spread the Mixture Evenly
Add Extra Cheddar on Top
Optional Buttered Breadcrumb Topping
Bake Uncovered for Twenty-Five to Thirty Minutes
Cool Slightly before Serving
Prepare Components Ahead
Reheat Leftovers Thoroughly
Keep the Forty-Five-Minute Plan Accurate
Conclusion
Heat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9-by-13-inch dish. If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for 2 to 3 minutes and drain. Mix 2 cups cooked rice, 2 cups cooked chicken, 2 cups broccoli, 1 cup cheddar, condensed soup, 1/2 cup milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in the dish, add extra cheddar and optional buttered crumbs, then bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Do the rice and chicken need to be cooked first?
Yes. Measure 2 cups cooked rice and 2 cups cooked chicken before assembling the casserole.
- → How should fresh broccoli be prepared?
Steam or blanch the florets for 2 to 3 minutes until tender, then drain them very well.
- → Is the breadcrumb topping required?
No. The mixture of 1/2 cup breadcrumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter is optional.
- → How long does the casserole bake?
Bake it uncovered at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden.