Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole Recipe

So you’re starving but also don’t feel like pulling a Gordon Ramsay in the kitchen? Same. That’s where this Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole swoops in like a superhero in a casserole dish. It’s cozy, it’s cheesy, it’s everything you want when you’re too lazy for “fancy” but still want something that tastes like you actually tried.

Why This Recipe is Awesome?

• It’s basically comfort food in disguise—like a warm hug for your stomach.
• You only dirty ONE dish. Yes, one. That’s practically sorcery
• It’s idiot-proof. Seriously, if you can stir, you can make this.
• It sneaks in veggies (hi broccoli!) so you can technically call it healthy while shoving cheese in your face.
• Leftovers? Even better the next day. Breakfast casserole, anyone? Don’t judge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Grab your cart (or raid your fridge), here’s the lineup:

• 2 cups cooked chicken – shredded, cubed, or however you didn’t burn it
• 2 cups cooked rice – white, brown, or whatever’s hanging out in your pantry.
• 2 cups broccoli florets – fresh or frozen. (Yes, frozen broccoli is fine. We’re not fancy here.)
• 1 can cream of chicken soup – the glue that holds casserole life together.
• 1 cup sour cream – because tangy creaminess makes everything better
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – don’t skimp, this is the star.
• ½ cup milk – to loosen things up.
• Salt & pepper – the boring but necessary part.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – because garlic makes the world go round
• ½ teaspoon onion powder – optional, but highly recommended for flavor points.
• Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter (for the crunch factor).

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Yes, preheating matters. Don’t roll your eyes.
2. Mix everything (except topping) in a big bowl. Chicken, rice, broccoli, soup, sour cream, milk, seasonings, and 1 ½ cups cheese. Stir like you mean it.
3. Dump into a casserole dish. Spread it out evenly like a responsible adult.
4. Top it. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Feeling extra? Add that buttery cracker topping too.
5. Bake 25–30 minutes. Pull it out when it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted into gooey perfection.
6. Cool for 5 minutes. Or don’t. Burn your tongue. I warned you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to pre-cook the rice. No, it won’t magically cook in the oven. Don’t test me on this.
• Overcooking broccoli. Mushy green sadness is not the vibe. Steam or blanch lightly if using fresh.
• Use low-fat cheese. Life’s too short for disappointing cheese.
• Skipping the seasoning. Bland casseroles are a crime against humanity. Salt + pepper = essential.

Alternatives & Substitutions

• No chicken? Use turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken (lazy hack approved).
• Hate broccoli? Swap with peas, green beans, or even cauliflower. Still veggie points.
• No sour cream? Greek yogurt works. Healthier but still creamy.
• Gluten-free? Use gluten-free soup and breadcrumb topping. Easy win.
• Extra fancy? Add cooked bacon bits, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of Parmesan.

More  Article:

• Million Dollar Chicken Casserole Recipe
• Chicken Chow Mein with the Ultimate Sauce
• Baked Chicken Chimichangas Recipe

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice?

Nope. Unless you enjoy crunchy disappointment. Cook it first.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Heck yes. Assemble it, wrap tightly, and freeze. Bake straight from frozen—just add 15–20 mins.

Do I have to use canned soup?

Technically no, you can make a homemade cream sauce. But are we here for gourmet or quick comfort food? Exactly.

Can I use margarine instead of butter for the topping?

Sure… if you want to break my heart. Butter > margarine, always.

How long does it last in the fridge?

About 3–4 days. If it lasts longer than that, congrats on your willpower.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, assemble everything, refrigerate, then bake when you’re ready to impress yourself.

Final Thoughts

There you go—Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole in all its gooey, cheesy glory. It’s simple, cozy, and just the kind of dish you want when Netflix is asking “Are you still watching?” and you’re too full to care.

So what’s next? Grab that casserole dish, toss it all in, and let the oven do the heavy lifting. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it!