Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy Velveeta cheese, and a blend of seasonings baked to perfection. It’s a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, delivering creamy texture and rich flavors with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 pound frozen broccoli
Dairy
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (chopped into very small pieces)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Proteins
- 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
Carbohydrates
- 3 1/2 cups cooked white rice
Condiments & Seasonings
- 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook and Chop Broccoli: Cook the frozen broccoli according to package directions. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid. Place the hot broccoli on a cutting board and chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution in the casserole.
- Combine Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and Velveeta cheese pieces. Stir well until all are thoroughly combined.
- Add Rice, Chicken, and Seasonings: Mix in the cooked white rice, diced cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir everything together evenly to combine all flavors.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning if necessary. If your chicken was already seasoned, the current amount might be sufficient. Otherwise, add more salt, pepper, or spices to your preference.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour and evenly spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This helps the casserole heat through and cheese to melt gradually.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil carefully and continue baking for another 10 minutes. This will allow the cheese to brown slightly and develop a nice crust.
- Serve Hot: Once baked, remove from the oven and serve the casserole hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Sour cream adds creaminess; you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor and healthier option.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
- Make sure to fully cook and drain the broccoli to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Feel free to add extra herbs or spices like paprika or thyme for more flavor depth.
- This dish can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, cheesy broccoli casserole, chicken casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
