If you are craving a comforting, wholesome dish that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice in perfect harmony, look no further than this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that combines simple, everyday ingredients into one soul-satisfying meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this casserole delivers generous flavor and texture with every bite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a warm, cheesy dinner without a ton of fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients lined up for this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is refreshingly straightforward. Each item plays an important role in balancing flavor, creaminess, or that irresistible golden crust on top!
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 lb): Cubed for tender, protein-packed bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Provides subtle savory depth without overpowering.
- Dried thyme (½ teaspoon): Adds a delicate herbal freshness to brighten the dish.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): For just the right kick of gentle heat.
- Chicken bouillon granules (1½ teaspoons total): Boosts savory umami in both seasoning and sauce.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps the chicken brown nicely and keeps flavors moist.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (2½ cups): The flavorful base for the creamy sauce that soaks into the rice.
- Half and half (2 cups): Creates rich creaminess without heaviness.
- All-purpose flour (¼ cup): Thickens the luxurious sauce to perfectly coat every grain of rice.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Offers a subtle sweetness and savory depth.
- Garlic cloves (2, minced): Fresh garlic adds aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Long-grain white rice (1½ cups): Rinsed and drained to ensure fluffy, separate grains.
- Fresh broccoli florets (3 to 4 cups): Bright green, tender, and packed with nutrients.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Small pieces dotted on top for extra richness and golden browning.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts into gooey pockets and tops the casserole with irresistible cheesiness.
How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help the casserole cook evenly. This little prep step makes a big difference in your clean-up and presentation later.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
In a bowl, toss cubed chicken with garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, chicken bouillon granules, and olive oil. This simple seasoning mix brings out the natural flavor of the chicken while enhancing the overall taste of the casserole.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a saucepan, combine chicken broth, half and half, flour, onion powder, minced garlic, and extra chicken bouillon granules. Whisk it all thoroughly until smooth. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is warm but not boiling. This creamy mixture is the key to a luscious casserole that binds everything together beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Evenly spread the rinsed rice in your prepared baking dish. Pour the warm sauce over the rice and gently stir to ensure every grain is coated. Next, distribute the seasoned chicken and fresh broccoli florets evenly on top, pressing them slightly into the rice mixture. Dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter; these will melt and create rich, golden pockets of flavor.
Step 5: Bake Covered
Tightly cover the baking dish with foil. Bake for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook through and the chicken and broccoli to soften. Keeping it covered locks in moisture so everything steams perfectly without drying out.
Step 6: Add Cheese and Continue Baking
Carefully remove the foil and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sauce has thickened into a creamy consistency. This step marries all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 7: Melt the Remaining Cheese and Rest
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top, then pop the casserole back in the oven for 5 minutes to melt that final cheesy layer. Once out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything to set up and become even more delicious.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or green onions add a lovely pop of color and a fresh flavor lift that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. A light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add a subtle, warming spice if you like a little heat.
Side Dishes
Even though this casserole is a full meal on its own, pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted root vegetables adds wonderful texture and variety. A simple fruit salad or fresh bread can round out the meal perfectly and keep things feeling light.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets. You can also sprinkle extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top before the final bake to add a crunchy golden crust for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole should be cooled to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. Stored in an airtight container, it will keep well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to make this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole but do not bake it; wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed throughout, or microwave single servings on medium power to avoid drying out. Adding a splash of broth or a small pat of butter can help revive the creamy texture during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used, but keep in mind it will require a longer cooking time and may absorb liquid differently. Parboil the brown rice before assembling or adjust baking time accordingly for best results.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Substitute half and half with coconut milk or a creamy plant-based milk, and use dairy-free butter and cheese alternatives. The dish may have a slightly different flavor but will remain delicious and creamy.
Is it possible to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well if fresh is not available. Just be sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture that could make the casserole watery.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely. Vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas can be added to boost nutrition and flavor. Add them with the broccoli before baking for even cooking.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add diced jalapeños or sprinkle in cayenne pepper along with the other seasonings. You can also top with hot sauce at serving to kick up the heat without overwhelming the comforting nature of the casserole.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a gem for anyone who loves hearty comfort food that comes together with minimal effort. Its rich creaminess, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli make it a perfect weeknight dinner or a soothing meal any day of the week. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how it quickly becomes one of your personal favorites, just like it did for me!
Print
Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole combines tender seasoned chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy cheddar cheese in a comforting baked dish. With a rich sauce made from chicken broth, half and half, and flour, this casserole is perfect for a hearty weeknight meal that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into ½–¾” cubes
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (or seasoning salt)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (or seasoning salt)
Casserole Base
- 1½ cups long-grain white rice, rinsed well and drained
- 3 to 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Season chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the cubed chicken with garlic powder, dried thyme, black pepper, chicken bouillon granules (or seasoning salt), and olive oil until the chicken is evenly coated with the spices.
- Make sauce: In a medium saucepan, whisk together chicken broth, half and half, all-purpose flour, onion powder, minced garlic, and chicken bouillon granules (or seasoning salt) until smooth. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly until it warms up and slightly thickens, but do not let it boil.
- Assemble dish: Spread the rinsed and drained rice evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the warm sauce over the rice and stir gently to combine. Evenly distribute the seasoned chicken pieces and fresh broccoli florets over the rice mixture, pushing them slightly into the rice for even cooking. Dot the top with small pieces of unsalted butter.
- Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes to allow the rice to cook and the chicken to begin cooking through.
- Add cheese: Carefully remove the foil. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole. Return the dish to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency.
- Melt cheese and serve: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Place back in the oven for 5 minutes more, just until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly. Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, you can substitute half and half with milk, though the sauce will be less creamy.
- Make sure to rinse the rice thoroughly to remove excess starch for fluffier rice.
- Use fresh broccoli florets, but you can also substitute with frozen broccoli, just thaw and drain well before adding.
- If you want spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes with the seasonings.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 10 minutes to the covered baking time if baking from cold.
