If you can cook some chicken, boil some rice and microwave broccoli, this Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole recipe is for you! This is one of the most requested dinner recipes in the house. Kids will love it!
Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Stay with me! This is one of those casserole recipes that can be made ahead of time, kept in the refrigerator or the freezer and ready to use when you are! It's also great for taking to new Moms, someone who recently had surgery or just to bring a neighbor dinner!
Why Marci Loves This Recipe
- Budget friendly!
- Simple to throw together.
- Reheats easily.
- Feeds a crowd!
- One of the most requested meals from 3 out of the 5 children in my house! That's a W for me!
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Casserole
- 4 chicken breasts halved and diced
- 4 c rice cooked
- 2 10.5 oz cream of chicken
- 12 oz frozen broccoli cooked
- 1 c milk
- 1-2 eggs
How To Make Chicken, Broccoli, Rice Casserole
If you are not freezing this meal, preheat your oven to 350°.
Start by preparing your rice and chicken. Cook your rice according to the directions on the packaging.
If using white Minute Rice, place 4 cups of water in a large pot and heat over medium high heat. Once the water boils, add in your rice and remove from the heat. Be sure to cover the rice. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes and stir.
While the rice is doing its thing, place a skillet over medium heat. Add in olive oil and your diced chicken. Once the chicken has cooked, add in your seasonings. I use garlic salt and pepper.
In a large bowl or a casserole dish, all your rice, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk and eggs. Mix everything until combined.
TIP: You may want to add extra milk if your mixture is dry.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese if using and cook for 20-30 minutes. Half of the family eats it with cheese, the others don't! Easy way to make everyone happy with this dish!
Cover your casserole dish with aluminum foil to ensure it doesn’t dry out.
My kids love to eat their Chicken Broccoli Rice with “shaky cheese” aka grated parmesan cheese.
We hope that you and your family enjoy this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe as much as we do!
Meal Prep
This broccoli chicken casserole recipe is a perfect recipe to meal prep with. Simply prepare the broccoli chicken rice casserole per the directions below and do not bake it. When you are ready to enjoy this chicken broccoli rice casserole, leave out on the counter to defrost and then bake once it has thawed.
How To Store Leftovers
If you've already baked the chicken casserole, place it in an air tight container. Heat it up in the microwave in :30 increments until heated through. You can also cover with aluminum foil if you have a lot of leftovers that need reheated. Place in the oven at 350°, covered with aluminum foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
You may need to mix the casserole with a few tablespoons of milk so that the rice and chicken don't dry out during the reheating process.
Substitutions
Chicken - for budget purposes you will get more out of cutting the chicken breasts as shown in the video above. However, you can also use chicken tenders, pre-cooked chicken breasts and even chicken thighs if you choose!
Rice - use whatever rice you have on hand! I have made this with minute white rice as well as white long grain rice. Brown and jasmine rice also work well, just cook according to the instructions on the package.
Cream of Chicken Soup - you can also sub this out for cream of mushroom soup. You just want something that is creamy so the rice and chicken don't dry out during the baking process.
Broccoli - I typically use two bags of frozen broccoli florets, microwave them and them chop them up. You can also take fresh broccoli florets and steam them before you place into the casserole dish to soften them up a bit.
Variations
You can add some variations to Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole:
Creamy sauce: Mix in a creamy sauce like Alfredo or also add mushroom soup for extra richness.
Spices: Add some spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Crunchy topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top for a crunchy texture.
Different veggies: Mix in other veggies like carrots, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added variety and nutrients.
Protein swap: Instead of chicken, try using turkey, tuna, or even tofu for a different twist.
Grain swap: Swap out the rice for quinoa, couscous, or pasta for a different base.
Ethnic flavors: Add ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired twist, or salsa and cumin for a Mexican flair.
Fresh herbs: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
Tips and Tricks for Making Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Precook ingredients: Precook the chicken and rice separately before assembling the casserole.
- Season well: Season each component with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.
- Properly cook the rice: Cook the rice until it's just slightly underdone since it will continue to cook in the oven. This helps prevent mushy rice in the finished casserole.
- Steam broccoli: Steam the broccoli until it's tender but still slightly crisp to maintain its color and texture.
- Cover while baking: Cover the casserole dish with foil for the first part of baking to trap moisture and prevent the top from drying out too quickly.
- Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together and make it easier to slice and serve.
Ready to take the guess work out of dinner? This Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole recipe is part of the 7 Dinner Recipes that I provide in my Weekly Meal Plan! Grab yours now!
