Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
If there’s a dish that wraps comfort, flavor, and family-friendliness all in one bubbly baking dish, it’s this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Imagine fork-tender chicken, hearty brown rice, and vibrant broccoli all tucked beneath a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, finished under a blanket of golden, melty cheese. This casserole doesn’t just promise easy weeknight dinner victories—it delivers nostalgic, crowd-pleasing joy with every scoop. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal-prepping for busy days, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the way simple, everyday ingredients come together to create a truly special meal. Each component brings its own flavor, texture, or burst of color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken breasts: Lean, protein-packed, and the tender star of the casserole—thighs work, too, if you prefer extra juiciness.
- Brown rice: Nutty and satisfying, adding extra fiber and keeping the dish hearty—use cooked rice for the best texture.
- Fresh broccoli: Adds vibrant green color and crunch; cut into small florets to ensure even, tender bites.
- Olive oil: Helps brown and flavor the chicken and sauté the onions; use a mild-tasting oil to let other flavors shine.
- Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic depth; dice it finely so it melds smoothly into the cheese sauce.
- Gluten-free flour: Thickens the sauce while keeping things gluten-free—regular flour works if you don’t need to avoid gluten.
- Milk: Forms the creamy base of the cheese sauce; whole milk will make it extra velvety, but any milk works.
- Garlic powder: Offers mellow garlic undertones without overpowering the sauce.
- Onion powder: Doubles down on savory flavor with minimal prep.
- Dry mustard powder: Adds just the right tangy punch and deepens the cheese flavor.
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and gorgeous color—don’t skip it!
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors; use to taste.
- Ground pepper: For a subtle kick—adjust according to your spice preference.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp, gooey, and golden when baked—the epic finishing touch.
- Curly parsley: Adds freshness and a pop of color at the very end—freshly chopped is best!
How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This high temperature ensures the casserole will bake up bubbly and golden, with the chicken pieces cooking through perfectly—no dry bites in sight!
Step 2: Season and Bake the Chicken
Toss the cubed chicken breasts with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in your casserole dish. Baking them for just 10 minutes at the start cooks them partway, ensuring they finish juicy and tender once the casserole is assembled.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion
While the chicken is getting a head start in the oven, heat the remaining olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it turns soft and translucent—about three to five minutes. This step brings a gentle sweetness to your Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole and adds so much depth to the sauce.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the cooked onion and whisk constantly for a minute. This cooks away any raw flour taste and gives the finished sauce a satiny texture. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking all the while to keep things smooth. As it thickens and bubbles, in go your garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper—each one builds layers of flavor. Once thickened, remove from heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar, whisking until it melts into cheesy bliss.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Pull your casserole dish out of the oven. Layer the cooked brown rice evenly over the chicken, followed by the fresh broccoli florets. Pour the hot cheese sauce all over, making sure everything gets coated—this ensures creamy cheesy goodness in every bite. Give it a gentle toss to combine, being careful not to break up the broccoli too much.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of your casserole. Slide the dish back into the oven and bake for another 20 minutes. You’re watching for tender broccoli, bubbly sauce, and a layer of cheese on top that turns perfectly golden and irresistible.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Once baked, let it sit for a few minutes. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped curly parsley for color and a hint of fresh flavor. Serve warm, and watch everyone race for seconds!
How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
A scattering of freshly chopped parsley is classic and brings out the color, but you can also try a sprinkle of extra smoked paprika or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese. If you crave a bit of crunch, a handful of crushed gluten-free crackers or fried onions right before serving can add fantastic texture on top.
Side Dishes
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is hearty enough to be a standalone meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp side salad tossed in vinaigrette or a platter of roasted root vegetables. Fresh fruit or warm, crusty gluten-free bread rounds out the meal for larger gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual portions in oven-safe ramekins for dinner parties or meal prep lunches. You can also transform this casserole into stuffed bell peppers for a colorful, all-in-one presentation guests won’t forget. Leftovers also work stirred into soup for a quick, hearty lunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole keeps well covered in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure the dish has fully cooled before storing to prevent excess moisture and sogginess.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it as directed but hold off on baking. Wrap tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a bit of extra time, or thaw overnight in the fridge for quickest results.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until bubbly—about 20 minutes. For a quick lunch, you can microwave single servings in a microwave-safe dish, loosening with a splash of milk if needed to keep it luscious and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Absolutely! If you have leftover rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken, just chop it up and mix it in with the rice and broccoli, skipping the initial bake step for the chicken. This shortcut makes your Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole even faster to prepare.
Can I substitute white rice for brown rice?
Yes, white rice works beautifully in this casserole! Just be sure it’s fully cooked before mixing in. White rice will make the texture a bit softer and the flavor slightly milder, but it’s still a winner.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Swap the milk with your favorite unsweetened non-dairy alternative (like almond or oat milk), and use a plant-based cheese instead of cheddar. The sauce may have a slightly different texture, but you’ll still get a creamy, flavorful result.
Will frozen broccoli work instead of fresh?
Frozen broccoli is a convenient substitute and a great backup when fresh isn’t available. Thaw it and blot dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture, then add as directed.
Can I add more veggies or use other cheeses?
Absolutely! This casserole is endlessly adaptable—add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and color. For cheese, try Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or mozzarella for a fun flavor twist.
Final Thoughts
Sharing a big dish of Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole never fails to gather everyone around the table, eager for seconds and already asking for the recipe. Simple, satisfying, and just a little nostalgic, it’s weeknight comfort food at its finest. Give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes your new go-to, too!
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Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy brown rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 cups brown rice (cooked)
- 6 cups fresh broccoli (cut into small florets)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
For the Sauce:
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
- 2 cups milk
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
- 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)
- 2 tablespoons curly parsley (freshly chopped to garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Bake into the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Sauce:
- Remove the casserole dish from the oven.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top and bake for 20 minutes more, until the broccoli is tender, and the cheese on top is golden and bubbly.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Season the chicken with some salt and pepper and drizzle over with 1 tablespoon of oil. Mix well to coat, then place it in a 2 qt casserole dish; arrange in a single layer to ensure even cooking.
While the chicken is cooking prepare sauce. In a skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil. Add onion and sauté until translucent. Add flour and whisk quickly for about a minute or so. Carefully pour in the milk and continue whisking; as the mixture starts to bubble add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stirring thoroughly, let the mixture simmer on low, until thick and bubbly. Remove from the heat and add 1-1/2 cup of cheddar cheese, whisk well until cheese is melted.
Add a layer of cooked rice and then broccoli florets. Pour the prepared cheese sauce on top and gently toss to coat.
Notes
- Make sure the chicken is cooked through before adding the sauce.
- You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Chicken, Broccoli, Rice, Casserole, Easy, Comfort Food
