Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice Bake the Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese My Familys Favorite Casserole

By Kendra ThompsonOctober 4, 2025

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4.50 (2 Ratings)

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Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something seriously comforting? This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole ticks all the boxes. It's cheesy, satisfying, and honestly, just feels like a big hug.

Brief Overview

This Cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake reminds me of childhood dinners. It's an American classic, but with a little extra love.

This recipe is easy, taking around an hour. It makes about 6-8 servings, perfect for a family meal.

Main Benefits

Packed with protein and a good dose of broccoli, it is a healthy option. It's also the perfect comfort food casserole for a chilly evening.

What makes it special? The creamy, homemade cheese sauce, of course.

Let's Talk Ingredients: What You'll Need

Ready to get started? This Chicken broccoli casserole recipe uses simple ingredients. This makes it easy to throw together any night of the week.

Rice: Long grain rice works best for that fluffy texture. Basmati or jasmine are awesome
Chicken: Cubed chicken breasts get the job done, you can also cook ground beef
Broccoli: Fresh florets all the way
Cheese: A LOT of cheddar is where it's at!

Don't forget the butter, flour, and milk for that incredible cheese sauce. And a few pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

Getting Started

Alright, first things first: the rice. Cook it according to the directions and make sure to pre-heat your oven to 350° F.

While that's happening, let's chop up the onion and broccoli. Honestly? This prep part is the only tricky bit!

Easy dishes with rice are my jam because they're so versatile. This Chicken and broccoli bake with cheese sauce is no exception. It's a crowd pleaser and super easy to adapt.

Making That Cheesy Sauce

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice Bake the Ultimate Comfort Food Casserole presentation

Now, for the star of the show: the cheese sauce. Melt the butter, whisk in the flour, and slowly add the milk, stirring constantly.

Once thickened, stir in most of the cheese. This is where the magic happens! It should be smooth, creamy, and totally addictive.

This creamy chicken casserole with rice is the BEST.

Let's Talk Ingredients & Gear

So, you're ready to dive into this uber -comforting Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese bake? Awesome! This Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe is surprisingly simple, but let's make sure we've got our ducks in a row.

Honestly, with this Easy Dishes With Rice , you’ll feel like a culinary wizard.

Main Ingredients: The Heart of the Casserole

Here's a breakdown of what you need. We are making Chicken and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce .

Rice: 1 cup (200g) long grain rice, uncooked. Basmati or jasmine work great. I normally buy Tilda basmati. Quality indicators? It should smell fresh and not have any weird smells.
Chicken Broth: 2 cups (475ml). You can use water in a pinch, but broth adds more flavor.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15ml), optional for cooking rice.
Chicken Breast: 1.5 lbs (680g), boneless and skinless, cubed. Make sure the chicken is pink, not greyish.
Broccoli: 1 large head , cut into florets (about 4 cups). Check to be sure it's bright green and firm, not yellowing or wilted.
A family friendly casserole recipe needs to be delicious and appealing.
Onion: 1 medium , chopped.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced.
Butter: 1/4 cup (57g), unsalted.
All-Purpose Flour: 1/4 cup (30g).
Milk: 2 cups (475ml), whole or 2%.
Cheddar Cheese: 3 cups (300g), shredded, divided. Spring for good cheddar - it really makes a difference!

Seasoning Notes: Time to Spice Things Up!

Salt and pepper are essential. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper for the chicken and broccoli.

Add a pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for warmth. No nutmeg? Don't sweat it! The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake will be great either way.

If you're feeling brave, a dash of cayenne pepper in the cheese sauce gives a nice kick.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for this Broccoli And Cheese And Rice Casserole . Just the basics:

Large saucepan with a lid (for rice)
Large skillet or sauté pan
9x13 inch baking dish - I love my Pyrex one.
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

Got all that? Great! Let's get cooking this Easy Dinner With Broccoli . This Creamy Chicken Casserole With Rice is about to become your new favourite comfort food casserole .

Let's Make Some Magic: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Time!

Alright, bestie, gather 'round. I'm about to spill the beans on the ultimate comfort food: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole.

Honestly, this dish is like a warm hug on a plate. And it's so easy, even after a long day, you'll nail it.

I mean who can resist the cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake

Prep Steps: Get Your Ducks in a Row

First things first, mise en place is your friend. It means getting everything prepped before you start cooking. Chop the onion and broccoli.

Cube the chicken. Grate the cheese. Trust me, this saves so much time. Also, remember to always wash your hands before starting, Safety first!

step-by-step: Casserole Creations

Cook 1 cup (200g) of rice: Simmer in 2 cups (475ml) broth for 18- 20 minutes . Fluff it up!.
Sauté onion and garlic. Add 1.5 lbs (680g) cubed chicken. Cook to 165° F ( 74° C) . Set aside.
Steam 4 cups broccoli florets until tender crisp (about 5- 7 minutes).
Make the cheese sauce: Melt 1/4 cup butter, whisk in 1/4 cup flour. Gradually add 2 cups milk. Stir in spices. Melt 2 cups cheddar.
Combine rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce.
Pour into 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with 1 cup panko bread crumbs (optional).
Bake at 350° F ( 175° C) for 30- 35 minutes .

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Casserole Game

Don't overcook the broccoli! We are aiming for Easy Dishes With Rice . Soggy broccoli is a major no-no. Freshly grated cheese melts way better than pre-shredded, which often contains cellulose.

For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne to your cheese sauce. You know? Cheese Broccoli Chicken Casserole is all about adjusting to your personal taste.

And if you are looking for make-ahead, cook the rice, chicken, and broccoli the day before to save time.

It's All About That Creamy, Cheesy Goodness!

This comfort food casserole is a winner every time. It's one of those family friendly casserole recipes that everyone loves. It's my go-to when I need something quick, easy, and super satisfying.

It is Easy Dinner With Broccoli . Honestly, nothing beats a warm bowl of this on a chilly evening! Now get cooking and enjoy this Chicken Broccoli And Cheese And Rice Casserole masterpiece!

Recipe Notes for Your Dreamy Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese

Alright, let's talk about this amazing Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese creation. Think of these notes as little secrets to making it truly yours .

Honestly, they're like cheat codes for a perfect Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe !

Serving It Up Like a Pro

You know, presentation matters. Think about plating your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. A dollop of sour cream? Oh my gosh, so good! Serve alongside a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette.

A nice glass of crisp white wine goes great with that comfort food casserole .

Storing Like a Legend

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Chicken and Broccoli Bake with Cheese Sauce keeps well. Pop it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, freeze individual portions. Reheating is a breeze. Just microwave or bake until heated through. I swear, it tastes even better the next day!

Remixing the Magic

Want to shake things up? Let's get creative with this Broccoli and Cheese and Rice Casserole !

Got dietary restrictions? No problem!

dairy-free: Use dairy-free cheese and plant based milk.
Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice. It's surprisingly good!

Seasonal swaps are fun!

Autumn: Butternut squash instead of broccoli? Yes, please!
Spring: Asparagus adds a fresh, vibrant touch.

Nutrition Simplified

Okay, let's talk nutrition basics. This dish is packed with protein, thanks to the chicken. The broccoli delivers a good dose of vitamins.

And the rice...well, it's energy! But hey, everything in moderation, right?

Important health benefits : Broccoli has a lot of fiber, which helps keep your digestion going.

So there you have it. My personal notes on Easy Dishes With Rice like this Creamy Chicken Casserole With Rice .

I hope these help you create your best Family Friendly Casserole Recipes . Don't be afraid to experiment. Cooking should be fun.

You've got this!

Delicious Chicken Broccoli Casserole Ultimate Comfort Bake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese ahead of time? Like, proper 'Bake Off' style prep?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to bake, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

This is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a home cooked meal without the last minute rush.

My family isn't huge on broccoli. Can I substitute it with something else in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese recipe?

No worries, mate! You can definitely swap out the broccoli. Cauliflower, asparagus, or even peas would work well in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese. Just make sure you cook them until they're tender crisp, just like you would with the broccoli, to maintain the texture of the dish.

How do I store leftover Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. You might want to add a splash of milk to prevent it from drying out during reheating.

Is there a way to make this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese a bit healthier? Like, less of a 'cheat day' meal?

You bet! To lighten things up, use brown rice instead of white rice, which adds fiber. You can also use low-fat milk and a reduced fat cheddar cheese in the cheese sauce. Consider adding extra veggies or even substituting some of the cheese sauce with Greek yogurt for added protein and fewer calories.

Chicken thigh is also a good substitute!

My cheese sauce always ends up lumpy. What am I doing wrong when making this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese?

Lumpy cheese sauce is a common cooking woe, but easily fixed! Make sure you're whisking the flour and butter together constantly to form a smooth roux before adding the milk. Whisk the milk in gradually, ensuring each addition is fully incorporated before adding more.

Also, don't boil the cheese sauce; keep it at a simmer and stir frequently.

Can I freeze this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze it! Assemble the casserole but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the cooking time.

Keep an eye on it, though the top might brown faster, so tent it with foil if needed.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Rice Bake The Ul

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese My Familys Favorite Casserole Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:40 Mins

Servings:6-8 servings

Instructions:

Cook the Rice: Combine rice, chicken broth/water, salt, and optional olive oil in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Prepare Chicken & Broccoli: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more. Add chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook until chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Steam Broccoli: Add broccoli florets and chicken broth to the same skillet. Cover and steam until broccoli is tender crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly (this is your roux!). Gradually whisk in milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until thickened. Reduce heat to low. Stir in salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using). Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish.
Add Topping (Optional): In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.