Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s an easy, all-in-one comfort meal everyone will love.
Why We Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
What’s not to love about Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole? It’s a dish that successfully balances taste and nutrition. With protein-packed chicken and fiber-rich broccoli, it caters to both taste buds and dietary needs. The creamy texture brings a sense of indulgence without the need for a long list of complicated ingredients. You can prepare it relatively quickly, making it a convenient choice for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s adaptable, allowing you to easily tweak the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Creating the perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole requires quality ingredients that work harmoniously together. Here’s what you will need:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5-6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, mild or medium
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
- 3 tbsp Bayou City all-purpose seasoning, divided
- 1 tbsp Bayou City garlic pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
- 4 cups white rice, cooked
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Directions
Now that you have gathered your ingredients, it’s time to take the plunge into creating this delicious casserole. Follow these step-by-step directions to whip up a meal that your family will love.
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure that your casserole bakes evenly.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. While it heats up, season your chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the Bayou City all-purpose seasoning. Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is thoroughly cooked. Remove it from the skillet and let it cool slightly. After a few minutes, shred or chop the chicken into smaller pieces and set it aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 2 minutes, just until it becomes fragrant. You’ll want to deglaze the skillet next by pouring in the chicken stock and letting it simmer for about 4 minutes. This will bring all the delicious flavors stuck to the pan into your sauce. Now, stir in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, mixing well. Add the Boursin cheese and 1/2 cup of the cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Finally, mix in the sour cream until you have a creamy sauce.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and the shredded chicken. Fold in the cheese sauce you just prepared, ensuring everything is well coated. Add the remaining Bayou City seasoning, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance the flavors throughout the dish.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top for an extra cheesy finish.
Bake to Perfection: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After this, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. As it bakes, the aromas will fill your kitchen, whetting your appetite.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This dish tastes best when hot, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone around the table!
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Serving Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is as easy as dishing it out! Consider pairing it with a light salad or some crusty bread to complete the meal. The casserole itself is rich and filling, so you may want to keep your sides simple.
When serving, you can plate individual portions and garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for an extra pop of color. This visually appealing touch can elevate your dish from merely tasty to a feast for the eyes.
For family gatherings or potlucks, serving directly from the casserole dish allows everyone to dig in. Have a spoon handy for those who may want a second helping of the smooth, creamy goodness!
Expert Tips for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use Quality Ingredients: Since the flavors of this casserole rely heavily on the quality of ingredients, make sure to pick fresh, high-quality chicken, dairy, and vegetables.
- Cooked Rice: Using leftover rice can save you time. Just ensure it’s not overly sticky to maintain the right texture.
- Broccoli Preparation: If you prefer a tender texture, steam the broccoli lightly before adding it to the casserole. This enhances its flavor and ensures it mixes well with the other ingredients.
- Keep an Eye on Baking: Every oven is different. While the suggested baking time is a guideline, be sure to keep an eye on the casserole to avoid overcooking.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your family’s taste preferences. The Bayou City seasoning adds a lovely depth, but you can experiment with other seasonings to make it your own.
How to Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
If you happen to have leftovers, you’re in luck! Storing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is easy.
- Cooling Off: Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing it. This helps prevent condensation from forming inside the storage container, which can make your casserole soggy.
- Using Airtight Containers: Transfer the leftovers into airtight containers. Make sure to separate them if you want to store individual portions.
- Refrigerate or Freeze: You can keep the casserole in the refrigerator for about 3-4 days. If you want to store it for a longer period, consider freezing it. It can last in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual servings for convenience.
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
One of the greatest features of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is its versatility. Here are some variations you can try to keep things fresh:
- Swap the Protein: If you prefer a different kind of meat, feel free to substitute chicken with turkey or even cooked ground beef.
- Different Vegetables: You can mix in other vegetables like carrots, corn, or peas for added color and nutrition. Any combination works well!
- Cheese Changes: While cheddar is a classic choice, mixing it up with mozzarella or pepper jack can introduce new flavors with varying degrees of creaminess.
- Vegan Alternatives: For a vegan twist, replace the chicken with chickpeas, substitute dairy with plant-based options, and make sure to use vegan cheese or omit it entirely.
- Spice it Up: If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mix. This will give the casserole a spicy kick that many will appreciate.
FAQ about Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
What is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty dish that combines cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy sauce. It’s baked until bubbly and often topped with cheese.
Is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole healthy?
This casserole contains wholesome ingredients like chicken and broccoli, making it a balanced meal. You can adjust the recipe to your dietary needs by choosing low-fat alternatives or adding more veggies.
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just remember to adjust baking time if it’s going into the oven cold.
What can I serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Consider serving it with a light salad or some fresh bread to complement the rich flavors of the casserole.
How long does Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole last in the fridge?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5-6 pieces chicken thighs protein-packed
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked fiber-rich
- 4 cups white rice, cooked fluffy base
- 1/2 cup sour cream adds creaminess
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese flavors the sauce
- 1 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, mild or medium for topping and sauce
Flavoring Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter for cooking
- 1 tbsp olive oil for chicken seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced adds aroma
- 1/4 cup chicken stock to deglaze pan
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs base of the sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) heavy cream adds richness
- 3 tbsp Bayou City all-purpose seasoning, divided for seasoning
- 1 tbsp Bayou City garlic pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional for heat
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all-purpose seasoning. Cook in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked.
- Remove chicken and let cool slightly, then shred or chop into smaller pieces.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 2 minutes. Pour in chicken stock and let it simmer for about 4 minutes. Stir in cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Mix in sour cream.
Assembly and Baking
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken. Fold in the cheese sauce until everything is well coated. Add remaining seasoning, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
- Once done, let it cool slightly before serving.