This post may contain affiliate links. Please read the disclosure policy.
I love a good casserole. This broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole is one of my favorites.
There’s something about the combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crispy topping that just makes my taste buds happy.
It’s easy to make, too. Just cook your chicken and rice, mix in some cheese and broccoli, and put it all in a baking dish. Then top it with more cheese and bake until golden brown.
This casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for feeding a crowd. It’s sure to be a hit with everyone!
What do you get when you mix broccoli, rice, chicken, and cheese together? A delicious and healthy casserole dish! This recipe is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.
Plus, it’s kid-friendly and mom-approved!
Thanks for sticking with us to the end! We hope you give this broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole recipe a try. It’s a family favorite in our house, and we think it will become one of your favorites too.
What are you waiting for? Get into the kitchen and start cooking!
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.
This casserole is packed with all of your favorite flavors – chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that the whole family will love. Plus, it’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to cook. So go ahead and give it a try!
Why we love this recipe
We love this recipe because it’s the perfect comfort food. It’s cheesy, creamy, and full of flavor. The rice and broccoli add the perfect amount of texture and nutrition.
Plus, it’s so easy to make! You can have this casserole on the table in no time.
I Don’t Have Cream Of Chicken, What Do I Do?
If you don’t have the cream of chicken, you can use cream of mushroom, velveeta, or even mayo as a substitute. Just keep in mind that the flavor will be different and the consistency may be slightly thinner.
Can I Use Raw Chicken in a Casserole?
If you’re in a rush and need to get dinner on the table fast, using raw chicken in a casserole is a great way to get it done. Using raw chicken means that you don’t have to cook it first, which saves time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any leftover chicken you might have.
Can I Use Uncooked Rice in a Casserole?
If you’re in a pinch and don’t have any cooked rice on hand, you may be wondering if you can use uncooked rice in a casserole. The answer is yes! You can use uncooked rice in a casserole, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
- First of all, you’ll need to use more uncooked rice than you would cooked rice. This is because uncooked rice will absorb more liquid and expand as it cooks.
- Secondly, you’ll need to cook the casserole for a longer period of time to allow the uncooked rice to fully cook through.
- Lastly, you may want to add a bit more liquid to the casserole since uncooked rice will absorb some of it as it cooks.
Can I Use Instant Rice in Casseroles?
It’s a question we’ve all asked ourselves at one point or another: can I use instant rice in casseroles? The answer, fortunately, is yes! Instant rice can be a great time-saving shortcut when you’re preparing a casserole, and it can also help to keep the dish nice and moist. Just be sure to follow the package directions when cooking the rice, and add it to the casserole during the last few minutes of baking.
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
If you’re short on time, you can definitely use rotisserie chicken in this broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole. Just be sure to shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole dish.
Can I Use Brown Rice?
You can absolutely use brown rice in this casserole! In fact, we often make it with brown rice and find that it’s just as delicious. If you do use brown rice, we recommend cooking it ahead of time according to the package instructions so that it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. This will help to ensure that the casserole is cooked through and not dry.
Using Brown or Wild Rice
If you want to use brown or wild rice in this casserole, you’ll need to cook it ahead of time. You’ll need about 3 cups of cooked rice for the recipe. Cook the rice according to the package directions, then proceed with the recipe as directed.
Using Frozen Broccoli
If you’re short on time, you can easily use frozen broccoli in this dish. Simply place the frozen broccoli in a colander and run cold water over it until it’s thawed. Then, proceed with the recipe as directed.
What Size Baking Dish Do I Need?
So, what size baking dish should you use for your broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole Here’s a guide to help you choose the right size dish for your casserole:
- For a small casserole, use an 8×8-inch baking dish. This size dish is perfect for feeding a family of four.
- For a medium casserole, use a 9×13-inch baking dish. This size dish is great for feeding a larger family or for making enough to have leftovers.
- For a large casserole, use a 12×18-inch baking dish. This size dish is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Now that you know what size baking dish to use, let’s get cooking!
Tools For This Recipe
This recipe is super simple and only requires a few tools. All you need is a cutting board, a knife, a 9×13 inch baking dish, a large pot, and a wooden spoon. That’s it!
Variations
This broccoli rice chicken and cheese casserole is so easy to make and can be easily customized to your liking.
- For a little extra flavor, try adding some diced onions or mushrooms to the mix.
- If you’re looking for a bit more of a cheesy kick, up the amount of velveeta or add in some shredded cheddar cheese.
- If you want to make it a little healthier, you can use brown rice instead of white.
No matter how you make it, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?
But what kind of chicken should you use? Well, that’s up to you. You can use canned chicken, cooked chicken, or even rotisserie chicken. Whatever you have on hand will work.
Ingredients:
- Shredded chicken
- Instant Rice
- Chicken broth
- Cream of onion soup
- Cream of chicken soup
- Butter unsalted
- Velveeta cheese food
- Heavy whipping cream
- Milk
- Frozen broccoli
- Panko bread crumbs (optional)
How to make Broccoli, Rice, Chicken and Cheese Casserole:
Step 1.Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2. Cook the broccoli as directed in the microwave and drain.
Step 3.Place the 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil.
Step 4. Add the rice to the boiling chicken broth, remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
Step 5.Stir the butter and velveeta into the cooked rice in the saucepan.
Step 6. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli.
Step 7.Add the cheesy rice mixture to the mixing bowl.
Step 8.Place the two cans of soup, milk, and heavy whipping cream into the mixing bowl. Stir everything together completely.
Step 9.Layer the mixture into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
Step 10. Top with panko bread crumbs if desired.
Step 11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbling.
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy chicken broccoli rice casserole, you can’t go wrong with this recipe. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or even a potluck. And the best part? It only requires four ingredients: chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese.
How to store cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole
When it comes to storing velveeta chicken broccoli rice casserole, you have a few options. You can keep it in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to six months. If you’re looking to meal prep or make ahead, this casserole is a great option because it reheats well.
How to reheat Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole
Simply preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or warm your microwave on the defrost setting for about 2 minutes. Then, place the casserole dish in the oven or microwave and heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
Can This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Be Frozen
You bet your bottom dollar this casserole can be frozen! Just make sure to wrap it up tightly so it doesn’t dry out. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and then reheat in a 350-degree oven until warm throughout. Yum!
Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead?
You can absolutely make this broccoli rice casserole ahead of time! Just assemble everything in the dish, but don’t bake it. Cover and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. When you’re ready to bake, add about 10 minutes to the cooking time to account for the cold ingredients.
Want to save this recipe? Enter your email below and we’ll send the recipe straight to your inbox!
NOTE: By saving this recipe, you agree to join our weekly recipes newsletter.
Pin this recipe now to remember it later
Pin Recipe
1 lb. Shredded chicken
2 C. Instant Rice
2 C. Chicken broth
1 Can Cream of onion soup
1 Can Cream of chicken soup
¼ C. Butter unsalted
8 oz. Velveeta cheese food
½ C. Heavy whipping cream
¼ C. Milk
1 Bag frozen broccoli
Panko bread crumbs, optional
Follow Sweet Pea’s Kitchen
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cook the broccoli as directed in the microwave and drain.
Place the 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan on the stove over high heat and bring to a boil.
Add the rice to the boiling chicken broth, remove from the heat, cover and let sit for 5 minutes.
Stir the butter and velveeta into the cooked rice in the saucepan.
-
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken and cooked broccoli.
Add the cheesy rice mixture to the mixing bowl.
Place the two cans of soup, milk and heavy whipping cream into the mixing bowl. Stir everything together completely.
Layer the mixture into a well-greased 9×13 baking dish.
Top with panko bread crumbs if desired.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbling.
Calories: 435kcal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 24g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 108mg | Sodium: 1350mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
Follow me on Pinterest for daily delicious recipes!
Follow Me
THANKS FOR PINING!
More Easy Casseroles To Try
Victory’s Tater Tot Casserole – it’s the perfect comfort food!
Cowboy Casserole – Loaded with flavors!
Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole – A family favorite!
Chicken Noodle Casserole – Filling and tasty!