Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Introduction

Few comfort foods can match the satisfying warmth and flavor of a Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole. This one-dish meal combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, fluffy rice, and a luscious, cheesy sauce that bubbles beautifully in the oven. Whether you need a hearty family dinner or a potluck crowd-pleaser, this casserole delivers on flavor, nutrition, and pure comfort with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

This casserole stands out for its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Succulent chicken and tender-crisp broccoli mingle with perfectly cooked rice, all smothered in a silky, cheesy sauce that pulls together every bite. The dish is easy to assemble ahead of time, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or make-ahead meal preps.

The Secret to a Creamy, Flavorful Casserole

Achieving that signature creamy texture is all about creating a rich sauce. By making a simple roux and blending it with milk, broth, and a blend of cheeses, you’ll get a casserole that stays moist and decadent—not dry, as can often happen with bake-ahead meals. Freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly, and using a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella takes the flavor and stretchiness up a notch.

Assembling Your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Layering is key to even baking and ensuring that every serving gets a bit of everything. Spread cooked rice as the base, top with seasoned chicken and bite-sized broccoli florets, then pour the creamy cheese sauce all over. Finish with an extra sprinkle of cheese for that irresistible golden crust.

Serving Suggestions for a Standout Casserole

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole shines on its own as a complete meal, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a side of garlic bread. For extra color and freshness, sprinkle with chopped herbs like parsley or chives before serving.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe makes about 6 hearty servings. Each portion provides a balanced mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, coming in at around 420–480 calories, depending on cheese and dairy choices. For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole (Recap)

This casserole recipe effortlessly delivers creaminess, flavor, and nutrition in every bite. Its family-friendly appeal and simple assembly make it a must-have for your meal rotation.

💡 Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to instantly generate a categorized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—making meal planning and grocery shopping effortless.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole or baking dish.
2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth. Stir frequently until sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
5. Stir in 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese and the mozzarella cheese. Mix until melted and sauce is smooth. (For extra creaminess, fold in sour cream now.)
6. Spread cooked rice evenly in the casserole dish. Layer with chicken cubes and broccoli florets.
7. Pour cheese sauce evenly over everything, gently mixing to combine.
8. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.
9. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. If desired, broil for 2–3 minutes for extra browning.
10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if using.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a top pick for meal planning—it reheats beautifully, makes perfect leftovers (hello, work lunches!), and can be doubled for batch cooking. Save and schedule this recipe to plan which nights you’ll serve it, and CookifyAI will build a smart, consolidated shopping list for your week.

Planning Benefits:

• Calculates the total of each ingredient needed across all scheduled meals
• Categorizes your ingredients by grocery store section for faster shopping
• Eliminates duplicate purchases and forgotten items
• Simplifies meal prep and keeps your week organized

Pro tip: When using CookifyAI to plan multiple recipes—including this casserole—schedule your week’s meals to see at a glance how frequently ingredients like chicken or broccoli overlap. The app sums it all up, so you buy exactly what you need and minimize food waste!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes