![- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded) - Cooked rice (2 cups, white or brown) - Broccoli florets (1 cup, fresh or frozen) - Cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded) - Cream of mushroom soup (1 cup, or homemade) - Milk (1/2 cup) - Seasoning (1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, salt and pepper to taste) - Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional, for topping) - Olive oil (2 tbsp, if using fresh broccoli) Gather these ingredients before starting. Fresh chicken adds great taste, but you can use leftover chicken. Cooked rice can be white or brown, depending on your choice. I like fresh broccoli for its crunch, but frozen works well, too. Cheddar cheese is key for that creamy texture. You can use cream of mushroom soup from a can or make it from scratch. Milk adds smoothness to the mix. For seasoning, garlic and onion powders bring out the flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. If you want a crispy top, add breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil. This dish is easy and delicious! Check the full recipe if you want to dive deep into the cooking steps. - Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). - If you use fresh broccoli, boil the florets for 2-3 minutes. - Drain the broccoli and set it aside. - In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, cooked rice, and the drained broccoli. - Add cream of mushroom soup and milk to the bowl. - Sprinkle in garlic powder and onion powder, then mix well. - Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. - Fold in half of the cheddar cheese. - Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. - Spread it evenly, then top with the remaining cheddar cheese. - If you want, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil. - Bake for an extra 10-15 minutes until the cheese bubbles and turns golden. - Once done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. - This cooling step helps the casserole set nicely. For the full recipe, check out the details above. How to choose the best chicken for the casserole When picking chicken, look for fresh, high-quality meat. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Shredded chicken works best, as it blends well with other ingredients. Make sure it has no tough bits or skin. Importance of letting the casserole sit before serving Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking helps it set. This makes it easier to serve and keeps it from being too runny. Cooling also allows the flavors to mingle better. Presentation ideas for an attractive dish Serve the casserole right from the baking dish for a homey touch. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese on top for color. Pair it with a side salad for a bright contrast. You can also use colorful plates to enhance the visual appeal. Side dishes that complement the casserole This casserole pairs well with simple sides. Consider a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also works well to soak up the cheesy goodness. These sides can balance the meal and add more flavor. Alternatives for cream of mushroom soup If you want to skip cream of mushroom soup, try using cream of chicken soup or a homemade white sauce. You can also blend cooked mushrooms with cream for a fresh taste. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. Dairy-free options for cheese and milk For a dairy-free version, use plant-based cheese and milk. Look for brands that melt well for the best results. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps keep the casserole creamy while meeting dietary needs. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. Enjoy your cooking! {{image_2}} You can easily make this casserole gluten-free. Just swap the cream of mushroom soup for a gluten-free version. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you want a crunchy topping. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with extra broccoli or chickpeas. You can also use vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup. To add more flavor, use spices like paprika or Italian seasoning. Fresh herbs like thyme or parsley also work well. For cheese, try using mozzarella or gouda for a different taste. Mixing different cheeses can create a delightful flavor. Feel free to change up the veggies. Cauliflower or bell peppers work great instead of broccoli. For protein, turkey or tofu can be good alternatives. Cooked quinoa can also replace rice for a fun twist. You can mix and match to fit your taste! For the complete recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To reheat leftovers, it’s best to use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. If you want to avoid sogginess, do not add extra liquid. You can freeze the casserole for later use. First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. Leftovers last about three to four days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. Watch for signs of spoilage like a sour smell or mold. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. For extra safety, always check before eating. This way, you enjoy your cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole without worry. How long does it take to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole? It takes about 50 minutes to make this casserole. You spend 15 minutes prepping and 35 minutes baking. Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Just cover it and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. Can I use raw chicken in this recipe? I do not recommend using raw chicken. Always use cooked chicken for safety and flavor. Is this a good meal for meal prep? Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge and reheats nicely. What should I do if the casserole is too dry? If your casserole is too dry, add a splash of milk or broth. Mix it in before serving for more moisture. How to get a crispy topping on the casserole? For a crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mix on top before baking. It adds texture and crunch. This blog post covered how to make a tasty Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. You learned about the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and useful tips. We discussed variations and how to store leftovers. This dish is simple and versatile, making it great for any meal. Try it out and enjoy a warm, hearty meal. You'll impress your family or friends with your cooking skills!](https://stirredrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/457944d3-cca3-4a0c-ab73-dfa321cff4f1-300x300.webp)
- Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Indulge in the comfort of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, the perfect blend of flavors in one dish! This easy recipe combines shredded chicken, rice, and vibrant broccoli, all topped with gooey cheddar cheese. Ideal for weeknight dinners, it's packed with nutrition and flavor. Click through for step-by-step instructions and impress your family with this delightful casserole that everyone will love! Enjoy a cozy meal tonight!