The Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty rice, and wholesome broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This one-dish meal is a satisfying blend of flavors and textures that appeals to both kids and adults alike. It’s perfect for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or as a dish to bring to gatherings.

This casserole is unique because of its use of Velveeta cheese, which melts smoothly into the dish, creating a creamy, velvety texture that other cheeses might not offer. Additionally, the cream of onion and cream of chicken soups add a depth of flavor and moisture, ensuring the casserole remains soft and rich even after baking.

This dish is incredibly versatile; it’s perfect for meal prepping, reheats well, and can be easily modified to suit dietary preferences or available ingredients. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or as part of a larger holiday spread, this casserole delivers both flavor and comfort, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion.

Key Ingredients Breakdown 

Chicken:

The best chicken for this casserole is shredded rotisserie chicken, which is both flavorful and convenient. However, you can also use grilled, boiled, or even leftover chicken. Shredding the chicken allows it to blend seamlessly into the dish, distributing evenly with the rice and cheese.

Rice:

Instant rice is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its quick cooking time. It absorbs the chicken broth well, making it flavorful and tender. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute instant rice with brown rice, long-grain rice, or even wild rice for added texture and nutrients. These options may require pre-cooking but will offer a richer flavor and heartier consistency.

Broccoli:

Frozen broccoli is not only convenient but also nutritionally dense, offering fiber and essential vitamins like C and K. While frozen is often more convenient, you can use fresh broccoli if preferred. Just ensure it’s steamed or lightly cooked before adding it to the casserole to avoid sogginess.

Cheese (Velveeta):

Velveeta cheese is famous for its smooth melting properties, making it ideal for casseroles. It creates a creamy sauce that coats the chicken and rice evenly. If Velveeta isn’t available, cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda are excellent substitutes, though they may not provide the same level of creaminess.

Cream of Onion & Cream of Chicken Soups:

These soups add both moisture and flavor to the casserole, helping to create a rich and creamy texture. For a healthier alternative, you can use low-fat or homemade versions of these soups. They’re essential for keeping the dish from drying out during baking.

Other Ingredients:

Heavy cream, milk, and optional panko bread crumbs contribute to the richness and texture of the casserole. The cream and milk add extra creaminess, while the panko bread crumbs provide a crispy topping if desired.

Nutritional Information & Serving Sizes 

This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients, making it a balanced meal. Here’s a general breakdown of the calorie content per serving:

• Calories: Approximately 400-500 calories per serving.
• Protein: Chicken provides a good source of protein, with each serving offering about 20-25 grams.
• Carbohydrates: The rice and cream soups contribute to the carb content, offering around 40-50 grams per serving.
• Fats: With cheese, butter, and cream, this casserole contains approximately 15-20 grams of fat per serving. You can reduce the fat by using low-fat milk, soups, or reducing the amount of cheese.

For portion control, it’s best to serve this casserole in smaller portions (around 1 cup per person) alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables. This ensures a balanced meal with added fiber.

Vegetarian and Gluten-Free Modifications:

• Vegetarian: Replace the chicken with plant-based alternatives like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the cream soups and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free versions. There are many gluten-free cream soups available, or you can make your own using gluten-free flour. The casserole can be easily adjusted to meet dietary restrictions without sacrificing flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions 

Preheating the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Ensuring the oven is fully preheated is crucial for even cooking. A properly heated oven allows the casserole to bake uniformly, ensuring the cheese melts perfectly and the top gets a nice golden-brown finish.

Preparing the Broccoli:

For this recipe, using frozen broccoli is quick and convenient. Follow the package instructions to cook the broccoli—typically, microwaving or steaming is the easiest method. Once cooked, make sure to drain the broccoli thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Any leftover water can make the casserole too soggy, so pressing the broccoli with a paper towel is a good extra step.

Cooking the Rice:

Boil 2 cups of chicken broth in a saucepan. Once it reaches a boil, stir in 2 cups of instant rice, cover the pot, and remove it from heat. Let the rice sit for 5 minutes so it can absorb the broth fully. For added flavor, you can mix a bit of garlic powder or onion powder into the rice while it cooks. After 5 minutes, fluff the rice with a fork to ensure it is light and separated.

Mixing the Ingredients:

While the rice is still hot, add ¼ cup unsalted butter and 8 oz of cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir until the butter and cheese melt completely, creating a creamy base. This step is crucial for achieving the signature creamy texture of the casserole. Once the cheese is fully incorporated, mix in the cooked broccoli and shredded chicken.

Next, stir in 1 can of cream of onion soup, 1 can of cream of chicken soup, ½ cup heavy cream, and ¼ cup milk. Ensure everything is thoroughly combined for a smooth and cohesive mixture.

Layering in the Baking Dish:

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly into the dish. For added crunch, sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top. This optional step adds a lovely crispy layer to contrast the creamy interior.

Baking Tips:

Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is browned and the casserole is bubbling. Keep an eye on the casserole during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the top doesn’t burn.

Cooling and Serving:

Once baked, let the casserole cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the dish to set, making it easier to serve and allowing the flavors to meld further.

Casserole Variations and Substitutions 

Meat Substitutions:

You can easily switch the shredded chicken for other proteins like turkey, which is especially great for using up holiday leftovers. Ham also works well, adding a salty flavor. For a vegetarian version, use tofu or chickpeas as a protein source, which will still provide a hearty texture.

Rice Alternatives:

Instead of instant rice, you can opt for other grains to customize the casserole. Quinoa is a protein-rich option that adds a nutty flavor, while cauliflower rice offers a low-carb, veggie-packed alternative. For a more substantial bite, try wild rice or couscous, though both may require pre-cooking before being added to the casserole.

Cheese Variations:

While Velveeta provides the classic creaminess, you can experiment with other cheeses. Sharp cheddar offers a stronger flavor, Swiss cheese adds a mild sweetness, and cream cheese can make the casserole even creamier and richer.

Vegetable Add-ins:

Boost the nutritional value by adding more vegetables to the dish. Peas, carrots, and spinach are great options that blend well into the casserole and add vibrant color and texture.

Soup Alternatives:

For a healthier spin, you can make your own soups, such as a homemade cream of chicken or onion soup using low-sodium broth and light cream. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery as substitutes for the canned soups.

Storing and Reheating the Casserole 

Storing:

To store leftover casserole, cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer individual portions into airtight containers. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole holds up well, and the flavors often improve after a day as they meld together.

Freezing:

This casserole also freezes beautifully for future meals. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. Label the container with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating:

When reheating, it’s best to warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20-30 minutes). If reheating from frozen, allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To avoid drying out, you can cover it with foil while reheating in the oven. Alternatively, for a quicker option, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave, though the texture may be slightly less creamy compared to oven reheating.

Making it Healthier 

For a lighter version of this casserole, consider using low-fat dairy options like reduced-fat milk, light cream, and low-fat cheese. You can also cut back on the butter and cheese without sacrificing too much flavor.

Swapping out the canned soups for homemade versions using light broth and less cream can significantly reduce sodium and fat. Opt for healthier cheeses like low-fat mozzarella or part-skim cheddar.

Incorporating whole grains like brown rice or quinoa boosts the fiber content, making the dish more nutritious. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to enhance the dish’s vitamin and mineral content, making it both wholesome and delicious.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works great in this recipe! To use fresh broccoli, you’ll need to steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole. Simply cut the broccoli into florets and cook in boiling water for 2-3 minutes or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which can make the casserole watery.

How do I keep the casserole from getting dry?

To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure to use the right amount of liquids. The soups, milk, and cream provide moisture, so don’t skimp on these ingredients. When baking, cover the casserole with foil for the first 20 minutes to trap in moisture, then remove the foil for the last 10 minutes to brown the top. Also, avoid overbaking, as this can cause the casserole to dry out.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator, covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes, and then bake as directed. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s cold.

Can I use a different kind of soup?

Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of chicken or cream of onion soup on hand, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a similar creamy texture. For a healthier option, try using homemade cream soups that use broth, milk, and a thickening agent.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free cream soups (many brands offer this option), and swap the panko bread crumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit them entirely. Additionally, ensure that the chicken broth and any other packaged ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I add more cheese?

If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more! For an extra cheesy casserole, you can layer additional shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda on top of the casserole before baking. Alternatively, mix in some extra cheese throughout the rice mixture for a gooey, cheesy texture.

What side dishes pair well with this casserole?

This casserole pairs beautifully with light side dishes like a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or simple roasted vegetables like carrots, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. These sides complement the richness of the casserole without overwhelming the meal.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts 

The Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is a perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and ease, making it an ideal recipe for both weeknight dinners and special gatherings. Its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and the wholesome addition of chicken and broccoli make it a family favorite. Whether you’re looking to prepare a hearty meal ahead of time, use up leftovers, or find a dish that satisfies picky eaters, this casserole delivers on all fronts.

With versatile ingredients and simple preparation, this dish can be adapted to suit a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. You can easily make it gluten-free, vegetarian, or modify the recipe to include additional veggies or different types of cheese. The flexibility makes it a great base recipe that can be customized depending on what you have on hand.

Encourage your readers to give this recipe a try and make it their own! Whether they stick to the original version or add their own personal touches, this casserole is sure to become a beloved staple in their recipe rotation. Ask readers to share their results and let them know how easy it is to adjust the recipe to fit their tastes and preferences.

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