Save to Pinterest A creamy comforting casserole featuring tender chicken fresh broccoli and fluffy rice all baked together in a simple homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights and budget-friendly family meals.
I first made this casserole on a chilly winter night when my family craved something cozy and satisfying. Everyone loved the creamy texture and cheesy topping making it a staple in our weeknight rotation.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups diced or shredded (about 300 g)
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups fresh or frozen (about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup uncooked
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (or vegetable broth)
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) or homemade equivalent
- Milk: 1 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup plus extra for topping
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare oven and dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables:
- In a large skillet over medium heat sauté the onion in a splash of oil until soft about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Mix ingredients:
- In a large bowl combine cooked chicken broccoli florets sautéed onion and garlic uncooked rice chicken broth condensed soup milk cheddar cheese salt pepper and thyme. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish:
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping:
- If using mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole. Top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes or until rice is tender casserole is bubbling and top is golden.
- Rest:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest Mondays were always hectic for us but my kids looked forward to this casserole. The leftovers disappeared faster than any other dish and it's easy to share for potlucks with relatives.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish large bowl skillet measuring cups and spoons and aluminum foil are all you need for this simple recipe.
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese milk soup) wheat (condensed soup breadcrumbs if used) and chicken (poultry). For gluten-free be sure soup and breadcrumbs are certified gluten-free. Always check ingredient labels.
Nutritional Information
Each serving provides 470 calories 19 g total fat 43 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein making it a hearty meal for families.
Save to Pinterest Serve this casserole with a simple side salad or crusty bread for a complete family dinner. Leftovers reheat well for next-day lunches.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Just thaw and drain excess water before mixing to avoid excess moisture.
- → How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free condensed soup and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping altogether.
- → Is it possible to use brown rice here?
Yes, but increase the liquid and baking time by about 20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks fully.
- → Can I substitute rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds extra flavor.
- → What cheese works best for topping?
Sharp cheddar is ideal for flavor and melting, but feel free to try other melty cheeses.