Aug 30, 2023, Updated May 29, 2024
Why Does This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Taste So Good?
There’s nothing better than a saucy, cozy casserole on a cool night. This easy, cheesy, one-skillet bake makes a hearty and deeply satisfying easy dinner the whole family will love. Best part is there’s no need for a casserole dish, so you’ve only got one pan to scrub at the end of it. Here’s why you’re going to love this recipe: Creamy texture: The combination of butter, sour cream, and mayonnaise creates a rich and creamy consistency. Fats are excellent at carrying flavors, making every bite more impactful. Savory depth: Using chicken broth as the base for the sauce introduces a deep, savory note. The presence of glutamate in the broth enhances the umami (savory flavor) of the dish. Cheese: Cheddar cheese adds not just creaminess but also a complexity of flavors, including saltiness, tanginess, and a slight nuttiness. Crispiness: The olive oil-coated breadcrumbs form a crisp, golden crust when baked, providing textural contrast to the creamy elements below. Balanced ingredients: The rice is more than just filler—it absorbs flavors and provides a different texture. Broccoli adds nutritional value, color, and crunch.
What You Need
Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredients
Build this recipe into the week’s meal plan to maximize leftovers of rice and/or chicken or turkey, or make it easily from scratch. The sauce is lick-your-plate yummy with two creamy ingredients adding a creamy tang.
Rice: leftover or freshly-cooked brown, long-grain white, or basmati rice are all contenders. I like brown rice for the lovely texture in this dish and nutty flavour. The added fibre and satiety are bonuses. (But I also make it regularly with leftover basmati). Without leftover rice on hand, use my super-easy pasta boiling method to prep the rice while the rest of the dish is being cooked. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; add rice and boil on medium heat until al-dente, about 15 minutes. Sour cream: Contributes to the creamy texture and adds a tangy note. Mayonnaise: Mayo is a magical ingredient that not only enhances creaminess and adds flavor, but is chock full of emulsifiers to make the whole sauce thicker and creamier. Broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen work here. If using fresh broccoli, cut it into bite-size pieces first. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it under hot running water. Cooked chicken: It’s great using leftover cooked chicken thighs, grocery-store rotisserie chicken, or leftover turkey. To make with fresh chicken, just cook it up in the pan before you start the recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts will work too but they’re less tender and prone to overcooking easily. Sharp cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts on top of the casserole, adding creaminess and a complex flavor profile. Bread crumbs: Create a crispy, golden topping for textural contrast. I love panko.
Variations and Substitutions
Looking to mix things up or accommodate dietary restrictions? Here are some suggestions:
Gluten-free flour: Can replace all-purpose flour to make the dish gluten-free. Greek yogurt: For a lighter dish, swap out sour cream with Greek yogurt. Alternate cheeses: Swap cheddar with mozzarella, Gruyère, or parmesan cheese. Additional veggies: Incorporate more vegetables like sauteed mushrooms, bell peppers or carrots for added nutrition and color. Cracker topping: Swap the bread crumbs out for crushed ritz crackers as a retro chicken casserole like the one my mom used to make.
Grab these Tools
Before diving into the cooking process, gather the following kitchen tools to make your life easier:
Large cast-iron skillet: Or other oven-safe pan. If you don’t have one, you can prepare the casserole stovetop then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the cheese and breadcrumbs. Whisk: To blend the flour into the broth and keep the sauce smooth. Cutting board and knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and broccoli. Small bowl: To combine breadcrumbs with olive oil. Wooden spoon: For stirring ingredients in the skillet.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole: Easy Step-by-Step Directions
Here’s how to put all those ingredients and tools to delicious use:
Preheat and prep: Start by preheating your oven so it’s ready when you are. This ensures an even bake. Sauté for flavor: Cook onions and garlic until they’re soft. This forms the flavor base of your casserole. Create the sauce: Add flour and then gradually pour in the broth. Stir constantly to create a creamy sauce without lumps. Enhance creaminess: Whisk in sour cream and mayonnaise for a rich texture and extra flavor. Season to taste: Before moving on, adjust the levels of salt and black pepper to get the flavor just right. Mix it up: Stir in your broccoli, rice, and cooked chicken. Make sure they’re evenly distributed in the creamy sauce. Cheese it: Sprinkle cheddar cheese over the top for a gooey, melty layer. Crispy topping: Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and spread over the cheese layer for added crunch. Bake to perfection: Place the casserole in the oven. This final step melds all the flavors together and crisps up the topping.
Now you’re ready to tackle this delicious casserole recipe!
How to Serve This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Straight from the Oven: For the best texture and flavor, serve this casserole hot, right out of the oven. The cheese is at its meltiest, and the flavors are at their peak. Side Pairings: Consider serving it with a light salad or steamed vegetables. These sides can balance out the richness of the casserole. Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to each serving. Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a roll can be great for scooping up any extra sauce.
Can I use white rice instead of brown?Absolutely, the type of rice is flexible; just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole. Can I make this vegetarian?Yes, you can replace the chicken with more vegetables like cauliflower or even tofu for a protein boost. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times. What can I use instead of sour cream?Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. How long does it keep in the fridge?Stored in an airtight container, the casserole should keep for 3-4 days. Can I freeze it?Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container suitable for freezing. It should keep for up to 2 months. How do I reheat it?You can reheat it in the oven at 350ºF until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes from the fridge. If you’re reheating from frozen, give it more time and consider covering it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
Feel free to tailor these sections according to what fits best with your recipe and style!
Notes, Pro Tips and Science-Based Secrets
Start with a saute of the onions and garlic in butter. Sprinkle the flour over before adding the liquids and remaining ingredients. As long as you’ve used an oven-proof vessel, this entire recipe can be made in one skillet (I consider a large cast iron skillet is an absolute kitchen essential) or dutch oven.
Don’t be tempted to add extra rice, it’ll absorb sauce as it bakes, continues to absorb sauce after it comes out of the oven, and is excellent saucy.
Occasionally the sauce will appear a bit curdled when you add the sour cream and mayo. To avoid this, you can whisk a cup or so of the steaming sauce into the mayo/sour cream in a heat-proof dish to thin it and make it easier to whisk into a full skillet. It also helps to turn off the heat and let the sauce cool a bit before you whisk it acidic ingredients. But honestly, once everything bakes together it is imperceptible.
If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, feel free to start the recipe by searing 4-6 skin-on chicken thighs to get the skin crispy, transferring them to a plate and adding back in where you’d add the cooked chicken. Just take the internal temperature to make sure it’s cooked through to 165ºF before you pull it from the oven.
If you’re looking for another new creamy, cozy chicken dinner option, my Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas are also a favourite.
How to Serve This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Side Pairings: Consider serving it with a light salad or steamed vegetables. These sides can balance out the richness of the casserole. Garnish: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives can add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to each serving. Bread: A slice of crusty bread or a roll can be great for scooping up any extra sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Making a casserole has never been so convenient. Here are your best options for preparing and storing this delightful dish.
Prep in Advance: Get a head start by chopping the onions, garlic, and broccoli a day before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to speed up cooking time. Assemble Ahead: You can assemble the entire casserole, minus the breadcrumb topping, up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, and simply add the breadcrumbs just before baking. Freeze for Later: This casserole freezes like a dream. Cook it, let it cool, and then wrap it up for a future dinner that’s just a quick reheat away. Leftover Magic: Already baked and want to save the rest? No problem. Place your leftovers in an airtight container and enjoy within 3-4 days. Reheat with Ease: To bring it back to its original glory, reheat individual portions in the microwave or place the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warm and bubbly.
Consider this a little summary in case you didn’t read everything.
Can I use white rice instead of brown?Absolutely, the type of rice is flexible; just make sure it’s cooked before adding it to the casserole. Can I make this vegetarian?Yes, you can replace the chicken with more vegetables like cauliflower or even tofu for a protein boost. Just make sure to adjust your cooking times. What can I use instead of sour cream?Greek yogurt is an excellent substitute for sour cream if you’re looking for a lighter option. How long does it keep in the fridge?Stored in an airtight container, the casserole should keep for 3-4 days. Can I freeze it?Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just be sure to allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container suitable for freezing. It should keep for up to 2 months. How do I reheat it?You can reheat it in the oven at 350ºF until it’s heated through, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes from the fridge. If you’re reheating from frozen, give it more time and consider covering it with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
