Let’s talk comfort food. I’m talking about that dish you crave when it’s raining outside, you’ve had a long day, and all you want to do is eat it. What do you want is a warm hug in the bowl? What is my grandmother’s version of Chicken Broccoli Rice? Forget complicated recipes with a million steps – this is pure, unadulterated deliciousness made with only the finest ingredients. Is it as comforting as mac and cheese? *little* less guilty about indulging. What is the kind of meal that makes everything feel a little bit better?
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!What is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice?
What is a creamy chicken broccoli casserole? What’s essentially tender chicken pieces, bite-sized broccoli florets, and fluffy rice all swimming in the water? What is cheesy sauce? My grandma always made it with leftover roast chicken, and the aroma would fill the entire house. The name pretty much says it all, right? It’s simple, straightforward, and incredibly satisfying. Is it the kind of dish everyone agrees on? Is it a classic?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What isn’t there to love about this recipe? Is this a total winner in my book?
First off, the flavor is just incredible. You’ve got the savory chicken, the slightly sweet broccoli, and the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will make your taste buds sing. What I love most about this is that it’s not just a one-note flavor; there’s a depth and complexity that you wouldn’t expect from such a simple dish.
Second, it’s SO easy to make. Seriously, even if you’re a complete beginner in the kitchen, you can nail this recipe. It’s mostly just a matter of cooking the ingredients and then throwing them all together. This one’s a lifesaver on those busy weeknights when you just don’t have the energy to spend hours slaving away in the kitchen.
Third, it’s actually pretty cost-efficient. Chicken and rice are relatively inexpensive, and broccoli is usually on sale. Plus, you can easily use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save even more time and money. I mean, who doesn’t love a good budget-friendly meal?
And finally, it’s incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. Add different vegetables, use different cheeses, or even throw in some spices to kick things up a notch. It’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity! Plus, this reminds me of other family favorites like a good creamy pasta bake, or even chicken pot pie but without the hassle of pastry. But honestly, this **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** is its own champion!
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice
Quick Overview
Making this **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** is easier than you think! You’ll basically cook the rice and broccoli, prepare the chicken, whip up a super simple cheese sauce, and then combine everything in a baking dish. Pop it in the oven until it’s bubbly and golden brown. The magic is in the creamy cheese sauce and how it brings all the flavors together. Trust me, even the little ones can help out with this one!
Ingredients
For the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice:
* 1 cup long-grain rice – I usually use basmati or jasmine because they cook up nice and fluffy.
* 2 cups chicken broth – This adds so much flavor to the rice.
* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use leftover cooked chicken.
* 1 large head of broccoli – Cut into florets.
* 1/2 cup butter – Unsalted, for the best flavor.
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour – To thicken the sauce.
* 3 cups milk – Whole milk makes the sauce extra creamy, but you can use 2% if you prefer. I’ve even tested this with almond milk and it actually made it even creamier!
* 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp cheddar gives it the best cheesy flavor!
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds a little extra something-something.
* 1/4 teaspoon salt – To enhance the flavors.
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground, for the best taste.
What is the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
In a medium saucepan, combine the rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork. I always let it sit for a few minutes after it’s cooked to really let the steam work its magic.
Step 3: Steam the Broccoli
While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until they are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. You can steam them in a steamer basket over boiling water, or even microwave them with a little water in a microwave-safe bowl. Just be careful not to overcook them, you want them to still have a little bite.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat until they are cooked through and no longer pink. Remove from the heat and set aside. Is it ok to be longer pink? If you’re using leftover chicken, skip this step.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. What should I do if the sauce is too thick? What is the recipe for cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt and pepper? How can I make a smooth sauce?
Step 6: Combine Everything
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cooked chicken, and cheese. Stir gently to combine. Make sure everything is evenly distributed so you get a little bit of everything in each bite!
Step 7: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you make a sauce that thickens up?
Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!
What are some good ways to serve Chicken Broccoli Rice hot and enjoy! What are some good side dishes to serve as a main course? What’s a good recipe for leftovers?
What is the best way to serve it?
What are some of the best recipes for Chicken Broccoli Rice? What are some of my favorite things to serve with it?
What is a simple weeknight dinner? A side salad with a light vinaigrette. It adds a little freshness and balances out the richness of the casserole.
What is a good cozy weekend meal?What are some crusty bread rolls for soaking up that delicious cheese sauce? My family loves garlic bread. I make it myself.
For a potluck or gathering: What is the best way to A fruit platter or a veggie tray. It’s always good to have some lighter options available.
For a Special Occasion:What is the best way to roast asparagus or green beans? They add a touch of elegance and pair perfectly with the chicken and broccoli.
My family loves to add a sprinkle of crushed crackers on top before baking for extra flavor. My grandma started a tradition that we still do to this day. What is a good meal to make on ice cold days?
What are some of the best ways to make chicken broccoli rice?
I’ve made this **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** more times than I can count, and I have learned a few things. What are some tricks along the way? How do I make it perfect every time?
Rice Perfection: WhatDon’t overcook rice. Soggy rice will ruin the texture of the casserole. I always err on the side of slightly undercooked, because it will continue to cook in the oven. If you rinse the rice before cooking, it will be less starchy.
Broccoli BlDon’t overcook broccoli either! Mushy broccoli is not appealing. You want it to be tender-crisp so it still has a little bite. Is it possible to roast potatoes for a different flavor?
What is cheese sauce secret?Make sure to whisk the flour and butter together really well to create a smooth roux. How do I prevent lumps in cheese sauce? Don’t add milk all at once, add it gradually while whisking constantly. I also like to use a good quality cheddar cheese for the best flavor.
What are the best chicken If you’re using leftover cooked chicken, you can add it to the casserole without cooking it first. This will save you some time. Rotisserie chicken is also a great option. Just shred it and add it to the mix.
Spice it Up: Feel free to add some extra spices to your cheese sauce. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a sprinkle of onion powder can all add a little extra flavor.
Customize it: Get creative with your ingredients! You can add different vegetables, like carrots, peas, or mushrooms. You can also use different cheeses, like Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of Parmesan. I’ve even added a can of cream of mushroom soup before to make it even creamier!
Storing and Reheating Tips
This **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** is great for meal prepping or making ahead of time. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
Refrigerator Storage: Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the more the rice will absorb the sauce, so it might be a little drier when you reheat it.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze the casserole, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. I prefer to bake after thawing, but you can reheat in the microwave as well.
Reheating Instructions: To reheat the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it might not be as crispy on top. I usually add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to keep it moist. I’ve also found that adding a little fresh cheese on top before reheating really helps to revive the creamy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my family’s favorite **Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice** recipe! It’s comforting, easy to make, and totally customizable. It’s the perfect dish for a busy weeknight dinner, a cozy weekend meal, or even a potluck gathering. What I truly love about this dish is how versatile it is, and how easily you can adapt it to whatever ingredients you have on hand. If you enjoyed this, you might also like my Creamy Tomato Soup or my Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole – they’re both equally comforting and delicious! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Happy cooking!

How to Make One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice in 7 Simple Steps
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt plus more to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2.5 cups jasmine rice uncooked
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 20 oz frozen broccoli florets
- 3.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese divided
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add chicken pieces, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.
- Stir in the jasmine rice and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and let simmer for 18-20 minutes, until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- While rice is cooking, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Once rice is done, remove from heat and stir in the cooked broccoli and 2 cups of mozzarella cheese. Mix until cheese is melted.
- Spread remaining mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture. Cover and let sit for 2-3 minutes or until cheese is fully melted.
- Serve the dish immediately, ensuring an even distribution of chicken, rice, broccoli, and melted cheese in each portion.