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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

American · Dinner · Easy

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Total
55 min
Prep
20 min
Serves
6
Calories
500
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Tender chicken, broccoli and rice bake under cheddar in a creamy casserole made with a simple milk sauce.

Cooking the rice before assembly keeps Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole predictable. The oven then heats the filling and melts the cheese without asking raw grains to absorb liquid from a thick sauce.

Keep the broccoli slightly firm before baking and drain it well. Use a broad dish so the center heats promptly and the top gets a generous layer of browned cheese.

CheesyHeartyBakingMake AheadNut-freeEgg-freeHigh-protein

Method

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Boil the broccoli in water for until bright green and drain well.

  2. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour for , then whisk in milk gradually and simmer for until thickened.

  3. Remove from the heat. Stir in 1 cup cheddar, salt, black pepper and garlic powder until smooth.

  4. Combine the sauce, cooked chicken, cooked rice and broccoli in a 9-by-13-inch baking dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar over the top.

  5. Bake for until bubbling and 165°F in the center.

Forkue tips

  • Break up cold rice clumps before mixing so sauce reaches every grain.

Storing and reheating

Store leftover chicken broccoli rice casserole in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat covered with a small splash of milk or water; uncover at the end if you want the cheese top to firm again.

Kitchen gear

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Nutrition per serving, estimated

500Calories
33gProtein
38gCarbs
24gFat

Image: AI-generated picture of the finished dish, made by Forkue. Yours will look like home cooking.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: FAQ

Can I use brown rice?

Yes, provided it is fully cooked before assembly. Its firmer grains hold their shape well in the casserole.

Can I freeze portions?

Yes, for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat covered; the broccoli will be softer after freezing.

How do I store and reheat Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Store leftover chicken broccoli rice casserole in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat covered with a small splash of milk or water; uncover at the end if you want the cheese top to firm again.

How long does Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole take?

About 55 min in total: 20 min prep and 35 min cooking.

What do I need to make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

The key ingredients are cooked chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cheddar, butter and all-purpose flour, plus pantry basics.

Any tips for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Break up cold rice clumps before mixing so sauce reaches every grain.

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