Ultimate Comfort Food: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, cheesy casserole. And when you combine tender chicken, fluffy rice, healthy broccoli, and a blanket of melted cheese, you’ve got a dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food – easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering. This recipe provides detailed, easy-to-follow instructions to ensure your casserole turns out perfectly every time.

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Easy to Make:** This recipe uses simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it a breeze to prepare, even on busy weeknights.
* **Comforting and Delicious:** The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and hearty vegetables is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different types of cheese, vegetables, or seasonings to suit your preferences.
* **Make-Ahead Friendly:** Prepare the casserole in advance and bake it later, making it a perfect dish for entertaining.
* **Family-Friendly:** A great way to sneak in some vegetables for kids who might not otherwise eat them.
* **Budget-Friendly:** Uses affordable ingredients that are readily available.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather all your ingredients. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more enjoyable.

* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Broccoli:** 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
* **Rice:** 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (long-grain, white, or brown rice are all good choices)
* **Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)
* **Butter:** 1/4 cup (4 tablespoons)
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk (whole milk or 2% milk works best)
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup chicken broth
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves minced garlic
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional:** 1/4 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
* **Optional:** Paprika (for topping, adds color)

## Equipment You’ll Need

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole.

### Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

* **Cook the Rice:** If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to package directions. Let it cool slightly.
* **Cook the Chicken:** If you’re not using rotisserie chicken, cook the chicken breast (poaching, baking, or grilling are all good options). Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
* **Prepare the Broccoli:** If using fresh broccoli, wash it and cut it into small florets. You can steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it slightly and drain any excess water.
* **Chop the Onion and Garlic:** Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic.
* **Grate the Cheese:** If you’re using a block of cheese, grate it now.

### Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce

This is the heart of the casserole, so take your time and follow these steps carefully.

1. **Melt the Butter:** In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. **Sauté the Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the melted butter and cook until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. **Make a Roux:** Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until the flour is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth. This is called a roux and it will help thicken the sauce.
4. **Add the Milk and Chicken Broth:** Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and starting to thicken.
5. **Simmer the Sauce:** Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a desired consistency (it should be able to coat the back of a spoon).
6. **Add the Cheese:** Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually add the shredded cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Now it’s time to put all the ingredients together.

1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. **Grease the Baking Dish:** Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
3. **Layer the Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and broccoli florets.
4. **Pour the Cheese Sauce:** Pour the cheese sauce over the rice, chicken, and broccoli mixture. Stir gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. **Transfer to the Baking Dish:** Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. **Add Toppings (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle bread crumbs and paprika over the top of the casserole.

### Step 4: Bake the Casserole

Time to bake the casserole until it’s bubbly and golden brown.

1. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown.
2. **Rest:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly.

### Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole hot and enjoy! It’s delicious on its own or with a side salad or crusty bread.

## Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to help you customize this recipe to your liking:

* **Use Different Cheeses:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack, to add different flavors to the casserole. A combination of cheeses works well too!
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables, such as carrots, peas, or mushrooms, to the casserole. Sauté them along with the onion and garlic before adding them to the mixture.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a little kick.
* **Use Different Types of Rice:** Try using brown rice, wild rice, or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier option.
* **Add a Creamy Element:** For an extra creamy casserole, stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the cheese sauce before adding it to the other ingredients.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour in the cheese sauce to make this casserole gluten-free. Also ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free.
* **Use Cream of Mushroom Soup:** Replace the cheese sauce with cream of mushroom soup for a quicker and easier version. If you do this, you may need to adjust the amount of milk or broth you add to prevent the casserole from becoming too dry.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** In addition to bread crumbs, you can add crushed crackers, potato chips, or even fried onions to the top of the casserole for a crunchy texture.
* **Make it Vegetarian:** Substitute the chicken with tofu, beans, or extra vegetables to make a vegetarian version of this casserole.
* **Adjust the Broccoli:** If you’re not a fan of broccoli, you can substitute it with cauliflower, asparagus, or spinach. Just make sure to cook the vegetables until they’re tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
* **Leftover Chicken is Perfect:** This is a great recipe to use up leftover cooked chicken or turkey.
* **Spice Up the Chicken:** Marinate the chicken in your favorite spices before cooking for a more flavorful casserole.
* **Bacon Bits:** Adding bacon bits can enhance the overall flavor. Consider sprinkling some bacon bits on top before baking.
* **Make Mini Casseroles:** Divide the mixture into individual ramekins for personalized servings. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Incorporate fresh herbs like parsley, thyme, or chives into the cheese sauce or as a garnish to add freshness and flavor.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This casserole is perfect for making ahead of time. Here’s how:

1. **Assemble the Casserole:** Prepare the casserole according to the instructions up to the point of baking.
2. **Cover and Refrigerate:** Cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
3. **Bake:** When you’re ready to bake the casserole, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until warm.
* **Freeze:** You can also freeze the casserole for longer storage. Let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving (depending on ingredients and serving size)
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams

*Note: This is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.*

## Conclusion

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. With its easy-to-follow instructions and customizable ingredients, you can create a comforting and delicious meal that your family will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying casserole!

Enjoy this hearty and delicious dish, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different variations to create your own signature version. Happy cooking!