Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, it brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5-6 chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs
• 1 (10.5 oz) heavy cream (use the cream of chicken can to measure)
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese (mild or medium), shredded
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
• 3 tbsp Bayou City all purpose seasoning, divided
• 1 tbsp Bayou City garlic pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
• 4 cups white rice, cooked
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
3. Step 3: Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose seasoning.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken thighs in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
5. Step 5: Remove chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
7. Step 7: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits. Let it reduce for about 4 minutes for extra flavor.
8. Step 8: Add the cream of chicken soup and then pour the heavy cream into the empty soup can to measure, adding this as well. Stir to combine.
9. Step 9: Stir in the Boursin cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Add more cheese if you prefer a thicker sauce, but save some for topping.
10. Step 10: Mix in the sour cream until fully incorporated.
11. Step 11: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken.
12. Step 12: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to coat evenly. Season with the remaining Bayou City seasonings, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
13. Step 13: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
14. Step 14: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
15. Step 15: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
16. Step 16: Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden.
17. Step 17: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
18. Step 18: Optional: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for color and extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add convenience.
• Swap broccoli with cauliflower or mixed vegetables for a different twist.
• For extra richness, add a handful of grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce.
• If you like a bit more heat, increase cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the mix.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast works well but may cook faster and be less juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly and watch to avoid drying out the meat.

Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?

This recipe relies heavily on dairy for its creamy texture and flavor, but you can substitute cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives. Keep in mind the texture and taste will differ slightly.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 60 reviews

This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole features tender, seasoned chicken thighs combined with cooked broccoli and white rice, all enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce made from cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. Baked to bubbly, golden perfection, this dish is a hearty and satisfying family meal that balances rich flavors with wholesome ingredients.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 5–6 chicken thighs
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp Bayou City all purpose seasoning (divided)
• 1 tbsp Bayou City garlic pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chicken stock
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs
• 1 (10.5 oz) heavy cream (measured using the empty cream of chicken can)
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium), divided
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup Boursin cheese

Vegetables and Rice

• 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
• 4 cups white rice, cooked

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole is assembled.
2. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to prepare for cooking the chicken.
3. Season Chicken: Lightly coat the chicken thighs with olive oil and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all purpose seasoning on them for flavor.
4. Cook Chicken: Place the chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and no longer pink inside.
5. Shred Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and allow it to cool slightly. Then shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
6. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
7. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all browned bits from the bottom. Let the liquid reduce for about 4 minutes to concentrate flavors.
8. Add Cream Base: Stir in the cream of chicken soup and then add heavy cream measured from the empty cream of chicken can. Mix well to combine the sauce.
9. Melt Cheeses: Add Boursin cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup). Stir continuously until all cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. Add more cheddar if you prefer a thicker sauce but reserve some for topping.
10. Add Sour Cream: Mix sour cream into the sauce until fully incorporated, creating a creamy texture.
11. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked broccoli florets, and shredded chicken thoroughly.
12. Mix Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the rice mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Season with the remaining Bayou City all purpose seasoning (1 tbsp), Bayou City garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
13. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
14. Add Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
15. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
16. Uncover and Finish Baking: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
17. Rest and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot.
18. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and paprika on top for color and extra flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken thighs with boneless skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
• Using leftover cooked rice and broccoli works well to save time.
• Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the spice level of the dish.
• For a thicker sauce, add extra shredded cheddar cheese when melting the cheeses.
• Make sure not to overcook the chicken in the skillet to keep it tender before baking.
• Covering the casserole while baking helps retain moisture; uncover towards the end to brown the cheese topping.

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, creamy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food casserole, easy family dinner