Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

If you're looking for a cozy, family-friendly dinner that feels indulgent, but still fits into a balanced lifestyle, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is about to become a staple in your kitchen. It's creamy, satisfying, packed with protein and veggies, and easy enough to throw together during those busy weeknights.

I love taking classic comfort dishes and putting a fun, healthy twist on them, and this casserole does exactly that. I keep all the cheesy, creamy goodness, while using simple, nourishing ingredients.

This casserole is everything you want in a cozy dinner: fluffy rice, juicy chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a rich, homemade cheesy sauce baked until bubbly and golden. It's perfect for those busy weeknight meals.

Looking for more easy weeknight casserole dishes? Then you must try my Baked Ziti with Ground Turkey recipe and my Zucchini Parmesan!

Ingredients to make this meal

Here is what you will need to make this dish. 

• chicken breast - boneless, skinless, and fat trimmed and either shredded or diced
• brown rice - cooked
• broccoli florets - fresh or frozen
• unsalted butter - I prefer unsalted so you can control the amount of sodium that goes into your meals.
• whole wheat flour - acts as a thickening agent for the homemade sauce.
• unsalted chicken broth - again, I always opt for unsalted so that I am in control of the amount of sodium going into my meals.
• plain Greek yogurt - or sour cream, this ingredient will make the dish extra creamy.
• shredded cheddar cheese - provides a rich savory and tangy flavor.
• milk - helps with the creaminess and thickness
• garlic powder - a mellow, sweeter version than minced garlic.
• onion powder - savory and slightly sweeter version than cooked onions.

How to make this dish

Step 1 - Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish, and set aside. In a small saucepan, add the 3 tbsp of unsalted butter. Once melted, mix in the flour and whisk until a roux forms. Then add in the chicken broth and ½ cup of milk, and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often. Remove from heat and let sit for another 5 minutes before adding to other ingredients.

Step 2 - In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, homemade sauce, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream, milk, seasonings, and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese. Mix well to combine.

Step 3 - Spread mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese.

Step 4 - Baking uncovered 25 - 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and cheese is golden and melted.

Substitutions and Variations

Cream of Chicken Soup - if you want, swap out the homemade sauce, then use cream of chicken soup in place of the sauce, which is 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, 3 tbsp. whole wheat flour, 1 cup unsalted chicken broth, and an extra ½ cup of 2% milk.

Brown Rice - can swap out for jasmine rice or white rice.

Whole Wheat Flour - you can also use All-Purpose flour here.

Tips and FAQ's

More Casserole Dishes you MUST TRY

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