A cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that's so easy to whip up, you'll swear the kitchen gods are smiling down on you. Perfect for those evenings when you're running between school pickups and bedtime stories.
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This casserole is a lifesaver for busy parents. It’s creamy, crunchy, and full of wholesome ingredients that'll leave your family asking for seconds. Expect a dish that's both comforting and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Easy preparation: Just mix, bake, and serve.
- Time-efficient: Ready in 45 minutes.
- Kid-approved flavors: Cheesy goodness with a hint of garlic.
- Texture variety: Creamy base and crispy cornflake topping.
- Few ingredients: Uses pantry staples.
- Nutritious: Packed with broccoli and protein from chicken and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chunk chicken breast (drained)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli (thawed & cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- Salt, pepper, & garlic powder to taste
Step-by-step instructions
1. Prep your kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
2. Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix everything except the corn flakes and melted butter.
3. Assemble the casserole: Press the mixture into your baking dish, sprinkle the corn flakes on top, then drizzle with butter.
4. Bake to perfection: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the corn flake topping turns golden brown.
Recipe tips & variations
- When short on time, use instant rice.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap chicken with cooked ground turkey for a twist.
- If you like, throw in some cooked bacon bits for an indulgent variant.
Storage & reheating
- Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze for long-term storage (up to 2 months).
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to keep the topping crispy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in this casserole?
Absolutely! Just steam it lightly first to match the tender texture of thawed frozen broccoli.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time for meal prep?
Assemble the casserole but skip the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready, add the cornflakes, drizzle with butter, and bake as directed.
What can I substitute for canned chicken in this recipe?
Cooked and shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey works great as a substitute.
How do I keep the corn flake topping crispy after baking?
Cover leftovers loosely with foil to prevent any moisture from making the topping soggy. Reheat in a hot oven to crisp it back up.
Recipes you may like
- Gluten-Free Lemon Crinkle Cookies
- Creamy Mango Banana Smoothie for a Fresh Morning Boost
- Pineapple Green Smoothie
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a delightful dish that checks all the boxes for a cozy family meal. Save this one to your Pinterest board for those nights when you need a quick and hearty fix. Enjoy, and let me know how your family liked it in the comments!
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole that's easy to prepare and perfect for busy families.
Ingredients
- 1 (12.5 oz) can chunk chicken breast (drained)
- 2 cups frozen broccoli (thawed & cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups crushed corn flakes
- 4 tbsp butter (melted)
- Salt, pepper, & garlic powder to taste
Instructions
- Prep your kitchen: Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix everything except the corn flakes and melted butter.
- Assemble the casserole: Press the mixture into your baking dish, sprinkle the corn flakes on top, then drizzle with butter.
- Bake to perfection: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the corn flake topping turns golden brown.
Notes
- When short on time, use instant rice.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne.
- Swap chicken with cooked ground turkey for a twist.
- If you like, throw in some cooked bacon bits for an indulgent variant.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
