Imagine a creamy, cheesy casserole bursting with tender chunks of rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice. This Healthy, Homemade Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. Get ready to dive into a dish that’s simultaneously satisfying, nutritious, and utterly delicious.
Growing up, my mom would make a version of this casserole whenever she needed to feed a crowd or have a hearty meal ready for the week ahead. The aroma of melted cheese, sautéed garlic, and perfectly cooked broccoli would fill the air, luring everyone to the table. It was a family favorite that I’ve since perfected to create this healthier, homemade rendition.
What sets this casserole apart is the clever use of rotisserie chicken, which adds juicy flavor and texture without the hassle of cooking a whole bird. Paired with broccoli’s nutritional punch and a simple homemade cheese sauce, you’ve got a dish that’s both comforting and nourishing. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is sure to become a new staple in your kitchen.
🤩 What Makes This Dish Instantly Addictive ?
The secret to this Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole’s irresistible appeal lies in its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The creamy, cheesy sauce coats every bite, while the tender chicken, al dente broccoli, and fluffy rice create a wonderfully varied mouthfeel. Plus, the use of rotisserie chicken means you get all that juicy, flavorful meat without any of the work.
What really sets this recipe apart is the homemade cheese sauce. Instead of relying on canned soups or processed cheese, I make a simple béchamel-style sauce using milk, flour, and a blend of sharp cheddar and parmesan. This results in a luxuriously creamy and flavorful base that coats every ingredient perfectly. The combination of cheese, broccoli, and chicken is a classic for a reason – it’s an unbeatable trio of flavors that work together seamlessly.
Ingredients
• 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (any type)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
The key ingredients that make this casserole so special are the rotisserie chicken and the homemade cheese sauce. The rotisserie chicken adds a delicious, juicy flavor that’s hard to replicate with plain cooked chicken. And the béchamel-style cheese sauce is the creamy, cheesy glue that holds everything together. Feel free to use any type of milk you prefer, but I find that whole milk or 2% work best for a rich, velvety texture.
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- Cook the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
- Prepare the Broccoli: Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, making sure to coat all the ingredients.
- Bake the Casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Finish and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop and serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
⏱ Timing Overview
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
🍽 Nutritional Information
Nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on 6 servings.
• Protein: 32 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
🤩 Flavor Twists to Keep Things Interesting
• To Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or oil, the milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk, and the cheese with your favorite vegan cheese shreds or a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce.
• To Add a Spicy Kick: Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. You can also top the casserole with a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or paprika before baking.
💁♀️ How to Present This Dish Beautifully ?
• Garnish Suggestions: Garnish the top of the casserole with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, a few sprigs of fresh thyme or parsley, and a drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce for a vibrant finishing touch.
• Beverage Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, or a refreshing sparkling water with a twist of lemon or lime.
💯 Your Guide to a Flawless Execution
• Mistake 2 – Using Cold Ingredients: Make sure all the ingredients, especially the milk and cheese, are at room temperature before assembling the casserole. Cold ingredients can cause the cheese sauce to break or become grainy.
• Mistake 3 – Not Preheating the Oven: Proper oven preheating is crucial for achieving a perfectly baked and bubbly casserole. Ensure your oven is heated to the correct temperature before adding the dish.
🥶 A Guide to Storing for Later
• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat individual portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also reheat slices in the microwave, but the texture may not be as crisp on the edges.
🙋♂️ FAQs
Can I use fresh or frozen broccoli instead of steamed?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets in this recipe. If using fresh, simply add a few minutes to the steaming time to ensure they are tender. For frozen broccoli, no need to steam – just add the frozen florets directly to the casserole and bake as directed.
Can I substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use cooked chicken breasts instead of rotisserie chicken. Simply poach or bake the chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or dice them before assembling the casserole. Keep in mind that rotisserie chicken often has more flavor, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning if using plain chicken breasts.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a great make-ahead dish. Assemble the entire casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. When ready to serve, simply remove the casserole from the fridge, uncover, and bake as directed in the recipe. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since the casserole will be starting from a chilled state.
Can I use a different type of rice?
Absolutely! This casserole works well with white, brown, or even wild rice. If using a different variety, adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the rice is tender before assembling the casserole.
How can I make this casserole more low-carb?
To make a more low-carb version of this dish, you can substitute the rice with riced cauliflower. Simply use 3 cups of riced cauliflower in place of the cooked rice. You may also want to reduce the amount of cheese sauce or use a lower-carb cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan.
🍽 The Final Sprinkle of Inspiration
This Healthy, Homemade Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce is simply irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is a surefire way to satisfy your cravings and nourish your body.
So gather your loved ones around the table and savor every bite of this delectable dish. The aroma alone will have them eagerly awaiting their servings. And with so many ways to customize and enjoy this casserole, the possibilities are endless. Bon appétit!
Homemade Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole with Rotisserie Chicken
⏱️ Timing Overview
🥘 Ingredients
📝 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
- If you haven't already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set it aside.
- Bring a medium saucepan of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes, until just tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a simmer, cooking until thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice, shredded rotisserie chicken, and steamed broccoli. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, making sure to coat all the ingredients.
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop and serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese, if desired.
