Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

If you’re a 90s kid, you probably grew up on some version of cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole. I absolutely loved it and I was so excited to create this healthier version that doesn’t leverage processed foods and adds a bit more flavor and protein using bone broth for the rice.

This cheesy chicken rice also a great budget meal! We love incorporating this into our budget meal plans, you can see a full meal plan here.

Cheesy Chicken Rice Casserole

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked rice (cooked in bone broth)

• Bechamel sauce (made with 1 stick butter, flour, milk, garlic powder to taste)

• 10 oz shredded cheddar cheese (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)

• 1 package broccoli (steamed or lightly cooked)

• ½ rotisserie chicken, shredded

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: Paprika or breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. Make the Sauce:
   If you haven’t already, prepare your béchamel:

   • Melt 1 stick of butter in a saucepan over medium heat.

   • Whisk in about 1/2 cup flour to make a roux.

   • Slowly whisk in 2.5–3 cups of milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.

   • Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

3. Combine the Base:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine:

   • Cooked rice

   • Shredded chicken

   • Cooked broccoli

   • Béchamel sauce

   • 9.5 oz of shredded cheddar cheese
     Stir everything until evenly combined.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
   Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

5. Top & Bake:
   Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
   Optional: Add a sprinkle of paprika or breadcrumbs for a golden finish.

6. Bake:
   Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is lightly golden.

7. Serve:
   Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Healthy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use leftover rice for healthy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Yes! Leftover rice works perfectly for this recipe. For extra flavor and protein, cook your rice in bone broth before adding it to the cheesy chicken casserole mixture.

2. Can I make cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, bake as directed, adding an extra 5–10 minutes if it’s chilled.

3. Can you freeze homemade chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Yes. Cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or freezer wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered in the oven until hot throughout for a quick freezer-friendly dinner.

4. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen in cheesy chicken rice casserole?
Definitely. Lightly steam or blanch fresh broccoli before adding it to your healthy chicken and rice casserole to keep its bright color and tender-crisp texture.

5. What can I substitute for béchamel in healthy chicken broccoli casserole?
If short on time, use cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup. However, homemade béchamel sauce makes this a healthier, less processed chicken rice bake.

6. How can I make gluten-free cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Swap the flour in the béchamel sauce for a gluten-free blend or cornstarch. All other ingredients in this chicken rice bake are naturally gluten-free.

7. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes. Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, cauliflower, or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian broccoli rice casserole.

8. What’s the best cheese for creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole?
Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor, but you can mix in mozzarella for extra creaminess or pepper jack for a little spice.

9. How do I keep my cheesy chicken rice casserole from drying out?
Avoid overbaking and make sure the rice and chicken are well coated in sauce before baking. Cover loosely with foil if needed.

10. What vegetables can I add to healthy chicken and rice bake?
Peas, carrots, spinach, or zucchini work great in this easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole and boost its nutritional value.