Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe with friends because it feels like a warm hug in a dish. It’s that perfect combo of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice all wrapped up in a luscious creamy sauce that’s both comforting and satisfying. Whether you’re cooking for your family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe really hits the spot every time.

What makes this casserole stand out for me is how easy it is to throw together without sacrificing any of that rich, homemade flavor. Plus, it’s adaptable — you can tweak it a bit depending on what you have on hand or what your taste buds are craving. You’ll enjoy how the creamy textures and bold, yet balanced seasonings come together in this Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe, making it a real crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a key role in building the perfect comforting casserole — from juicy chicken thighs to rich Boursin cheese. Picking fresh broccoli and making sure your rice is perfectly cooked ahead of time really sets this dish up for success.

• Unsalted butter: Helps create that silky base and prevents the sauce from sticking or burning.
• Chicken thighs: I prefer thighs for their juicy, tender texture that holds up well in baking.
• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity note and helps brown the chicken beautifully.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic amps up the savory flavor — don’t skip it!
• Chicken stock: Enhances the cream sauce with deeper, savory notes without overpowering.
• Cream of chicken with herbs (canned): This acts as the creamy base—grab one with herbs for that extra flavor punch.
• Heavy cream: When combined with the canned soup, it adds richness and silky smoothness to the sauce.
• Cheddar cheese: I go for mild or medium to get a nice melt and mellow flavor that balances the spices.
• Sour cream: Creates tanginess and depth while keeping the casserole creamy but not too heavy.
• Boursin cheese: This herbed cheese is my secret ingredient—it really elevates the overall flavor.
• Bayou City all-purpose seasoning: Adds a subtle Cajun flair; I like to divide and sprinkle it throughout for an even coat of spice.
• Bayou City garlic pepper: Another layer of savory punch with a kick of black pepper and garlic.
• Onion powder: Boosts the umami without adding texture.
• Cayenne pepper: Just a little to bring warmth and balance to the creaminess.
• Broccoli florets: Cooked but still crisp-tender, so they hold their bright color and texture in the casserole.
• White rice: Fully cooked rice so it blends seamlessly with the creamy sauce and chicken.
• Salt and pepper: To taste—season carefully since some of the canned and seasoned ingredients are salty.

Variations

One of the best things about this Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often switch up spices or swap ingredients based on what I have, and it always turns out delicious. Don’t be afraid to personalize it!

• Variation: I sometimes switch chicken thighs for breasts when I want a leaner option, though thighs keep the casserole juicier overall.
• Vegetarian twist: Replace chicken with extra broccoli or add mushrooms; just swap chicken stock for veggie stock.
• Spice it up: Add more cayenne or a dash of hot sauce for a livelier kick—I like this when serving it to spice lovers.
• Cheese options: Swap cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella to change the flavor profile or meltiness.
• Rice alternatives: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice for different textures and nutrition profiles.

How to Make Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Get That Golden Crust

Start by melting your butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with half of your bayou city all-purpose seasoning, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down and let them cook for about 6-8 minutes without moving — this is the step that gets you that beautiful golden crust and locks in the juiciness. Flip and cook the other side just until it’s browned, then remove the chicken and set it aside.

Step 2: Build That Creamy Sauce Magic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Pour in your chicken stock to deglaze the pan—scraping up all those tasty browned bits. Stir in the canned cream of chicken and heavy cream (I usually fill the empty soup can with heavy cream to make the measurement easy). Mix until smooth and warm through but don’t let it boil. Now fold in the cheddar cheese, sour cream, Boursin cheese, and the rest of the bayou city seasoning. Give it a good stir so the sauce gets rich and cheesy with a little kick from those spices.

Step 3: Combine Everything and Bake to Perfection

Next, fold your cooked broccoli florets and white rice into that luscious sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings—sometimes I add more garlic pepper at this stage. Lay the seared chicken thighs on top or nestle them into the mixture. Transfer everything to a greased casserole dish, cover it with foil, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors marry while the chicken finishes cooking through. For a nice golden top, uncover and bake another 5-10 minutes until the edges bubble and cheese is slightly browned.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the rich creaminess. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving adds a bright lift that cuts through the heaviness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole can hold its own, but if you want to round out the meal, I often pair it with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette or some roasted root vegetables. A crusty bread alongside is great for mopping up extra sauce, too.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personal touch. Or transform it into a layered dish using a clear glass baking dish to show off the beautiful layers of chicken, broccoli, rice, and creamy sauce—it makes a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats nicely and actually tastes even better the next day because the flavors have had time to meld together.

Freezing

This casserole freezes pretty well! I spoon it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and keep it frozen for up to 3 months. When I’m ready, I thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F (160°C) until heated through, usually about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works fine—just stir halfway to keep it creamy and even.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Creamy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole Recipe feels like family food to me — it’s nourishing, tasty, and simple enough to make any night of the week. Every time I make it, I’m reminded that comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. You’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again, and I hope it becomes one of your go-to meals too. So grab those ingredients, turn up the oven, and enjoy the creamy goodness with your loved ones!

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