Chicken
Broccoli, Cheddar & Chicken Rice Bake
Cooked chicken, brown rice, and broccoli bake in a simple milk-and-cheddar sauce with a light golden topping for a make-ahead family dinner.
Inspired by Family-style chicken and rice casseroles
Prep
20 min
Cook
35 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 12 ingredients
- • 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooled promptly if prepared ahead
- • 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 12 ounces)
- • 4 cups small broccoli florets
- • 2 tablespoons butter
- • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- • 1 1/2 cups milk
- • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, divided
- • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 3 cups cooked brown rice, cooled promptly if prepared aheadMissing
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken (about 12 ounces)Missing
- 4 cups small broccoli floretsMissing
- 2 tablespoons butterMissing
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flourMissing
- 1 1/2 cups milkMissing
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken brothMissing
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar, dividedMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powderMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher saltMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepperMissing
- 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbsMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
This casserole uses cooked chicken and cooked brown rice, so it is especially useful for safely stored leftovers. The measured homemade sauce avoids relying on condensed soup. Steam broccoli only briefly before baking so it remains recognizable rather than dissolving into the sauce.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate portions within two hours in shallow covered containers and use within 3–4 days. Reheat the center to 165 F; use only chicken and rice that were themselves cooled and refrigerated promptly.
Make-ahead tips
Assemble the casserole with chilled cooked components up to one day ahead and refrigerate covered. Add breadcrumbs before baking and allow extra covered oven time if starting cold, checking 165 F in the center.
What to serve with it
- - A green salad
- - Sliced tomatoes
- - Steamed carrots
Equipment needed
- - 9-by-13-inch baking dish
- - Saucepan and whisk
- - Instant-read thermometer
Difficulty explained
Using cooked protein and rice leaves a simple cheese sauce and assembly task; the temperature check confirms the whole casserole is reheated evenly.
Recipe calculator
Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
Use a commercial cup-for-cup blend that includes xanthan gum.
Plant-based butter
Use a firm, baking-style plant butter in the same amount.
Monterey Jack
Use the same amount of freshly shredded Monterey Jack.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Adding raw rice or raw chicken to this short bake does not follow the recipe and can leave the casserole unsafe or undercooked.
- Undrained steamed broccoli dilutes the cheese sauce and makes the casserole watery.
- Baking until the surface is dark does not confirm the center is hot; check 165 F in the deepest part.
Nutrition Context
- Cooked chicken supplies protein, rice supplies carbohydrate, and broccoli adds vegetables to this one-dish dinner.
- The estimate includes sauce, cheddar, and breadcrumbs across four generous portions and assumes skinless cooked chicken breast.
FAQ
Can I add raw chicken?
No. The method is designed for fully cooked chicken that is safely reheated to 165 F in the finished casserole.
Is the rice cooked first?
Yes. Measure three cups already cooked rice. Dry rice needs a separate cooking step and cannot be added directly.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes. Thaw, heat briefly if needed, and drain thoroughly before mixing with the cooked ingredients.
Can I freeze portions?
Yes. Cool promptly, wrap individual portions, and freeze up to two months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Why rest before serving?
A short rest lets the cheese sauce settle so each portion scoops neatly instead of spreading immediately.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include A green salad; Sliced tomatoes; Steamed carrots. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.