Some dinners come with memories attached, and this chicken broccoli rice casserole with Uncle Ben’s rice is one of those. It’s the kind of dish that warms more than just your stomach—it wraps you up in a quiet comfort, the kind that settles in after a hectic day when you just want something familiar and satisfying.

I remember pulling this out of the oven once after a day that was somewhere between chaotic and exhausting. The kitchen filled with that soft, cheesy aroma that’s both homey and inviting. I think I got a little distracted peeling the garlic—maybe I didn’t get all the skins off perfectly—and that little imperfection made me smile. When I finally sat down with a plate, the combination of tender chicken, bright broccoli, and creamy rice felt like a gentle hug. Nothing fancy, but exactly what I needed.

Why You’ll Love It:

It blends simple ingredients into a dish that feels thoughtfully homemade without hours in the kitchen.
The creamy texture and melted cheese topping create a cozy experience that’s just right for unwinding.
It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point here. No complicated steps or rare ingredients.
Using Uncle Ben’s rice adds a reliable fluffiness that holds up well in the casserole, even after baking.

If you’re worried about juggling too many dishes or complicated recipes during the week, this casserole is a gentle reminder that sometimes straightforward is best. It’s forgiving in the kitchen, so if your onions get a little more golden than planned, it’s okay.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Uncle Ben’s

Print Recipe

A comforting and easy-to-make chicken broccoli rice casserole using Uncle Ben’s rice, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, baked in a creamy sauce and topped with melted cheese.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked Uncle Ben’s Long Grain White Rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked Uncle Ben’s rice, diced cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually keep a sturdy casserole dish on hand for meals like this—it makes the whole process less intimidating. This casserole pairs nicely with a simple salad or steamed green beans if you want a little something extra. If you feel adventurous, stirring in a handful of chopped mushrooms or swapping out cheddar for pepper jack can add a twist, though I haven’t tested all these variations thoroughly. Sometimes just sticking to the basics feels the most satisfying.

FAQ:

Can I make this ahead? Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a few days and reheats nicely in the microwave.

What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can substitute with cream of chicken or celery, or even a homemade white sauce if you have the time.

Is fresh broccoli necessary? Fresh broccoli works best for texture, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and drain well before mixing in.

This dish is a quiet champion of comfort food—easy, satisfying, and reliably good. If you’re craving something that feels like a warm embrace after a busy day, this casserole is worth making again and again.