There’s something about the way this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole fills the kitchen with its inviting aroma that instantly makes you feel at home. I remember the first time I tried it — the way the rich scent of melted cheese mingled with the subtle, savory notes of Knorr seasoning. I was juggling a bunch of things, so I didn’t watch it as closely as I probably should have. The cheese bubbled up and browned just a bit more than I’d planned, but honestly? That slight crisp around the edges only made it better. When I finally sat down with a plate, the tender chicken, the pop of broccoli, and the creamy rice melded into this comforting, almost nostalgic bite that I couldn’t help but go back for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that’s a little imperfect, but totally satisfying in all the right ways.
Why You’ll Love It
– Combines familiar, wholesome ingredients into one easy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
– The Knorr seasoning adds a depth of flavor that’s rich without being overwhelming, though it’s not a super fancy or complicated recipe — it’s simple, and that’s kind of the point.
– The mix of cheeses creates a gooey, melty texture that’s irresistible, even if you’re a little loose with the amounts like I sometimes am.
– Great for busy weeknights when you want something homemade but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.
– Leftovers reheat well, which is perfect if you’re not feeding a crowd but still want a few meals ready to go.
I usually feel a little less guilty about indulging in cheesy casseroles like this when I sneak in broccoli, even if the kids might pretend they don’t notice. It’s a quiet win. If you’re hesitant about trying casserole recipes, this one’s a gentle way to start — it’s forgiving and pretty straightforward.
PrintCheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr
A comforting and easy-to-make cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole featuring Knorr seasoning for rich flavor. Perfect for a family dinner that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese in a hearty rice base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 packet Knorr Chicken Flavor Recipe Mix (about 1.25 oz)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, Knorr Chicken Flavor Recipe Mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, black pepper, salt, and paprika. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Fold in 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of the shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Kitchen Notes
You don’t need anything fancy to make this casserole come together — just a good-sized baking dish and your stovetop for the initial sauté. I like to serve it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra cheese sauce. Sometimes, I swap out the white rice for brown or a wild rice blend, but I haven’t tested all those variations thoroughly, so the texture can shift a bit. You could also try mixing in some cooked mushrooms or a handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes if you’re feeling adventurous, though it might stray from that classic comforting vibe.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prep the mixture and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.
Q: What if I don’t have Knorr seasoning?
A: You can use chicken bouillon powder or a simple mix of chicken broth and a pinch of herbs, but the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Q: Can this be frozen?
A: Absolutely. Freeze leftovers in an airtight container and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: Is there a way to make this lighter?
A: You could swap the mayo and sour cream for Greek yogurt or reduce the cheese slightly, but it might lose some creaminess.
If you’re craving that kind of meal that feels like a small celebration of home cooking without any fuss, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole might just become your go-to. Give it a try on a night when you want something that’s both nourishing and a little indulgent. Save it, print it, and make it your own — I’m pretty sure you’ll be glad you did.