Some recipes just feel like home, and this Broccoli Rice Chicken Cheese Bake is one of them. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with hearty ingredients, this dish is everything you want on a busy weeknight—or when you just need a little extra comfort on your plate.
The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli coated in a rich, velvety cheese sauce is pure satisfaction in every bite. This dish has been a lifesaver in my kitchen more times than I can count.
Whether it’s meal prep for the week or a last-minute dinner, it comes together effortlessly and feeds a crowd. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable—swap out the processed cheese for sharp cheddar, add a dash of paprika for a hint of warmth, or throw in some crispy breadcrumbs for a golden crust on top.
And let’s talk about the best part: it pairs beautifully with simple sides like Mashed Potatoes for an extra cozy meal or Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a lighter touch. One-pan meals like this are trending because they make life easier—no need for multiple dishes, and the flavors meld together beautifully as they bake.
In fact, research shows that comfort foods can boost serotonin levels, making this the perfect mood-lifting meal. You’re going to love this one. So grab a spoon, and let’s dig in!
Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)
- It’s ridiculously easy: No complicated steps, just mix, bake, and enjoy. Perfect for busy nights!
- It’s the definition of comfort food: The creamy, cheesy goodness hits all the right notes.
- It’s a one-pan wonder: Less cleanup means more time to enjoy your meal.
- It’s flexible! Swap ingredients, add spice, or make it extra crispy with a breadcrumb topping.
- Leftovers? Even better: The flavors get even richer the next day, making this a great meal-prep option.
Broccoli Rice Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Saucepan
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups uncooked instant rice
- 2 10 ounce cans chunk chicken, drained
- 1 16 ounce package frozen chopped broccoli
- 1 pound processed cheese food cubed
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- ¼ cup butter cubed
- 1 small white onion chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add instant rice and cook as per package instructions.
- Steam or microwave the broccoli until tender.
- In a large bowl, mix chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cheese, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, butter, and chopped onion.
- Stir everything together until well combined, then spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy warm with Mashed Potatoes or Cottage Cheese Flatbread for a complete meal!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 756kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 83g |
| Protein | 36g |
| Fat | 31g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 1642mg |
Variations To Keep Things Exciting!
- Caramelized Onion Twist – Instead of using raw onions, caramelize them first for a deep, sweet-savory flavor that enhances the dish’s richness.
- Smoky Chipotle Upgrade – Mix in a teaspoon of chipotle powder or smoked paprika for a subtle smoky heat that balances the creamy cheese sauce.
- Crunchy Parmesan Topping – For a gourmet touch, mix panko breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and butter, then sprinkle over the top before baking for a crispy, golden crust.
- Mushroom & Thyme Infusion – Sauté fresh mushrooms with butter and a pinch of thyme, then stir them into the mixture for an earthy, herby depth.
- Gourmet Cheese Blend – Ditch processed cheese and try a mix of gruyère, aged cheddar, and gouda for a richer, more sophisticated flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomato Kick – Finely chop sun-dried tomatoes and mix them in for little bursts of tangy, umami-packed goodness.
- Crispy Prosciutto Addition – Crisp up some prosciutto in a pan and crumble it over the dish after baking for an elegant, salty crunch.
- Garlic Butter Infusion – Melt butter with minced garlic and a touch of parsley, then mix it into the bake for an extra layer of rich, garlicky goodness.
- Lemon Zest Brightness – Just before serving, add a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest to cut through the richness and add a fresh, vibrant contrast.
- Roasted Cauliflower Swap – Instead of broccoli, try roasted cauliflower for a nuttier, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the cheesy sauce.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
