Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe

There’s something about the aromatic blend of savory cheese and tender veggies that just warms the heart and soul, and this cheesy chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower casserole does exactly that while somehow making me feel like I’m adulting at a Michelin star level—even as a millennial who barely remembers to defrost the chicken. 🍗🥦🧀

Creating comforting and nutritious dishes is what I love to do, and this Broccoli and Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole is a perfect instance. It is packed with wholesome ingredients like the brown rice, broccoli, cauliflower, and chicken breast that I used in it, as well as with loads of flavor, protein, and, dare I say, comfort food vibes.

To get it all in a warm, cheesy, irresistible hug, I used a sauce made with equal parts shredded sharp cheddar and sour cream. Like I said: comfort food.

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredients

• Brown rice: Rich in fiber, complex carbohydrates, and essential minerals like magnesium.
• Broccoli florets: Packed with vitamins K and C, fiber, and powerful antioxidants.
• Cauliflower florets: Low in calories, provides fiber and vitamin C, supports digestion.
• Cooked chicken breast: High in protein, low in fat, aids in muscle repair and growth.
• Olive oil: Healthy fats, rich in antioxidants, supports heart health.
• Cheddar cheese: Adds richness, contains calcium and protein, enhances flavor.

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup uncooked brown rice
• 1 1/2 cups water or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 2 cups cauliflower florets, chopped
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

How to Make this Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe

1. Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light application of grease.

2. In a medium saucepan, add the water or chicken broth and the brown rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed.

3. In a big frying pan, warm the olive oil on medium. Toss in the broccoli and cauliflower florets and cook for around 5 minutes until they’re just starting to get tender. Take off the heat.

4. In a big mixing bowl, blend together the rice that has been cooked, the broccoli and cauliflower that have been sautéed, and the chicken breast that has been cut into cubes.

5. Combine well the following with the rice mixture: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

6. Evenly spread the mixture into the baking dish you prepared.

7. Combine the finely grated Parmesan cheese and paprika in a small bowl.

8. Evenly sprinkle the Parmesan mixture over the casserole top.

9. Enclose the baking dish in foil and place in a controlled-temperature oven set to 350 degrees. Let it be for 20 minutes.

10. Take away the foil and cook for another 10-15 minutes, so that the top is brown and the dish is “dangerously hot” (as one cookbook I have puts it). Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then serve.

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. 9×13-inch baking dish
3. Medium saucepan with lid
4. Large frying pan
5. Large mixing bowl
6. Small bowl
7. Measuring cups
8. Measuring spoons
9. Wooden spoon or spatula
10. Aluminum foil

FAQ

• Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?Absolutely, you are able to exchange brown rice for white rice. Simply modify the cooking duration based on the directions provided for cooking white rice.
• Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?To make it vegetarian, leave out the chicken and substitute vegetable broth for chicken broth. You may add extra vegetables or legumes for protein.
• Can I prepare this casserole in advance?You can prepare the casserole a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you want to serve it.
• What can I use instead of sour cream?Greek yogurt can serve as a base in place of sour cream for a noticeably healthier alternative. Yet, it is an ingredient that can provide similar textures and flavors in various applications.
• Can this casserole be frozen?Indeed, the casserole can be frozen prior to baking. Ensure it is tightly wrapped, and then bake it directly from the frozen state, requiring some additional time to reach the desired doneness.
• Is there a substitute for cheddar cheese?Indeed, any melty cheese such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be used. If necessary, the seasoning can be adjusted.
• Can I add other vegetables?Certainly! You can include other vegetables such as peas, bell peppers, or carrots. Just adjust the cooking time to suit them.

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe Substitutions and Variations

1 cup of uncooked quinoa can replace 1 cup of uncooked brown rice.
1 tablespoon coconut oil as a substitute for 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2 cups chopped zucchini can stand in for 2 cups cauliflower florets.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, as a substitute for 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese.
1/2 cup Greek yogurt for 1/2 cup sour cream.

Pro Tips

1. Enhance Flavor with Herbs: Before sautéing the broccoli and cauliflower, add a pinch of dried herbs such as thyme or oregano to the olive oil. This will infuse the vegetables with extra flavor.