There’s something about the scent of melting cheese and warm spices that turns any rushed evening into a little celebration. This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole with Knorr is exactly that—a soothing mix of familiar comfort and a touch of effortless magic. It’s the kind of dish you can lean on when the day has been too long, and your mind is already half on the couch.
One evening, I shuffled into the kitchen with one eye on the clock and the other on a buzzing phone, barely remembering if I’d grabbed the broccoli or the chicken first. The garlic sizzled in butter, filling the air, and the sharp cheddar started to melt into a creamy promise of dinner. Somewhere between stirring and chopping, the chaos softened, and I found myself smiling, waiting for that first golden, bubbly bite.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice into one dish that feels like a warm hug.
- Knorr seasoning adds a subtle depth without needing a ton of extra spices or fuss.
- The gooey cheese layer on top is indulgent, but the broccoli keeps it balanced and a little lighter.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just straightforward comfort food.
- Not the fastest dish in the world, but the hands-off baking means you can take a breather while it cooks.
If you’re wondering if you can swap out the cheese or use frozen broccoli, I’ve tried a few tweaks here and there. Some worked better than others, but honestly, this combo just hits the spot most of the time.
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Knorr
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole using Knorr seasoning for extra flavor. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese, and fluffy rice baked to perfection.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 packet Knorr Chicken Flavor Rice Sides mix
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, Knorr Chicken Flavor Rice Sides mix, milk, sour cream, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella cheese to the mixture. Stir until the cheese is evenly distributed.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar 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 lightly golden.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
Kitchen Notes: This casserole is forgiving when it comes to equipment—a basic oven-safe dish and a skillet do the trick. When serving, I like a simple green salad to cut through the richness, but a crisp apple on the side works too. Sometimes I sneak in a handful of mushrooms or swap sharp cheddar for smoked gouda, though I haven’t tested those variations enough to say they’re game-changers. If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt can work in a pinch, adding a slightly tangier bite.
FAQ:
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Prepare the casserole and refrigerate it before baking, just add extra time in the oven to make sure it’s warmed through.
Is this freezer-friendly? Yes, it freezes well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What if I don’t have Knorr seasoning? You can use a mild chicken broth powder or a simple mix of garlic powder and onion powder, but the flavor will be a bit different.
If you’re craving a cozy, cheesy dinner that feels like a little reward after the day’s hustle, this casserole might just become your new go-to. Give it a try, and save it for those evenings when you need a bit of comfort without the fuss.