There’s something about a casserole that feels like a gentle hug after a long day. This chicken broccoli rice casserole made with Uncle Ben’s rice is exactly that kind of comfort food. It’s the kind of dish you come home to, the kind that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. The creamy sauce clings to tender chunks of chicken and crisp broccoli, all nestled into fluffy rice that’s cooked just right. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliable — the kind of meal that settles into your kitchen routine and suddenly becomes a favorite.
I remember the last time I made this, the house smelled like a mix of melted cheese and garlic, and I was a little distracted by a phone call I couldn’t quite finish before the timer beeped. So I took an extra minute to peek inside the oven, watching the edges bubble and the mozzarella melt to a golden finish. That imperfect pause made me appreciate the moment more — a reminder that cooking isn’t always perfect, but it’s always worth it.
- It combines familiar pantry staples with fresh broccoli for a balance of creamy and crisp textures.
- Using Uncle Ben’s rice means even cooks who aren’t rice experts can count on fluffy results every time.
- The casserole is filling enough for dinner but simple enough to prep after work or on a weekend.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, no fancy ingredients, just straightforward comfort.
If you’re worried about the casserole feeling too heavy, a light side salad or some tangy pickles can help brighten the plate without much effort. And leftovers? They reheat well, though I tend to nudge the edges back into the dish because they get extra crispy — my favorite part, honestly.
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Uncle Ben’s Rice
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6
Description
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.
Ingredients
1 cup Uncle Ben’s long grain white rice
2 cups water
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil.
Add 1 cup Uncle Ben’s long grain white rice to the boiling water, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes or until rice is tender and water is absorbed.
While the rice cooks, steam the broccoli florets until tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes, then drain well.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onion, milk, unsalted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
Don’t stress about equipment for this one. A good baking dish and a medium saucepan for the rice are all you really need. I usually steam the broccoli right in my colander over boiling water — it’s quick and easy without extra gadgets. Sometimes I swap out the broccoli for green beans or mix in some mushrooms, but I haven’t tested all variations extensively, so results may vary. If you’re feeling adventurous, a sprinkle of paprika on top before baking adds a subtle smoky note worth trying.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture in the casserole.
What if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup? You can try substituting with cream of chicken or making a quick homemade roux-based sauce, but the flavor will shift slightly.
Can this be made ahead? Absolutely. Prepare it up to the point before baking, cover it, and refrigerate for up to a day. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Give this chicken broccoli rice casserole uncle bens a try next time you want something warm and satisfying. You might find it becoming your go-to comfort food sooner than you think.