Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole is a hearty, wholesome dish that’s both comforting and nutritious. This casserole combines tender pieces of chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and low-carb cauliflower rice, all brought together with a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect meal for those who want a lighter twist on a classic comfort food without sacrificing any flavor.
The first time I made Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole, I was amazed at how the flavors melded together into a rich, satisfying dish. The cauliflower rice provided a light yet sturdy base, while the broccoli added a fresh, slightly crunchy contrast. The creamy cheese sauce tied it all together, making every bite warm and indulgent. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can swap the cheese, add spices, or throw in extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers. It’s a great make-ahead meal, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep!
Perfect for:
- Busy weeknight dinners
- Meal prepping
- Low-carb and keto-friendly diets
- Family gatherings
- Comfort food lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins from chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Ideal for those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
- Creamy and Cheesy: A rich and comforting dish with just the right amount of indulgence.
- Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen vegetables, and customize with your favorite seasonings.
- Meal Prep Champion: Make ahead and store for quick, reheatable meals.
- Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the cheesy goodness.
- One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with this all-in-one dish.
- Quick and Easy: Simple steps and ready in under an hour.
- Perfect Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
- Gluten-Free Option: Naturally gluten-free with no special substitutions needed.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
- 2 cups cauliflower rice
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
Ingredient Highlights
- Cauliflower Rice: A low-carb alternative to traditional rice, providing texture without the carbs.
- Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor to the casserole.
- Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Create a creamy, tangy base for the sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Casserole Base:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, broccoli, cauliflower rice, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until evenly distributed.
Assemble and Bake:
- Transfer to Dish: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses over the top. For extra flavor, dust with paprika if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serve:
- Cool Slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole:
- As a Standalone Meal: Serve a hearty slice on its own.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside crusty garlic bread for a comforting touch.
- As Meal Prep: Portion into containers for ready-to-go lunches.
- For Potlucks: Bring to gatherings as a crowd-pleasing dish.
- With Roasted Veggies: Serve with a side of roasted zucchini or asparagus.
- With a Light Soup: Pair with a clear broth or vegetable soup.
- As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or fish.
- With a Glass of Mocktail: Pair with a mocktail for an elegant touch.
- With Cauliflower Mash: Double up on cauliflower for an extra low-carb meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Vegetables: Fresh broccoli and cauliflower florets will enhance the texture and flavor of your casserole compared to frozen ones.
- Season Well: Don’t be shy with seasoning. Garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper can elevate the flavor. Add a bit of paprika for a smoky touch.
- Try Different Cheese: Swap the cheddar for mozzarella or add a mix of cheeses like gouda or parmesan for a creamy, flavorful topping.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley can bring a fragrant, fresh flavor to the casserole.
- Pre-cook the Chicken: To ensure your chicken is tender and flavorful, cook it first and shred it before mixing it into the casserole.
- Use Low-Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth to control the salt content and keep the casserole healthier.
- Bake in a Deep Dish: A deeper dish will help retain moisture during baking, making the casserole extra creamy.
- Crispy Topping: For a crunchy finish, top the casserole with a mix of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs before baking.
- Add More Veggies: Incorporate other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra color and nutrition.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it. This will allow the flavors to meld, and you can bake it when you’re ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version.
- Turkey Casserole: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken.
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Beef Ham and Cheese Casserole: Substitute chicken with diced beef ham and add Swiss cheese.
- Mexican-Inspired Casserole: Use pepper jack cheese and add a sprinkle of taco seasoning.
- Mediterranean Twist: Include sun-dried tomatoes and olives for a Mediterranean flavor.
- Pesto Chicken Casserole: Mix in a few tablespoons of basil pesto for an herby kick.
- Beef Bacon-Topped Casserole: Sprinkle crumbled cooked beef bacon on top before baking.
- Mushroom and Spinach Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra veggies.
- Curry-Flavored Casserole: Stir in a teaspoon of curry powder for a bold new flavor.
Special Equipment
- Large Casserole Dish – Ideal for baking the casserole evenly.
- Sharp Knife – For chopping chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower rice.
- Cutting Board – A safe surface for prepping vegetables and chicken.
- Large Skillet or Frying Pan – For cooking chicken and sautéing vegetables.
- Mixing Bowl – To combine the casserole ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – For accurate ingredient measurement.
- Grater or Food Processor – To finely grate cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
- Can Opener – If you’re using canned ingredients (e.g., cream of chicken soup).
- Whisk – For mixing sauces or eggs into the casserole base.
- Oven Mitts – To safely handle the hot casserole dish once baked.
FAQ Section
- Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe and saves time. - Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely! Freeze it before or after baking in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Can I use fresh cauliflower instead of cauliflower rice?
Yes, simply chop fresh cauliflower into small rice-sized pieces or pulse in a food processor. - How do I make it dairy-free?
Use dairy-free cheese and substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut cream or a plant-based alternative. - What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes or in the microwave until heated through. - Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding bell peppers, carrots, or peas for more variety. - Is this casserole kid-friendly?
Yes, the cheesy, creamy flavors are usually a hit with kids. - How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain and pat dry any thawed frozen vegetables or cooked cauliflower rice. - Can I make this casserole spicy?
Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice it up. - What’s the best cheese for a golden topping?
A combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates a beautifully golden and bubbly crust.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole is a hearty and healthy dish that combines tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and low-carb cauliflower rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This comforting casserole is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it a perfect option for a family dinner or meal prep. The cheesy topping adds a golden, bubbly finish that makes each bite irresistibly creamy and satisfying.
This casserole is highly customizable—you can use your favorite cheese, add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, or even spice it up with a pinch of chili flakes. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that delivers a balanced combination of protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness. Serve it on its own or with a side salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing meal.
I can’t wait to see how your Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your comforting creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!