Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe

Nothing brings comfort quite like a warm, bubbling casserole straight from the oven, and this Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole is a personal favorite when I want something wholesome, filling, and full of flavor. It’s hearty without being heavy, thanks to a base of cauliflower rice and broccoli, luscious with cheese, and packed with tender chicken. Whether you’re serving family on a busy weeknight or prepping meals for the week ahead, this casserole dials up all the cozy vibes without ever sacrificing taste.

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s celebrate the simplicity of this dish! Every ingredient you’ll need is thoughtfully chosen—nothing is superfluous, and each plays an important role in either building flavor, adding texture, or bringing that classic casserole comfort.

  • Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless chicken breasts—they soak up flavor and stay juicy after baking.
  • Olive oil: A light coating helps the chicken brown beautifully while seasoning adheres perfectly.
  • Frozen cauliflower rice: The ultimate low-carb swap for regular rice, offering a satisfying base and soaking up the cheesy goodness.
  • Frozen broccoli cuts: Adds pops of green, subtle crunch, and classic flavor; no need to chop fresh broccoli unless you want to.
  • Eggs: They act as binding agents, helping everything set up into sliceable portions.
  • Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey perfection, blanketing every single bite in comfort.
  • Kosher salt: Enhances every other flavor—don’t be shy with it!
  • Garlic powder: Brings out that savory warmth we all love in casseroles.
  • Onion powder: Adds depth and subtle sweetness without the fuss of sautéing onions.
  • Unsalted butter: A touch of rich butter rounds out all the flavors without overwhelming them.
  • Shredded Italian blend cheese: The grand finale for a deeply golden, satisfying top layer.

How to Make Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and generously spritzing a large 3-quart baking dish with non-stick spray or a little olive oil. This ensures nothing gets left behind in the dish, making cleanup a breeze and allowing those crispy edges to lift right out.

Step 2: Season and Bake the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts in half horizontally for quicker, more even baking. Drizzle with olive oil, season well with salt and pepper, and spread them out on a baking sheet. Popping them into the oven now (for about 20 minutes) ensures they’ll be juicy and easy to dice later.

Step 3: Steam the Vegetables

While the chicken is in the oven, cook the frozen cauliflower rice and broccoli according to their package instructions. The goal here is to heat them through and soften them up—just make sure to drain off any extra moisture so your casserole isn’t soggy.

Step 4: Dice the Chicken

After baking, give the chicken a 5-minute rest so it stays juicy. Then, chop it into bite-sized cubes. These will nestle right into your casserole and soak up all the cheesy, flavorful goodness later on.

Step 5: Mix Together Your Casserole Base

In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked cauliflower rice, steamed broccoli, diced chicken, whisked eggs, shredded mozzarella, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and melted butter. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure the cheese, eggs, and veggies are distributed evenly.

Step 6: Assemble and Top with Cheese

Pour your hearty mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out. Generously sprinkle the shredded Italian blend cheese over the top, covering the entire surface. This is what creates that irresistible, melty crust.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your dish into the oven for 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is deeply golden and slightly crisp around the edges. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving so the slices hold together beautifully.

How to Serve Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives just before serving brightens the whole casserole and offers a pop of color. Extra black pepper or a dash of crushed red pepper flakes can also jazz things up for those who like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This dish is filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad, some roasted cherry tomatoes, or even warm garlic bread. These sides not only round out the meal but also balance the richness of the Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the casserole into individual ramekins for cute, personal servings, or serve atop a bed of baby spinach to sneak in even more greens. For a potluck or buffet, cut it into squares and stack artfully on a colorful platter for irresistible grab-and-go bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole tastes just as wonderful the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge—ideally within two hours of baking—and it will keep well for up to four days.

Freezing

This casserole is a freezer champion. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in aluminum foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. For maximum freshness, slice into individual servings before freezing so you can reheat just what you need.

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to life, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, until hot throughout (about 20 minutes). For a quick lunch, a microwave works too—just be sure to cover and heat in one-minute bursts, so the cheese gets melty, not rubbery.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli and cauliflower instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Just chop the veggies into bite-sized pieces and steam or microwave them until tender before adding them to the casserole mix. The key is to avoid excess moisture, so make sure you pat them dry or drain well.

What can I use instead of mozzarella or Italian blend cheese?

Feel free to substitute your favorite melty cheese—cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even provolone all work beautifully in Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole. Mixing different cheeses adds another layer of flavor and gooeyness.

Is it possible to make Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole vegetarian?

It sure is! Swap the chicken for additional veggies like mushrooms, spinach, or even tofu. The eggs and cheese still provide plenty of protein and help hold everything together.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and keep it in the fridge. Just add five minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

How can I add more flavor to this dish?

Try adding a teaspoon of Italian herbs or a pinch of smoked paprika to the mix for a flavor boost, or toss in sautéed onions or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth and color. Casseroles love customization!

Final Thoughts

I genuinely hope you’ll give this Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole a whirl—it’s cozy, simple, and packed with the kind of flavors that make family and friends ask for seconds. Let it become a new favorite in your kitchen too!

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Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe

Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Mariam
  • Total Time: 90 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Broccoli Cauliflower Rice Chicken Casserole is a delicious and wholesome meal that’s easy to prepare. Packed with protein, veggies, and cheesy goodness, it’s a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

  • 2 pounds skinless boneless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Casserole:

  • 2 10-ounce bags frozen cauliflower rice (or 1 head of cauliflower, riced and cooked)
  • 1 16-ounce bag frozen broccoli cuts
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup shredded Italian blend cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large 3-quart baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or olive oil. Set aside.
  2. Bake chicken: Slice chicken breasts in half horizontally, coat with olive oil, season, and bake for 20 minutes.
  3. Prepare vegetables: Heat frozen cauliflower rice and broccoli, drain excess water.
  4. Chop chicken: Cool baked chicken, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
  5. Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine cauliflower rice, broccoli, chicken, eggs, mozzarella cheese, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and butter.
  6. Assemble casserole: Transfer mixture to baking dish, top with Italian blend cheese.
  7. Bake: Bake for 50 minutes until cheese is melted and slightly browned. Let cool before serving.

Notes

  • You can customize this casserole by adding your favorite herbs or spices.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition.
  • This casserole reheats well, making it a great option for meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 70 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 21g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 140mg

Keywords: Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole, Chicken Casserole, Healthy Casserole Recipe

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