Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole – a delicious, cheesy casserole with a crunchy cereal and almond topping made with Honey Bunches of Oats, perfect for an easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Having breakfast together is part of my family’s morning routine. We all gather around the kitchen table and it is a great way for us to spend time together before the busy day ahead.


On weekday mornings, my family typically has cereal for breakfast. One of our favorites, that both the adults and all three kids enjoy, is Post Honey Bunches of Oats. Post has a variety of cereals, so there is something for everyone, we enjoy the Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted and Almond varieties.

Cereal isn’t just for breakfast. My kids often enjoy cereal as a snack, cereal is also a great topping for all sorts of casseroles such as this delicious, Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

When I go shopping at my local Walmart, I like to pick up boxes of Honey Bunches of Oats Honey Roasted and Honey Bunches of Oats Almond, they are located in the Cereal aisle. There are also three new varieties of Post cereal available in-stores, including Honey Bunches of Oats Gluten Free Chocolate, Crunch Oā€™s and Kung Fu Panda.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - three boxes of cereal

Dinner in 30 Minutes

This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole is so easy to prepare as it uses cooked chicken and cooked rice and is perfect for a quick, weeknight family dinner.

If I don’t have cooked chicken and cooked rice on hand, I like to poach some chicken breasts and cook some rice, the evening before or morning of the day I plan to make the casserole. I also like to cut up my broccoli florets ahead of time and store them in a microwave safe dish. That way, when dinner time rolls around, all I have to do is precook the broccoli, make the cheese sauce, and assemble and bake the casserole and dinner is on the table in about 30 minutes.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

To prepare this casserole, first gather the ingredients for the cheese sauce, including butter, flour, milk and shredded cheddar cheese as well as the cooked chicken, cooked rice and broccoli florets. Add a few tablespoons of water to the broccoli florets and microwave them for a couple of minutes. This precooks the broccoli a little so that it becomes tender, rather than staying crunchy, in the casserole.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - gather ingredients

Next, make the cheese sauce, this will only take a few minutes. Add the butter to a large pot over medium heat. When the butter is melted, add the flour, whisking to combine. Then, gradually pour in the milk, whisking to combine.

Add the cheese, a handful at a time, whisking after each addition until the cheese is melted. Season cheese sauce with salt and pepper to taste and turn off the heat.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - Making the cheese sauce

Then, add the cooked chicken, cooked rice and precooked broccoli to the cheese sauce. Give it a good stir to combine.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - add ingredients to sauce

How to Make the Cereal Topping

Now, gather the ingredients for the topping including the Honey Bunches of Oats, melted butter and some more shredded cheddar cheese. Combine the cereal and melted butter in a medium mixing bowl, stir with a spoon to combine, breaking up any larger pieces as needed.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - making the topping

Transfer chicken, broccoli, rice and cheese sauce mixture to a prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, evenly sprinkle the cereal mixture on top.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - topping the casserole

Finally, put the casserole in the preheated oven. Your house will smell amazing, like fresh honey roasted almonds, as this casserole bakes away in the oven.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole will bake in the oven for 15-20 minutes until it is heated through, bubbly and the topping starts to get a nice golden brown.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

The cereal and almond topping adds a nice crunch to this Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole. The hint of sweetness from the honey complements the other savory flavors nicely.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

With the chicken, broccoli, rice and cheese, this delicious casserole is a one dish meal and is perfect for an easy and healthy family dinner. And, the kids and grown-ups alike get a kick out of having one of their favorite breakfast cereals as part of dinner.

Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Cereal Isn’t Just For Breakfast

My family enjoys cereal for breakfast, Post Honey Bunches of Oats is one of our favorites. But, cereal isn’t just for breakfast, it also makes a great topping for casseroles, such as this delicious Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole.

This cheesy casserole is so easy to prepare and can be on the table in about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick, weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

Do you enjoy cereal on occasions other than breakfast? Please let me know in the comments below!

Looking for even more ways to enjoy cereal anytime? Check out the great ideas here.


 
Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli and Rice Casserole - a delicious, cheesy casserole with a crunchy cereal and almond topping made with Honey Bunches of Oats, perfect for an easy dinner that the whole family will enjoy. #CerealAnytime #ad

62 Comments

  1. What is better than the combo of chicken/cheese/broccoli?! I’ve used other cereals as a crunchy topping but not this one yet; will check it out.

  2. A real classic comfort casserole that we just love! Thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday and have a fantastic day!
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  3. Oh my goodness, this looks amazing! I would never have though of using cereal for a topping – will definitely be trying this soon!

  4. Having cooked chicken and rice in the fridge make putting dinner together super easy. Microwave steaming is the best way to steam broccoli. Why boil a big pot of water or get the pot and steamer out. Great post and yummy recipe, Joy.

  5. Ok, I’m going to put Honey Bunches of Almonds on my shopping list. I love all the ingredients in this dish and I know my family with enjoy this too! Printing the recipe now!

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