If comfort food had a best friend, it would be this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli all baked together in a rich, cheesy sauce, this dish is a true one-pan wonder. It’s warm, cozy, and satisfying the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even a make-ahead freezer meal, this casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Plus, you can customize it to fit your taste swap the cheese, throw in extra veggies, or spice it up! Trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be a regular on your dinner rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- One-Pan Wonder – Fewer dishes, less cleanup, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Creamy, Cheesy Goodness – The perfect combination of rich, melty cheese and a luscious, savory sauce.
- Great for Meal Prep – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love this cheesy, comforting dish.
- Super Customizable – Add different veggies, switch up the cheese, or use brown rice for a healthier twist!
Ingredients
- Chicken – The star of the dish! Use rotisserie, grilled, or leftover chicken for an easy shortcut.
- Broccoli – Adds freshness, color, and a dose of nutrients. Lightly steaming keeps it bright and tender.
- Rice – A hearty base that soaks up all the delicious flavors. Use white, brown, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Cheese – A mix of cheddar and parmesan adds the perfect balance of creaminess and sharp flavor.
- Creamy Sauce – Typically made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, or a homemade roux for extra richness.
- Seasonings – Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to enhance all the flavors.
- Butter – Adds richness and helps the casserole bake up golden and delicious.
- Breadcrumbs (Optional) – For a crispy, crunchy topping that adds amazing texture.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Rice
If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to the package instructions. Fluffy rice is key to soaking up all the flavors!
3. Steam the Broccoli
Lightly steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s bright green and just tender. Avoid overcooking—it will continue cooking in the oven.
4. Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked rice
Shredded chicken
Steamed broccoli
Cheese (reserve some for topping)
Seasonings
Creamy sauce mixture
Stir well until everything is evenly coated and combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Top & Bake
- Sprinkle extra cheese over the top.
- (Optional) Add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly, with the cheese melted to perfection.
7. Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Then dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use Pre-Cooked Chicken – Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! If cooking from scratch, season and roast the chicken for extra flavor.
- Don’t Overcook the Broccoli – It should be slightly crisp before baking, as it will soften more in the oven.
- Make It From Scratch – Swap canned soup for a homemade roux (butter, flour, broth, and milk) for a fresher taste.
- Add a Kick – A dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
- Customize It! – Add mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, or even crispy bacon for an extra layer of deliciousness.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Serve it as a main dish with a side salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.
- Pair it with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up all that cheesy goodness.
- Drizzle with hot sauce or ranch dressing for a little extra flavor boost!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing
- Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Add a splash of milk or broth if it looks dry.
FAQs about chicken broccoli rice casserole
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and extra fiber, but it takes longer to cook, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade version by whisking together butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk until thickened.
Can I add other vegetables?
Of course! Mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers work great in this casserole.
More Delicious Recipes & Cooking Tips
Looking for more tasty meal ideas? Check out these must-try recipes and cooking tips:
- Need the perfect side for a comforting meal? Try these Best Side Dishes for Chicken Pot Pie to complete your dinner!
- Cooking chicken but unsure how to handle large pieces? Follow this Complete Guide to Cooking a Big Piece of Chicken for perfect results every time.
- Not sure what to eat tonight? Here are 10 Easy Dinner Ideas to satisfy your cravings!
- Craving something crunchy and flavorful? This Dorito Taco Salad is a fun, bold twist on classic taco salad!
Try them out and let me know which one becomes your new favorite!
And there you have it your new go-to Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and ridiculously easy to throw together. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, prepping meals for the week, or freezing a batch for later, this casserole has you covered. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going straight into your regular dinner rotation!
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Did you add any fun twists? Drop a comment I’d love to hear about it!
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli are baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce for a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, kid-friendly, and great for meal prep. Plus, it’s highly customizable—swap the cheese, add extra veggies, or spice it up to fit your taste! Perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or freezing for later.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced, rotisserie works great)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (for a rich, savory flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream (for extra creaminess)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (for flavor)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder (for depth of taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (for a mild kick)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for added richness)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional) (for a crispy topping)
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.Cook the Rice
If you haven’t already, cook 2 cups of rice according to package instructions. Fluffy rice is key to soaking up all the flavors!Steam the Broccoli
Lightly steam or blanch 2 cups of broccoli until it’s bright green and slightly tender. Avoid overcooking—it will continue cooking in the oven.Mix Everything Together
In a large bowl, combine:- Cooked rice
- Shredded chicken
- Steamed broccoli
- Cheddar & parmesan cheese (reserve some for topping)
- Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper
- Cream of chicken soup & sour cream
Stir well until everything is evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.Top & Bake
- Sprinkle with extra cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with melted, golden cheese.
Serve & Enjoy!
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Then dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken saves time! If using raw chicken, cook it first for the best texture.
- Don’t overcook the broccoli – It should be slightly crisp before baking, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Make it from scratch – Swap canned soup for a homemade roux using butter, flour, broth, and milk for a fresher taste.
- Add a spicy kick – A dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can elevate the flavors.
- Customize it! – Try adding mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or even crispy bacon for extra layers of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: 6 servings
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, easy casserole, one-pan meal, chicken and rice bake, cheesy casserole, meal prep recipes, family dinner, comfort food, creamy chicken rice