If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort food, look no further! This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is hearty, cheesy, and guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. Think tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli enveloped in a creamy sauce, layered with melty cheddar and a golden, crunchy topping. It’s a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy enough for a busy night but delicious enough to bring everyone back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding family, friends, or simply craving cozy vibes, this casserole is bound to become your new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I absolutely adore about this dish is that it calls for everyday ingredients — nothing fancy, just tried-and-true staples that work delicious magic when combined. Each component offers something special, from the creaminess of the soup to the little pops of green from broccoli, ensuring every bite is a burst of flavor and texture.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken makes this even faster, and you can chop or shred for your favorite bite.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Use what you have, but brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and extra texture.
- Broccoli florets (steamed or blanched): Bright, fresh broccoli is key for color and a bit of crunch.
- Cream of chicken soup: This provides the ultra-creamy base and savory depth.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and a velvety finish to the sauce.
- Milk: Helps to thin the sauce, so it coats every grain and morsel perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (divided): Half goes in for gooeyness while the rest creates that irresistible topping.
- Garlic powder: Rounds out the flavor with a gentle aromatic touch.
- Onion powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- Black pepper: A little zip to balance the creaminess.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all those delicious flavors.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): For that crunchy golden finish — highly recommended!
- Melted butter (if using topping): Helps crisp up the topping and creates serious flavor.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps prevent any sticking and ensures every serving lifts out smoothly — plus, a little butter or oil adds flavor along the edges!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. It will look smooth and beautifully creamy, ready to coat all your mix-ins. This is the secret to making your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe extra luscious.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Cheese
Pour in the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until every piece is coated with that dreamy sauce and the mixture is even. It should look colorful and just a bit decadent at this stage!
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top. Sprinkle over the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese for a melty, golden finish. If you’re making the optional crunchy topping, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over everything. This simple step takes this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe to the next level.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling and the cheese is melted. If you went with the crunchy topping, it’ll turn a beautiful golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after removing from the oven; this makes it easier to slice and serve, and gives all the flavors time to meld together perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Everyone loves a sprinkle of fresh, bright flavor on casseroles. Top your slices with chopped fresh parsley or chives to add a touch of color and a burst of herbaceousness. A little extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika can also add a lovely finishing touch. These simple garnishes make your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe look and taste extra special.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but it’s even better with a crisp green salad, some garlic bread, or steamed green beans on the side. Lighter sides create a perfect balance for the rich flavors and make the meal feel complete and comforting — ideal for feeding a hungry crew or stretching leftovers just a bit further!
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, portion the casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings, or scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers for a fun twist. You could even serve it over a bed of fresh spinach for a warm, wilted salad effect. However you decide to serve it, the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe adapts beautifully to every table and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole keeps beautifully! Let it cool fully before covering tightly with foil or a lid and refrigerating. It’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches. The flavors seem to get even cozier as they meld together overnight!
Freezing
This is a fantastic recipe for freezing. After baking and fully cooling the casserole, wrap the dish in plastic wrap and then in foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. It’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for comfort food in a flash, you’ll be so glad it’s waiting for you.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes for a whole dish or 5–10 minutes for single portions). You can also use the microwave for individual servings — just add a small splash of milk to keep things creamy! The Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is just as satisfying on day two (or three!) as it is fresh from the oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before mixing in, so you avoid excess moisture in your casserole. Frozen broccoli works wonderfully when you’re short on prep time.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and swap the Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free alternative. It’s still every bit as creamy and delicious.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar is a classic, but feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a pepper jack for a little kick. The cheese you choose will slightly change the flavor profile, making it your own signature Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe.
Can I assemble this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Mix everything together, assemble it up to the topping stage, and store covered in the fridge for up to a day. Add the crunchy topping just before baking so it stays crisp.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers so they stay moist?
Reheat with a cover (foil or microwave-safe lid), and if needed, splash a little milk over the top before heating. This keeps the casserole creamy and prevents it from drying out — even after a few days in the fridge!
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you’ve tried this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, it’ll secure a regular spot in your meal rotation. Every bite is creamy, cheesy perfection, delivering cozy satisfaction with minimal effort. Gather your loved ones, pull this bubbly dish from the oven, and enjoy a homemade meal that always feels like a hug. Happy cooking!
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken, rice, and broccoli, it’s a satisfying meal perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For the Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add in chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble: Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Add the topping: If using a topping, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the cheese is melted. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild kick, or stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
- This casserole freezes well—cool completely before wrapping and storing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
