There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole filling your kitchen. This creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish is the perfect one-pan dinner that brings everyone to the table with smiles.
I discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed a way to combine leftover chicken and vegetables into something delicious. What started as a last-minute meal hack quickly became a family favorite, earning a permanent spot in our dinner rotation. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a place on your table.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Get ready to embrace a new go-to dinner recipe that's as comforting as it is practical. Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole hits all the right notes for a busy home cook.
First, this dish is a complete meal in one pan. With chicken, broccoli, and rice, you get protein, veggies, and carbs all in a single serving. It saves time on cooking and cleaning while delivering a balanced and satisfying meal.
Second, it’s incredibly versatile. You can swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand, making it a great choice for those “clean out the fridge” nights. Plus, it adapts beautifully to different dietary needs or preferences.
Third, it’s perfect for meal prep. Make it ahead of time, store it in the fridge or freezer, and reheat when you’re ready. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for the week, this casserole is up to the task.
Finally, it’s pure comfort food. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping are hard to resist, making it a dish everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple ingredients. Each component plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture.
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here, saving you time while adding a rich, roasted flavor. If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook and shred it before adding it to the mix.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works equally well. If using frozen, thaw it first and pat it dry to prevent excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is a classic choice, but you can also use brown rice for added fiber. Just note that brown rice may take longer to cook and might need more liquid.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese is the star, bringing bold flavor and creaminess. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some Parmesan over the top before baking.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This ingredient gives the casserole its creamy base. If you prefer a homemade option, combine chicken broth, milk, and a roux for a similar effect.
You’ll also need a large baking dish, a mixing bowl, and aluminum foil for covering during the baking process.
How To Make This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as mixing, layering, and baking. Here’s how to bring it all together.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and lightly greasing a large casserole dish. Meanwhile, cook your rice according to the package instructions if it isn’t already prepared.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top, ensuring full coverage for that melty, golden crust we all love.
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
In just under an hour, you’ll have a warm, satisfying dish ready to serve. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Storage Options
This casserole is a great make-ahead option, and it stores beautifully.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: If you want to freeze the casserole, assemble it as directed but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes if needed.
Reheating Tip: To prevent the casserole from drying out, cover it with foil while reheating in the oven. This will help retain its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to make it your own.
For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for cooked chickpeas or tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for the sauce.
Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or peas. This is a great way to incorporate more variety into your meal.
Add a crunchy topping by sprinkling panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the cheese layer before baking. It adds a satisfying texture to every bite.
For a healthier twist, use low-fat cheese and substitute Greek yogurt for part of the cream of chicken soup. You’ll still get a creamy dish with fewer calories.
Love spice? Mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for a little heat.
With its comforting flavors, simple preparation, and endless customization options, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is sure to become a staple in your home. Give it a try, and enjoy the magic of this all-in-one meal!
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. A perfect comfort food that's simple, delicious, and ideal for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, and half the shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top. For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a flavor twist.
- Add extra veggies like carrots or peas if desired.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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