Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender; 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; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted butter

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If you’re craving something comforting yet loaded with veggies and flavor, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that brings the whole family together, layering creamy sauce, golden cheese, and tender chicken with every spoonful. Whether you need a cozy weeknight meal or a guaranteed hit for potlucks, this casserole never disappoints—it’s hearty, irresistibly creamy, and comes together with pantry staples you probably already have at home!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple doesn’t mean boring—the beauty of this recipe is how every ingredient brings something to the table (literally!). These staples combine for big flavor, a great mix of textures, and those classic colors you can’t help but dig into.

Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is your protein powerhouse—plus, it’s a great use for leftover rotisserie chicken.
Cooked white rice: Fluffy and filling, rice soaks up all that creamy goodness in the casserole.
Broccoli florets: Steamed until just tender, broccoli adds a fresh, slightly crunchy punch, as well as gorgeous color.
Cream of chicken soup: The essential creamy base with rich, savory flavor that ties everything together.
Sour cream: This gives the sauce extra tang and creaminess, making every bite velvety smooth.
Milk: A splash to loosen the sauce so it bubbles beautifully in the oven.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Bold, melty, and golden on top—cheddar makes this casserole unforgettable.
Garlic powder: For a kiss of subtle garlicky flavor in every forkful.
Onion powder: An easy, no-chop way to bring savory depth to the dish.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all those tastes to life.
Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): If you love a crunchy finish, this topping adds delicious texture and flavor.
Melted butter (for topping): Helps that crust bake up perfectly golden and irresistible.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—this step keeps your casserole from sticking and makes serving a whole lot easier when it’s done.

Step 2: Combine Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli

In a large bowl, mix together your cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli. You’ll want to make sure everything is evenly distributed so you get the perfect combo of chicken, rice, and veggies in every bite.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Stir in one cup of your shredded cheddar cheese—at this stage, your kitchen already starts to smell amazing!

Step 4: Bring it All Together

Pour that creamy, cheesy sauce over your chicken, rice, and broccoli. Stir gently but thoroughly until every piece is coated, making sure to reach right down into the corners of the bowl so nothing gets left out.

Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. With a spatula, smooth out the top so it cooks and browns evenly. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese right over the top for that perfect cheesy blanket.

Step 6: Add the Crunchy Topping (Optional)

If you love a little crunch, toss your crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole. It’s the secret to that golden, irresistible crust.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole should be hot and bubbling, with cheese melting into every crevice and the top turning golden. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving—it’ll cut cleaner and taste even better!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives right before serving for a lively pop of green and a bit of freshness. If you love a flavor kick, try a dusting of paprika for a gentle smokiness and color contrast.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a delightful, balancing side. For something a bit more indulgent, warm buttered rolls or garlic bread are always welcome partners, perfect for scooping up every bit of cheesy goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe straight from the baking dish for a cozy family-style meal. Or, for parties, scoop into individual ramekins for personalized servings. To impress, use a large ring mold to shape servings onto plates, topping each with extra melted cheese and a broccoli floret.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any extra casserole tightly with plastic wrap or a fitted lid and pop it in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it the ultimate answer to “What’s for lunch?” the next day.

Freezing

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking (hold off on the crunchy topping), wrap tightly in foil or freezer-safe wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and add topping just before baking.

Reheating

To reheat, simply cover the baking dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until hot throughout—about 20 minutes for a full casserole, or less for single portions. A splash of water or milk helps revive the creaminess if it seems dry. For a quick fix, microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or another grain?

Absolutely! Brown rice, quinoa, or even farro are delicious, hearty alternatives. Just make sure the grains are cooked before adding, as the casserole doesn’t have enough liquid or time to cook them from raw.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a super convenient shortcut, but you can also poach, bake, or grill boneless chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover chicken from a previous meal also works great!

Can I substitute the soup?

Yes! Feel free to swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different twist on flavor. Dairy-free or homemade versions work as long as you use a thick, creamy base for the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Of course—just replace the chicken with roasted mushrooms, chickpeas, or extra broccoli, and use a vegetarian cream soup. It’s just as satisfying and comforting!

Can I assemble this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in advance?

Definitely. You can put everything together and store it in the fridge (up to 24 hours ahead). When you’re ready to bake, top with cheese and the crunchy topping, then proceed as directed—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s chilled.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has a devoted fan club—it’s fuss-free, endlessly comforting, and just plain delicious. If you’re ready for creamy, cheesy, veggie-packed perfection, give this dish a try and watch it disappear!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that is perfect for a family dinner. This creamy and cheesy casserole is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli, all baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
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
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping (Optional):

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli. In a separate bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the sauce over the chicken, rice, and broccoli, and mix well. Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. For the optional topping, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Let cool slightly before serving.