Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and a great way to use leftover chicken. With tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and hearty rice all baked together, this casserole is not only satisfying but also a family favorite. Plus, it makes for great leftovers!

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / ~300 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted, optional, for topping)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare ingredients: Cook rice according to package directions. Lightly steam broccoli until just tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
3. Mix sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine casserole: Stir in cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble: Spread mixture evenly into prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
6. Optional topping: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Serve this casserole warm right out of the oven. It can be the main dish on its own, or you can pair it with a simple green salad or bread for a complete meal. This dish is great for family gatherings or potlucks, as it can easily feed a crowd.

How to Store Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Allow any leftovers to cool completely before storing. Place the casserole in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Tips to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

• Cook the chicken in advance to save time. Leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
• For a creamier texture, use more sour cream or cream of chicken soup.
• Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for added flavor.
• Add other vegetables like corn or carrots for more nutrition.

Variation

You can make this casserole vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more vegetables. Swap the cream of chicken soup with a cream of mushroom soup or a homemade cheese sauce for a different twist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well in this recipe. Just ensure it is cooked fully before adding it to the casserole.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before using it in the casserole.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights. This casserole combines tender broccoli, creamy cheese, and hearty rice, making it a family favorite.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) Leftover rotisserie chicken works well.
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown) Cooked according to package directions.
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed) If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz / ~300 g
• 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided; 1 cup for mixing and 1/2 cup for topping.

Seasonings

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional, for topping.
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted) Optional, for topping.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook rice according to package directions and lightly steam broccoli until just tender.

Mix and Assemble

1. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Stir in cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
4. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake

1. Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until heated through and cheese is bubbly and golden.
2. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm as a main dish or with a green salad or bread. Great for family gatherings or potlucks. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.