There's nothing more comforting than a warm, creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole fresh out of the oven. This hearty dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and a rich, cheesy sauce for the ultimate weeknight meal.

I first tried this recipe on a cold evening when I needed something easy yet satisfying to feed my family. It was such a hit that it's now a regular in our dinner rotation, loved for its simplicity and comforting flavors. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this casserole is the answer. Let's dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Get ready to discover your new go-to dinner recipe! This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is packed with benefits you’ll love.
- Quick and Easy to Prepare: It’s a one-dish meal that comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy goodness in every bite.
- Nutrient-Packed: With protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and carbs from the rice, it’s a complete, balanced meal.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when you're ready to eat. It’s also freezer-friendly for future meals!
This dish is not only satisfying but also highly versatile. Keep reading to learn more about how you can customize it to suit your family’s preferences.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best. They’re lean, easy to shred, and blend perfectly with the creamy sauce.
- Rice: Use long-grain white or brown rice for the perfect texture. Pre-cooked rice is ideal for saving time, but freshly cooked rice works just as well.
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets bring a vibrant, nutrient-packed touch to the casserole. They stay slightly crisp after baking, adding great texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This pantry staple forms the creamy base of the casserole. You can also substitute with cream of mushroom or a homemade roux if you prefer.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and gives the dish a rich, savory flavor. Feel free to mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for extra cheesiness.
- Seasonings: A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper ensures the flavors pop in every bite.
Optional Equipment: A 9x13-inch casserole dish, a whisk for blending the sauce, and aluminum foil to cover the dish while baking.
How to Make This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as it is delicious. Follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Chicken and Rice: If your chicken and rice aren’t pre-cooked, prepare them first. Cook the chicken until tender and shred it, then cook your rice according to package instructions.
- Steam the Broccoli: Lightly steam your broccoli florets to ensure they stay crisp-tender in the casserole. Drain any excess water.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole: Combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli with the creamy sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated, then transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish.
- Add Cheese and Bake: Sprinkle the top generously with shredded cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Total time for preparation and cooking is around 45-50 minutes, making this a quick and easy dinner option.
Storage Options
This casserole is perfect for leftovers! Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness:
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: For long-term storage, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes.
Pro Tip: If reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Variations and Substitutions
The versatility of this dish means you can customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs:
- Protein Options: Swap out chicken for turkey, ham, or even canned tuna for a different twist.
- Vegetables: Add more veggies like carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses like Gouda, Parmesan, or Pepper Jack for unique flavors.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace the rice with cauliflower rice to make the dish keto-friendly.
- Dairy-Free: Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup, substitute the cheese with a vegan alternative, and replace sour cream with a plant-based option.
Feel free to experiment with these variations and make this casserole truly your own!
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a warm, cheesy hug on a plate. Whether you're whipping it up for a quick family dinner or planning your meals for the week, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Give it a try tonight and see why it's such a beloved classic!
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese into a hearty, satisfying dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family meal, this easy casserole is made in one pan with simple ingredients.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
- For extra flavor, add a dash of paprika or cayenne pepper to the mix.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
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