There are nights when all you want is something warm, creamy, and hearty that comes together without too much fuss. That’s exactly where this Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole steps in. Think of it as the cozy sweater of weeknight dinners—soft, comforting, and always there when you need it most.
I grew up in Texas where casseroles weren’t just dinner—they were love served in a dish. My mom would whip up something like this after long days on the farm, and it always had that magical way of bringing us all to the table, no questions asked. And now, with my own busy New York kitchen (and three hungry kids to feed), this casserole has earned a permanent spot in my weeknight rotation.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Quick & easy: Ready in under an hour, most of the work is stirring.
- Balanced & satisfying: Protein-packed chicken, nutritious broccoli, hearty rice, and melty cheese—what’s not to love?
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters dig in without a fuss.
- Make-ahead magic: You can prep this earlier in the day, then bake when ready.
It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for Sunday dinner but easy enough for Wednesday night when you’re racing between work emails and soccer practice.
What Does Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Taste Like?
In one word: creamy.
But let me paint the picture. The rice soaks up the rich sauce, the chicken adds savory comfort, the broccoli gives a fresh bite (and a little crunch if you leave it slightly al dente), and the cheddar cheese ties it all together with gooey goodness. Add crispy fried onions on top, and you’ve got texture heaven.
It’s like the lovechild of mac & cheese and Sunday roast—only much easier.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
One of the best things about this Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is how it uses simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. No fancy shopping list required—just real food that comes together into something downright comforting. Let’s break it down:
- Cooked Chicken (2 cups, diced): You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, leftover baked chicken, or even grilled chicken. The key is having it cooked before mixing it into the casserole, which makes prep a breeze.
- Broccoli Florets (2 cups): Fresh broccoli gives a slight crunch and keeps its bright green color in the casserole, while frozen broccoli works well if you’re short on time. Just make sure to thaw and pat dry to avoid extra water in your dish.
- Cooked Rice (2 cups): White rice is the classic choice here, but you can swap in brown rice or even a wild rice blend for extra fiber and nuttiness. If you’re a fan of hearty rice-based meals, you’ll also love my Creamy Cajun Chicken Rice recipe—it’s another one-pan wonder!
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): Sharp cheddar is my go-to because it melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. For a milder casserole, use medium cheddar. Feeling adventurous? Try mixing in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamier bite.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This pantry staple creates the creamy base that holds everything together. If you prefer homemade, a quick white sauce with chicken broth works just as well.
- Milk (½ cup): Helps thin out the sauce so the casserole doesn’t end up too thick or heavy. Whole milk is best, but 2% will do.
- Sour Cream (¼ cup): Adds that little tang and extra creaminess. Greek yogurt is a good substitute if you’re looking to lighten things up.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder (1 tsp each): These humble seasonings go a long way in boosting the flavor. Without them, the casserole could taste flat.
- Salt & Black Pepper: The classics that balance the creamy richness and bring all the flavors to life.
- Crispy Fried Onions (½ cup, optional): A crunchy topping that gives this casserole a fun twist. Totally optional, but highly recommended if you want that extra layer of texture.
Every ingredient has a job here—from the creamy sauce that ties it all together to the cheese that melts into gooey goodness. That’s why this Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole never fails to be a crowd-pleaser.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole (Step by Step)
This is where the magic happens. Don’t worry—making this Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is straightforward, and the steps are easy enough for even a weeknight rush. Follow along, and you’ll have a hot, bubbly, cheesy casserole ready to hit the table in under an hour.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go. A properly heated oven ensures the casserole bakes evenly and that glorious cheese topping melts to perfection.
Step 2: Prepare Your Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli
In a large mixing bowl, add your cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice. This forms the hearty base of your casserole. If you’re using leftover rice, this is the perfect way to give it new life (day-old rice actually holds up better).
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Milk
- Sour cream
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
This simple sauce is what makes the casserole creamy, savory, and oh-so comforting. Make sure it’s smooth before pouring—no one likes lumps here.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. At this point, mix in about 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This ensures cheesy goodness isn’t just on top but throughout the whole dish.
Step 5: Transfer to the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish (a quick spray or butter rub works fine). Spread your mixture evenly into the dish. This helps it bake consistently and makes for prettier servings later.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese over the top. This is what gives you that golden, bubbly finish everyone will fight over.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly edges and melted, slightly golden cheese on top.
Step 8: Optional Crunch
If you want a little texture, sprinkle crispy fried onions on top in the last 5 minutes of baking. They’ll crisp up and add a fun crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 9: Let It Rest
Here’s a step many people skip—but trust me, it makes a difference. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes slicing much easier.
Step 10: Serve & Enjoy
Scoop generous portions onto plates and watch how quickly it disappears. Pair it with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal.
And if casseroles are your thing, you might also love this Chicken Pot Pie Casserole—it’s another comfort food favorite that feels like a warm hug in a dish.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- Shortcut chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves loads of time.
- Frozen broccoli? No problem—just thaw and pat dry before mixing in.
- Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack for a creamier flavor or pepper jack for a little kick.
- Rice tip: Don’t use freshly cooked rice that’s too wet—it can make your casserole soggy. Day-old rice works beautifully.
- Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage
This casserole is a meal prep dream:
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly (or use freezer-safe containers) and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes—just cook it beforehand (baked, grilled, or pan-seared).
What if I don’t like sour cream?
You can substitute plain Greek yogurt. It keeps the creaminess with a little extra protein.
Can I make this without cream of chicken soup?
Definitely—make a quick homemade white sauce (butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk) and season it well.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the kind of recipe that keeps families happy and bellies full without hours in the kitchen. It’s cozy, creamy, and just a little nostalgic—the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again.
So go ahead, pull out that casserole dish, and give this recipe a try. And when your family goes back for seconds (and trust me, they will), you’ll know you’ve found a keeper.
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Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole: Easy Dinner That Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for busy families. Packed with protein, vegetables, and complex carbs, it’s a balanced one-dish meal that’s easy to make and customize.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and rice. Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. If desired, top with crispy fried onions and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
9. Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time or substitute with leftover turkey.
- Frozen broccoli can be used—just thaw and drain before mixing.
- Brown rice or quinoa can be substituted for white rice for more fiber.
- Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a subtle kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 425
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole, chicken and rice bake, family dinner, one-dish meal
