This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has it all—tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked together in a cheesy, hearty dish. It’s an easy, family-friendly recipe perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Why We Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is everything you need in a weeknight meal—simple, flavorful, and filling. It brings together some of the best comfort foods in one dish. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite in your home:
- Hearty and Balanced: With tender chicken, broccoli, and rice, this casserole is a complete meal. The chicken provides lean protein, the broccoli adds essential vitamins, and the rice serves as a comforting, fluffy base.
- Easy to Make: No need for complicated prep—just layer your ingredients, bake, and let the oven do the work. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a crowd, this dish is versatile enough to please everyone. It’s cheesy and hearty, making it both comforting and satisfying.
- Perfect for Leftovers: This casserole keeps well, so you can enjoy it the next day for lunch or dinner. It even tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt the ingredients to suit your preferences. Add extra vegetables, switch up the protein, or adjust the seasonings for your ideal version.
Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken – Cooked and shredded chicken is the main protein in this chicken broccoli rice casserole. Use rotisserie or any cooked chicken you have.
Broccoli – Fresh or frozen broccoli florets work well. Steam lightly if using fresh, and drain if using frozen.
Rice – Cooked white or brown rice forms the base of the chicken broccoli rice casserole. Avoid instant rice.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creamy texture and flavor. You can use canned or homemade.
Cheddar Cheese – Shredded cheese melts into the casserole and adds a cheesy finish. Save some for the top.
Milk – Helps make the mixture smooth and creamy. Whole milk works best.
Garlic Powder – Adds extra flavor to the chicken broccoli rice casserole.
Onion Powder – Gives a mild onion taste without chopping.
Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to bring this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole together. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious, comforting meal in no time!
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the rice following the package instructions. White rice takes about 15–20 minutes. Brown rice takes longer.
Prepare the broccoli by steaming fresh florets for 4–5 minutes or thawing and draining frozen broccoli.
Mix everything in a large bowl: shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
Transfer to a baking dish (9×13-inch), greased, and spread the mixture evenly.
Top with the rest of the cheese (about ½ cup).
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a crispier top.
Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
To take your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole to the next level, here are some expert tips to ensure it’s perfectly creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor every time:
Use rotisserie chicken: For a quicker and even more flavorful casserole, use rotisserie chicken. It saves you time on cooking and adds a rich, savory depth to the dish.
Steam the broccoli just right: If you’re using fresh broccoli, don’t overcook it! Steaming for 4-5 minutes keeps it tender yet crisp. Overcooked broccoli can become mushy in the casserole.
Experiment with rice: While white rice is classic, brown rice adds extra texture and a slight nutty flavor. You can even try cauliflower rice for a low-carb option! Just make sure the rice is cooked before mixing it in.
Cheese choices: Cheddar is a go-to, but don’t be afraid to mix things up! Try mozzarella for extra meltiness, or add some Parmesan for a little sharpness. A blend of cheeses can bring a new depth to the dish.
Add a crunchy topping: For extra texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. You can even add a drizzle of melted butter for a golden, crispy finish.
Make it ahead: This casserole is perfect for meal prep! Assemble it the night before and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop it in the oven for an easy, stress-free dinner.
Season to taste: Don’t forget to taste your casserole mix before baking. Adjust the salt, pepper, and seasonings to your liking. You can even add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat!
Variations of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
While the classic Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is delicious on its own, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:
Add more vegetables: If you love extra veggies, feel free to add sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots. They’ll bring more color and flavor to the casserole. Just chop them into small pieces so they cook evenly.
Swap the protein: While chicken is a favorite, you can easily swap it for turkey, ground beef, or even shredded pork. If you’re looking for a vegetarian version, try adding tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed alternative.
Make it spicy: For a bit of heat, add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. A dash of hot sauce can also bring a zesty kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but there are plenty of ways to elevate the meal or pair it with side dishes to make it even more satisfying. Here are some great ideas to serve alongside or top off your casserole:
Fresh Salad: Pair the casserole with a light, refreshing salad. A crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole perfectly. You could also try a Caesar salad for an extra creamy option.
Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the comfort of garlic bread alongside a cheesy casserole. The buttery, garlicky crunch pairs so well with the creamy, savory casserole and adds texture to the meal.
Steamed Veggies: If you want to add even more veggies, serve with a side of steamed carrots, green beans, or asparagus. These vegetables offer a nice, light contrast to the heavier casserole while adding some extra nutrients.
FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Here are some commonly asked questions about making Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. These tips will help you troubleshoot and customize your casserole to perfection!
Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prepping! You can assemble it a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just pop it in the oven. It may take a little longer to bake since it’s cold from the fridge, so allow an extra 10-15 minutes.
Can I use different cheese in Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Definitely! While cheddar cheese is the classic choice, you can mix in other cheeses like mozzarella for extra stretchiness, Parmesan for a sharp bite, or Gruyère for a rich, nutty flavor. Combining different cheeses adds layers of flavor and creaminess to the casserole.
How do I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole healthier?
If you’re looking to make the casserole lighter, try using low-fat cheese, brown rice instead of white rice, and light cream of chicken soup. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein without sacrificing creaminess.
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chicken broccoli rice casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups chicken cooked and shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
- 1 cup rice uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese cheddar or your favorite variety
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare the rice: Cook your rice according to the package instructions. If using white rice, it should take around 15-20 minutes. For brown rice, it will take longer (about 40-45 minutes). You can also prepare the rice in advance to save time!
- Cook the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen, simply thaw and drain it. You want it tender but not mushy, so don’t overcook it.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle, making it even more delicious.