Chicken Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole
When it comes to classic American comfort food, few dishes hit the mark like chicken broccoli cheese rice casserole. It’s warm, hearty, easy to prep ahead, and always a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, potlucks, or holiday tables. This dish delivers the perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice—all baked to perfection in one pan.
What is Chicken Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole?
This casserole combines cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy cheese sauce. It’s baked until bubbling and golden, offering a comforting, one-dish meal packed with protein, fiber, and calcium. You can make it from scratch or use shortcut ingredients to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz) or homemade white sauce
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 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
- Optional topping: crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese on top.
- Optional: top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for a crunchy finish.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and cheese is melted and golden.
Variations and Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken or canned chicken for convenience.
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
- Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor base.
- Add chopped onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Mix in red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a kick.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli, but steam it slightly before mixing it in to ensure it cooks through.
- Cook rice ahead or use leftover rice from the night before.
- If the casserole seems too thick before baking, add a little more milk to loosen the mixture.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes after baking to help it set before serving.
Make-Ahead and Freezer Friendly
Chicken broccoli cheese rice casserole is ideal for meal prep. Here’s how to make it ahead:
To refrigerate: Assemble the casserole, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.
To freeze: Assemble the casserole and wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
What to Serve With It
This dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs well with:
- Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
- A light green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted carrots or glazed sweet potatoes
- Fruit salad or a side of applesauce for kids
Nutritional Benefits
This casserole offers a balanced meal with:
- Protein from chicken and cheese
- Carbohydrates from rice
- Vitamins and fiber from broccoli
- Calcium and fat from cheese and milk
It’s especially useful for feeding picky eaters since the cheese masks the broccoli flavor and everything is mixed together into a creamy dish.
Common Questions
Can I use uncooked rice? No, always use cooked rice. Uncooked rice will absorb too much moisture and won’t cook properly in this casserole.
Can I use fresh broccoli without steaming it? It’s best to lightly steam or blanch the broccoli before mixing it in to ensure it’s tender after baking.
Can I make it vegetarian? Yes, skip the chicken and use cream of mushroom soup. Add extra veggies like carrots and mushrooms for heartiness.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely. Double the ingredients and use two baking dishes, or use a large deep pan and extend the baking time.
This chicken broccoli cheese rice casserole is a staple recipe every home cook should have. It’s quick, satisfying, and flexible enough to adapt to whatever you have on hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping meals for the week, this dish brings comfort and flavor in every bite.
