Name: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed); 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until just tender); 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup; ½ cup sour cream; ½ cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional); 1 tablespoon melted butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is pure comfort in a baking dish. Imagine a creamy, cheesy medley of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender broccoli, all bubbling beneath a golden cracker topping — it’s the kind of cozy meal that brings everyone flocking to the table. With simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, this casserole brings hearty satisfaction and nostalgic flavor, all with minimal fuss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this is a dish that gets requested again and again!

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe only requires a handful of ingredients, each one playing a starring role in texture, flavor, or that melt-in-your-mouth quality. These are straightforward, familiar items, making prep a breeze, and the combination is truly something special.

Cooked white rice: This forms the hearty, fluffy base and soaks up every bit of creamy goodness.
Cooked chicken breast: Juicy and protein-packed, shredded or cubed chicken gives every bite substance.
Fresh or frozen broccoli florets: Steamed until bright and just tender, broccoli adds color and freshness.
Condensed cream of chicken soup: The shortcut superstar for creating a luscious, savory sauce.
Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess that ties the whole casserole together.
Milk: Lightens the sauce and helps everything meld to an irresistible consistency.
Garlic powder: Gives a subtle savory kick — don’t skip it!
Onion powder: Builds a gentle background flavor without any chopping required.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together — taste and adjust as needed.
Black pepper: Just a little adds warmth and depth.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Rich, sharp, and gooey — this is what makes the casserole sing!
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a crave-worthy, buttery crunch on top — totally up to you but always a hit.
Melted butter (for topping): Melds with the cracker or breadcrumb topping for toasty, golden payoff.

How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. This small step ensures your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe lifts out in neat, generous scoops.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded or cubed chicken, steamed broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and one cup of cheddar cheese. Stir well until everything is evenly coated and the mixture looks rich and creamy. Every ingredient should be hugged by that irresistible, cheesy sauce!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the prepared mixture evenly into your greased casserole dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top; you want it level so it bakes uniformly and presents beautifully at the table.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Topping

Sprinkle the remaining half-cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that eye-catching, golden layer. If you’re going for the crunchy topping (and honestly, why not?), mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the cheese. The topping will bake up crisp and buttery — totally irresistible!

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling at the edges and the topping is toasted to a gorgeous golden-brown. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this helps everything set and makes those first scoops even more satisfying.

How to Serve Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Add a finishing flourish with fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of green onions for color and a hint of freshness. If you like a little crunch, try a few sliced almonds or a dusting of smoked paprika. These little extras make your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe look and taste like it came right out of a favorite neighborhood café.

Side Dishes

Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad drizzled with vinaigrette or some simply roasted mixed vegetables. If you want a bread pairing, garlic knots or a fluffy dinner roll are perfect for sopping up extra sauce. This dish already covers all the bases, so sides can be light and simple — it’s truly a meal on its own!

Creative Ways to Present

For potlucks or gatherings, scoop the casserole into ramekins for individualized servings — it’s a fun, fuss-free way to serve. Or, spoon leftovers into bell pepper halves, bake, and enjoy a portable snack. Even shaped silicone muffin pans work beautifully for picnic-friendly, hand-held bites. With a little imagination, this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe fits any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers are a treat! Just be sure to let the dish cool to room temperature before covering — this keeps the topping crisp and the casserole from getting soggy.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe without baking, skipping the cracker topping until you’re ready to bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed, adding about 10 extra minutes if starting from chilled.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave until piping hot, or for the best texture, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20 minutes). If the topping needs reviving, remove the foil for the last few minutes to crisp it back up. Leftovers are just as comforting as day one!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice or quinoa make wonderful substitutions, giving your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe extra nuttiness and added nutrition. Just make sure your grains are fully cooked and slightly cooled before mixing.

Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. It adds rich flavor and juicy texture, plus it helps you get dinner on the table even faster. Simply shred or chop and proceed as instructed.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights or when hosting dinner guests. Just remember to add the cracker topping right before baking to keep it nice and crisp.

What’s the best way to steam broccoli?

For best results, steam florets in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water, covered loosely, for 2 to 3 minutes, or use a stovetop steamer. Aim for bright green and just-tender — overcooked broccoli will break down in the casserole.

Can I make this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Swap the chicken with an extra cup of broccoli or add sautéed mushrooms, and use condensed cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken soup. The cheesy, creamy flavors still shine through.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to try this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe as I am to share it! It’s the definition of fuss-free comfort food and bound to warm both hearts and bellies. Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes your go-to family favorite — happy cooking!

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce for a satisfying family meal. Easy to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until just tender)
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream
½ cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

For the Topping:

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
1 tablespoon melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the casserole: Spread the mixture in the casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Add the topping: Combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Serve: Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.