Name: Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice 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 shredded chicken; 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched); 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional); 1 tablespoon melted butter

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This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, bright green broccoli, and plenty of gooey melted cheddar in one pan. It’s a beloved classic for a reason! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a hearty, family-friendly dinner you can pop in the oven on a busy weeknight, this casserole is endlessly adaptable and always a hit. Cozy, creamy, and finished with a golden cheesy crust (with an optional buttery cracker topping), you’ll find yourself returning to Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole whenever you crave something warm and satisfying.

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how approachable and pantry-friendly these ingredients are. Each component is here for a reason, blending together to create the creamy, cheesy, and satisfying magic that makes Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole so crave-worthy.

Cooked White Rice: Provides a soft and comforting foundation that soaks up all the savory flavors of the casserole.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: A great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken, offering protein and texture.
Broccoli Florets: Lightly steamed for perfect tenderness and that fresh, vibrant green color.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The shortcut hero that delivers creaminess and depth in every bite.
Sour Cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess that balances the dish beautifully.
Milk: Helps achieve the perfect saucy consistency; whole or 2% both work well.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The star ingredient for melty, stretchy, cheesy goodness — use sharp cheddar for more flavor impact!
Garlic Powder: For a subtle savory note that pairs with the chicken and veggies.
Onion Powder: Rounds out the flavor profile without the need for chopping an onion.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the tastes together.
Crushed Ritz Crackers or Breadcrumbs (optional): Sprinkle for a crunchy, buttery finish on top.
Melted Butter (for topping): Tossed with the crackers or breadcrumbs for irresistible golden color.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze. It’s always best to gather your ingredients and make sure your broccoli is lightly steamed and your chicken and rice are cooked ahead of time — a little prep makes assembly effortless!

Step 2: Mix Up the Filling

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s thoroughly combined. You want every bite to have a little bit of everything!

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Pour the filling into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that extra cheesy layer everyone loves. If you’re adding the crunchy topping, go ahead and mix your crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then scatter it over the cheese.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the top is nicely golden. If you’ve used the optional topping, it’ll be crisped to perfection. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before slicing — it’ll set up for that classic slice-and-serve moment!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Brighten up your Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with a shower of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced scallions. A little sprinkle of extra cheese or even a dash of paprika adds visual appeal and a flavor boost. Don’t be afraid to get creative and let those colors pop!

Side Dishes

This casserole is hearty and satisfying on its own, but it also plays well with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables for extra color and freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are lovely for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or potlucks, scoop the casserole into individual ramekins before baking for a restaurant-worthy twist. You can also cut it into squares and serve on a platter lined with greens for a festive and family-style dinner presentation. Leftover casserole even makes a fantastic filling for stuffed bell peppers the next night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole stores beautifully! Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, making for crave-worthy next-day lunches or dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking (without the crunchy topping), and simply add the topping freshly before baking from frozen or thawed.

Reheating

Reheat single portions in the microwave until piping hot, or warm larger amounts in a covered dish in a 350°F oven. If reheating from frozen, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as directed, adding a little extra cheese or fresh topping if you like.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! Brown rice and quinoa both make cozy and nutritious alternatives in Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Just be sure to cook them fully beforehand, and expect a slightly nuttier flavor and chewier bite.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before popping it in the oven. Add crunchy topping just before baking for best texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly! Sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or peas are all wonderful stirred into the filling for extra color and flavor. This casserole is perfect for mixing in whatever veggies you love or happen to have on hand.

Can I make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole gluten free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free condensed soup, swap in gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free. No one will miss a thing — it’ll still be extra cheesy and delicious!

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

A favorite trick is to place cooked chicken breasts in a stand mixer and mix on low with the paddle attachment for perfect shreds in under a minute. Or, use two forks and shred by hand if you prefer a little more control over the texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a cozy, reliable dish that everyone will dive into, I can’t recommend Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole enough. It’s simple enough to make for a weeknight and special enough for sharing at gatherings. I hope it becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine — happy baking!

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

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

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Description

This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Loaded with tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese, this casserole is sure to be a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Prepare the Casserole: In a large mixing bowl, combine rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. Optionally, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving.