There's nothing quite like the comfort of a Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole on a chilly evening. The creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice makes this dish a surefire hit. It’s the kind of meal that fills your home with warmth and your belly with satisfaction.

I first discovered this recipe when I was looking for a way to make use of leftover rotisserie chicken and a head of broccoli. What started as a throw-together dinner quickly became a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and wholesome on the table. Let’s dive into what makes this casserole so special.
Why You'll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to casserole recipe. This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole isn’t just delicious – it’s a weeknight lifesaver that ticks all the boxes.
First off, this dish is incredibly simple to prepare. With minimal chopping and one baking dish, you can have dinner prepped and ready to go in under 20 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when time is tight but you still want a homemade meal.
It’s also a budget-friendly recipe. Using pantry staples like rice, condensed soup, and shredded cheese means you can feed your family without breaking the bank. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables you have on hand.
What’s more, this casserole is wonderfully versatile. Don’t have broccoli? Swap it for another vegetable like cauliflower or green beans. Need to make it gluten-free? There are easy substitutions for that too.
Finally, this dish is freezer-friendly, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Whip up a double batch and freeze one for those days when you just can’t face cooking.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this casserole lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each element is carefully chosen to deliver the perfect balance of textures and flavors.
Chicken: You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. Rotisserie chicken is my go-to for its convenience and flavor, but you can also use leftover grilled or roasted chicken.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli works beautifully in this recipe. If using fresh, chop it into bite-sized florets. Frozen broccoli should be thawed and patted dry to avoid excess moisture.
Rice: Long-grain white rice is ideal for this casserole because it stays light and fluffy. You can also use brown rice, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor. You’ll need about 2 cups – one for mixing into the casserole and another for sprinkling on top for that golden, melty crust.
Condensed Soup: Cream of chicken soup forms the base of the creamy sauce. If you prefer, you can substitute with cream of mushroom or a homemade version.
You’ll also need a few pantry staples like milk, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder to season everything perfectly. No special equipment is required, just a trusty casserole dish.
How To Make This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Creating this comforting casserole is a straightforward process that even beginner cooks can master. Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
Cook your rice according to package instructions. While the rice is cooking, steam the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp. If you prefer a crunchier texture, undercook it slightly, as it will continue to soften in the oven.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and the condensed cream of chicken soup. Add ½ cup of milk and stir everything together until evenly mixed. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder if desired.
Transfer the mixture to your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Top with the remaining cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring the casserole is well-covered for that irresistible cheesy crust.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly golden. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This entire process takes about 40 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal weeknight meal.
Storage Options
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
To store in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place a portion in the microwave or warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
For freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Label it with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
You can also freeze individual portions for quick, single-serving meals. Simply scoop portions into freezer-safe containers and reheat as needed.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this casserole is how easily it adapts to suit your needs and preferences.
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add other veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free condensed soup and ensure your rice is certified gluten-free for a dish everyone can enjoy.
- Different Cheeses: Swap out the cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a mix of Parmesan and Gruyere for a more gourmet twist.
- Protein Variations: Try swapping the chicken for cooked turkey, ham, or even crumbled sausage for a new flavor profile.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce to the mix for a little heat.
The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get creative and make this casserole your own. It’s a recipe that invites experimentation and guarantees satisfaction every time.
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, baked to perfection.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and half the shredded cheese. Mix well.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with the remaining shredded cheese and optional crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the top is golden.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or homemade sauce for a twist.
- Frozen broccoli works great but ensure it’s thawed and drained well.
- Add extra cheese on top for a cheesier flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
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