If there’s one crave-worthy dish I turn to again and again, it’s this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and downright comforting, each spoonful delivers tender bites of chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and perfectly cooked rice—all blanketed in a luscious sauce and finished with a tempting golden topping. Whether you’re seeking an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck star, this casserole is pure cozy joy straight from the oven. Trust me, this one will disappear fast!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This casserole keeps things beautifully straightforward—each ingredient plays a starring role in bringing the best flavor and texture to your table. Here’s what you’ll need to create the perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, plus a few smart tips to help you along.
- Chicken Breast: Tender shredded cooked chicken soaks up all the flavors and provides protein-packed bites—rotisserie is a great shortcut!
- Cooked Rice: The hearty base that fills up the casserole and pairs perfectly with the sauce—white or brown rice both work.
- Broccoli Florets: Steam these to just-tender for fresh, bright green bursts in every forkful.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This gives instant creaminess and binds the whole bake together—swap with cream of mushroom for a twist.
- Sour Cream: Adds rich, tangy depth and keeps every bite silky (don’t skip!)
- Milk: Smooths the sauce and ensures the casserole stays moist and luscious.
- Cheddar Cheese: The secret to that gooey, cheesy pull—use sharp cheddar for extra flavor, and divide for mixing and topping.
- Garlic Powder: Subtle savory notes boost all the other flavors.
- Onion Powder: Provides gentle sweetness and depth—easy and fuss-free.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the sauce just right—adjust as needed.
- Black Pepper: Just a touch brings everything together and adds a gentle kick.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers or Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping—use what you have on hand.
- Unsalted Butter: Melting it into the crumbs or crackers makes every bite golden and delicious.
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven gets cozy, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a touch of butter or non-stick spray. This simple prep step ensures your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe doesn’t stick and makes serving (and cleanup!) a total breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is creamy and the ingredients are evenly coated. The combination of textures and flavors starts to come alive right here, so make sure to mix thoroughly for a perfectly blended casserole.
Step 3: Layer and Top
Spread the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, making sure you reach all the corners. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top to guarantee a glorious, bubbly golden finish. Now, in a separate small bowl, toss the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until well coated—sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese-topped casserole.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your casserole (carefully!) into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is piping hot, the cheese is melted, and the cracker or breadcrumb topping is a rich, inviting golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving so the flavors can mingle and the slices hold their shape beautifully.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair, finish your casserole with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or even a touch more cheese (we all love a little extra!) makes each plate pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
This hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe truly stands on its own, but it’s wonderful alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, simple roasted vegetables, or even soft, buttered rolls. For a nostalgia-filled meal, pair it up with applesauce or a scoop of cranberry relish on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re making this casserole for company (or just want to jazz up a weeknight), try baking and serving it in individual ramekins for personal portions. You could spoon the warm filling into hollowed-out bell peppers and bake for a twist, or serve slices over extra steamed rice for big appetites. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is guaranteed to impress in any form!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunches. The flavors settle and meld even more overnight, so don’t hesitate to make extra!
Freezing
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. To freeze, wrap the unbaked or fully baked casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or transfer to freezer-safe containers. Label with the date and enjoy within 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
For the tastiest leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave (loosely covered) on medium power until sizzling hot. To reheat larger amounts, cover the casserole dish with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes. If the topping needs crisping, remove the foil for the last few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a smart shortcut and delivers wonderful flavor to your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and mix it right in with the other ingredients.
Can I swap the cream of chicken soup for something else?
Yes, you can use cream of mushroom soup or even cream of celery for a different dimension of flavor. If you prefer homemade, a quick white sauce also works great as a substitute.
What type Main Course, Casserole
Both white and brown rice work well here, but make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. If you love nutty flavor and more fiber, brown rice is delicious. Quinoa is also a good substitute for a gluten-free variation.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Peas, diced carrots, or sautéed mushrooms are all lovely additions to the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. Just make sure any extra veggies are pre-cooked so the casserole stays moist and cohesive.
How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream soup and swap the crackers or breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free option. Always check your ingredient labels to be sure, and enjoy a gluten-free version of this cozy family classic.
Final Thoughts
If you’re hunting for a comforting, easy meal that delivers every time, give this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe a whirl. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, fills the kitchen with delicious aromas, and leaves you wishing for leftovers. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a new favorite in your own home!
Print
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and satisfying Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. This cheesy casserole is a flavorful combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli, all baked to perfection with a creamy sauce and topped with a crunchy buttery crumb topping.
Ingredients
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 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
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Layer Casserole: Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Add Topping: Toss crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Try brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option.
- Rotisserie chicken is convenient for this recipe.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
