Livia Scott
Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting weeknight staple that brings big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like home—warm, satisfying, and made with pantry basics that are probably already in your kitchen.
The layers of melty cheddar, creamy rice, and juicy chicken wrapped around perfectly cooked broccoli create the ultimate baked casserole experience. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning for leftovers, this one-dish wonder will be your new go-to for cozy dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One-dish dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Kid-friendly and loaded with vegetables in a cheesy sauce.
- Easy to make ahead and freeze.
- A balanced blend of protein, carbs, and veggies.
What Kind of Rice Should I Use?
For the best texture, use cooked long-grain white rice. Jasmine rice or basmati work wonderfully too. Avoid uncooked rice unless you’re modifying the liquid ratios, as this recipe is designed for pre-cooked rice to keep the prep fast and hassle-free.
Ingredients for the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for easy prep.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets give a pop of green color and a mild crunch to balance the creaminess.
White Rice: Pre-cooked long-grain rice helps bring everything together and keeps the bake sturdy yet soft.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds rich, tangy flavor and that classic golden crust.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy base, binding all ingredients into a cohesive casserole.
Sour Cream: Adds extra creaminess and a slight tang to enhance depth.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Simple seasonings to build savory warmth.
Salt and Pepper: To taste and balance.
Butter: Helps brown the top and keeps everything luscious.
Panko Bread Crumbs (Optional): For a golden crispy topping.
How To Make the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook and shred your chicken (or use rotisserie). Cook your rice and steam the broccoli if using fresh.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together 2 cups of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 3: Combine the Filling
Add 3 cups of cooked white rice, 2 cups cooked shredded chicken, and 2 cups broccoli florets into the creamy mixture. Fold gently until fully combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread evenly. Top with the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
Step 5: Add Crunch (Optional)
Melt 2 tablespoons of butter and mix with 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle this over the top for a crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Broil for 2–3 minutes if you want a crispier, more golden top.
How to Serve This Cheesy Casserole
This recipe yields 8 hearty servings, perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Serve it with a fresh green salad or roasted veggies to round out the meal. It also pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast.
Storing Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Let leftovers cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until warm. You can also freeze the baked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store in the fridge. Bake when ready to serve.
What cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but you can also use a mix of Monterey Jack, Colby, or mozzarella for different flavors and meltiness.
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drained canned chicken works in a pinch, though fresh or rotisserie will offer better flavor and texture.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and double up on broccoli or add mushrooms, peas, or chickpeas. Use cream of mushroom soup instead.
Want More Casserole Ideas?
If you love this cheesy chicken bake, you’ll want to try these other cozy recipes too:
- Runza Casserole for a comforting beef and cabbage twist.
- Beef and Potato Casserole for hearty meat-and-potato goodness.
- Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for mushroom lovers.
- Wholesome Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake for a pasta-style twist.
- Cheesy Creamed Spinach as a perfect side to pair.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a crunchy topping or swap in brown rice? I love hearing your variations and creative spins. Got questions? Drop them below—let’s make dinner magic together!
Find even more delicious ideas on my Pinterest page at Life With Livia.
Print Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 1 casserole (serves 8)
Description
This creamy, cheesy, one-dish wonder is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. Loaded with juicy shredded chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and sharp cheddar cheese, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is baked to bubbly perfection. It’s everything you want in comfort food: fast, filling, family-friendly, and perfect for make-ahead meals or freezer storage. Whether you need quick dinner ideas, cozy food recipes, or hearty casserole dishes, this easy recipe checks every box.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups broccoli florets
3 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons melted butter
½ cup panko bread crumbs (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
3. Add in the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
5. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
6. For an optional crunchy topping, combine melted butter and panko bread crumbs, then sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
8. For a more golden top, broil the casserole for an additional 2–3 minutes.
9. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
This recipe is perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
You can substitute cream of chicken with cream of mushroom for variety.
Frozen broccoli can be used, just thaw and drain well before mixing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 510mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, broccoli rice bake, family meal, easy dinner, comfort food
