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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Creamy, Cheesy, and Totally Comforting)
If you’ve ever wished for a dinner that tastes like a warm hug, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is your answer. This classic comfort-food dish is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and broccoli — all baked together with fluffy rice to create a one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep.
What makes this casserole so irresistible is its perfect balance of textures: soft rice, tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy sauce that binds everything together. It’s also incredibly adaptable, making it a great base for your own variations — add mushrooms, swap the cheese, or use leftover chicken to make it even easier.
Below, you’ll find everything you need to make this casserole exactly right — plus tips, variations, and serving ideas to make it your go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
1. It’s a true comfort food classic
There’s something deeply satisfying about a baked casserole. It’s warm, cheesy, and comforting — exactly what you want after a long day.
2. It’s a complete meal
Chicken provides protein, broccoli adds fiber and nutrients, and rice gives you carbs for energy. It’s a full meal in one dish.
3. It’s easy to customize
Swap the cheese, add veggies, or change the seasoning. This recipe is flexible and forgiving.
4. It’s perfect for leftovers
This casserole tastes even better the next day. It reheats beautifully and makes excellent lunch leftovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice for a healthier twist)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional for sautéing broccoli)
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
1. Preheat and prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Cook the broccoli
If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch it for 2–3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well to prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
3. Combine the creamy base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Add the main ingredients
Fold in the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli. Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Transfer to baking dish
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
6. Add the cheese topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. If you like a crunchy topping, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake
Bake for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden.
8. Let it rest
Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes it easier to slice.
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Use day-old rice
Rice that has been cooked and cooled works best in casseroles because it holds its texture and doesn’t turn mushy.
Avoid watery broccoli
If your broccoli is wet, squeeze out excess moisture with paper towels. This prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
Make it ahead
You can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Make it extra creamy
Add 1/4 cup cream cheese to the mixture for a richer, more velvety texture.
Use rotisserie chicken
If you want to save time, rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred it and add it directly to the casserole.
Delicious Variations (Make It Your Own)
1. Mushroom & Spinach Casserole
Add sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach to the mix. It adds flavor and nutrients without changing the base recipe.
2. Buffalo Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Stir in 1/3 cup buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
3. Mexican Style
Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and taco seasoning. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and serve with salsa and sour cream.
4. Keto-Friendly
Swap rice for cauliflower rice and use heavy cream instead of milk.
5. Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip the breadcrumb topping entirely. Make sure your soup is gluten-free.
Serving Suggestions
Best served with:
- A fresh side salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted vegetables
- A light soup starter
Best drinks:
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- A glass of white wine (like Chardonnay)
- Sparkling water with lemon
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
Casseroles have been a beloved comfort food in American kitchens since the 1950s. They became popular because they’re economical, easy to make, and great for feeding families. Chicken broccoli rice casserole, specifically, is a modern twist on classic “dinner casserole” recipes — blending simple ingredients into a creamy, satisfying meal that appeals to all ages.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
This casserole uses the “three pillars” of comfort cooking:
1. Creaminess
The soup + sour cream mixture creates a rich sauce that binds the dish together.
2. Texture
Rice provides structure, broccoli adds crunch, and cheese gives gooey, melted goodness.
3. Flavor
A simple blend of garlic and onion powder boosts flavor without overwhelming the dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes! Brown rice adds more fiber and nutrients. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing.
Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
Absolutely. Use a homemade sauce made with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. It will be slightly less creamy but still delicious.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes. Freeze it before baking or after baking. If freezing before baking, bake directly from frozen, adding 10–15 minutes to the cooking time.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Replace chicken with tofu, chickpeas, or a mix of mushrooms and beans. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup.
Final Thoughts
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of recipe that becomes a family favorite — the kind you make again and again because it’s simple, comforting, and always hits the spot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a cozy dinner, this casserole delivers every time.
Give it a try tonight — and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to comfort meal.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and rice — baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Steam or blanch broccoli until tender-crisp, then drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken, rice, and broccoli to the bowl. Stir until evenly coated.
- Fold in 1 cup cheddar and 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese. Optional: mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbling and cheese is golden. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, add 1/4 cup cream cheese. For a healthier version, use brown rice and low-fat sour cream.
