Looking for an easy, nutritious, and satisfying dinner that your whole family will love? This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with tender chicken, healthy broccoli, creamy sauce, and hearty rice, this dish combines comfort food with wholesome ingredients. It’s an excellent option for a weeknight meal, potluck, or make-ahead dish. Keep reading to learn how to make this simple yet delicious casserole that will quickly become a staple in your household!
What Is Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic baked dish that combines cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese or crunchy breadcrumbs. It’s a complete meal in one dish that’s not only easy to prepare but also adaptable to different tastes. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and slightly crisp broccoli make for a perfect balance of flavors and textures, while the rice provides a hearty base. This casserole is perfect for busy families who want a home-cooked meal without a lot of fuss.
Ingredients List for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for mixing with the topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is incredibly flexible, making it easy to customize based on your preferences or what’s in your pantry:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or even canned chicken if you’re in a pinch. You can also substitute chicken with turkey or ham.
- Rice: White rice is classic, but feel free to use brown rice, wild rice, or even quinoa for a healthier twist. Cauliflower rice is a great low-carb alternative.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are ideal, but frozen broccoli works just as well. You can also use other vegetables like green beans, peas, or cauliflower.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: You can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make your own creamy sauce from scratch using a roux (flour and butter) with chicken broth and milk.
- Cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for different flavors. For a spicier twist, try adding pepper jack cheese.
- Topping: If you don’t have crackers, you can use panko breadcrumbs or even crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping. For a lighter version, you can skip the topping altogether.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s dive into how to make this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when you are.
- Cook the rice: If you haven’t already cooked the rice, prepare it according to the package instructions. You’ll need about 2 cups of cooked rice for the casserole.
- Cook the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the broccoli florets until they are just tender, but still crisp. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it thoroughly.
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, shred or cube it. If cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt and pepper, cook it through, and shred it.
- Mix the creamy sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise (if using), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the ingredients: Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli to the creamy sauce mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using) evenly over the top. If you’re adding a crunchy topping, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle them on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving: Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving so it can set a bit.
How to Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of how to make this easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Cook your rice and broccoli ahead of time. You can cook them while you prepare the other ingredients to save time.
- Mix the creamy sauce, ensuring it’s smooth and well-seasoned.
- Combine the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli with the creamy sauce, then pour everything into a baking dish.
- Top with cheese (and breadcrumbs if you like) for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- Bake and enjoy this comforting and hearty casserole!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:
- Overcooking the broccoli: Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it will become too mushy during baking. You want it to stay slightly crisp.
- Undercooking the rice: Make sure your rice is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole, as the baking time isn’t long enough to cook raw rice.
- Too much liquid: Avoid adding extra milk or liquids to the sauce, as this can make the casserole too watery.
- Forgetting to season: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken, rice, and broccoli to ensure it’s properly seasoned. The soup can be salty, but you may need to adjust seasoning to your taste.
Serving and Presentation Tips
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but there are a few ways to elevate the presentation and serving:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh thyme adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs perfectly with this rich and creamy casserole.
- Add extra veggies: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans, for a well-rounded meal.
- Bread on the side: Pair the casserole with warm, crusty bread or dinner rolls to scoop up the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but you can enhance the dish with the following sides:
- Salad: A light, fresh salad (like Caesar or mixed greens) balances the richness of the casserole.
- Vegetables: Roasted or steamed veggies, such as carrots, green beans, or asparagus, complement the creamy flavors.
- Bread: Serve with garlic bread, French bread, or dinner rolls for a heartier meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
While casseroles are typically served family-style, you can still make your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole visually appealing with these tips:
- Use a beautiful dish: Serve the casserole in a decorative ceramic or glass baking dish for a more elegant presentation.
- Top with herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives adds a vibrant green contrast to the golden cheese topping.
- Serve in individual portions: For a fancier touch, you can bake the casserole in individual ramekins or small dishes for personalized servings.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Tips
To ensure the best results every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a few minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Freeze for later: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, let it cool completely, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake until heated through.
- Add extra flavor: If you want to boost the flavor, try adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a dash of hot sauce, or even a splash of Worcestershire sauce to the creamy mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for meal prep.
**Q: Can I
freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?**
A: Absolutely! Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q: What type of rice is best for this casserole?
A: Any type of rice works, but long-grain white rice, brown rice, or wild rice are great options. You can also use cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream, replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that’s not only easy to make but also full of flavor and nutrients. With tender chicken, hearty rice, and nutritious broccoli, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with cheese, it’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re feeding your family or serving guests, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Try it out and enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying!
PrintChicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe is a comforting, all-in-one dish with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli, all mixed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s easy to make, nutritious, and great for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep. The cheesy topping adds a satisfying crunch and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix together shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, and add breadcrumbs if desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
- Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for variation.
- Adding mushrooms or carrots can increase the vegetable content.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
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