There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort to the table. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate one-dish meal packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp-tender broccoli, and plenty of gooey, melty cheese. It’s easy, hearty, and pure comfort food at its best!
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Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or when you just need something cozy, this dish comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be a repeat favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pan Wonder: Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness!
Easy & Convenient: Uses simple pantry staples and frozen or fresh broccoli for minimal effort.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.
Customizable: Swap proteins, use different cheeses, or add extra veggies to make it your own.
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work great—cubed for easy bites.
Rice: White or brown rice adds heartiness and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
Broccoli: Fresh or frozen broccoli florets bring color, texture, and a bit of crunch.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar is the star, but feel free to mix in mozzarella, gouda, or pepper jack for variety.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds richness and creaminess to the casserole. You can also use homemade or substitute with cream of mushroom.
Milk: Helps create the perfect creamy consistency.
Onion & Garlic: Boost the flavor with a little sautéed onion and garlic.
Seasonings: A mix of salt, pepper, paprika, and a touch of garlic powder enhances every bite.
Butter: Adds a little extra richness and depth of flavor.
Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure even baking.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook the cubed chicken with a little butter until lightly browned but not fully cooked through—it will finish baking in the casserole.
Prepare the Rice: If using uncooked rice, cook it according to package instructions. You can also use leftover rice to speed things up!
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until fragrant and softened.
Mix Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, half of the cheese, and seasonings. Stir until well mixed.
Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining cheese for that irresistible golden crust.
Bake to Perfection: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Let it Rest & Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving—this helps it set and makes it even more delicious!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
As a Standalone Meal: This casserole is hearty enough to enjoy on its own.
With a Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness.
Paired with Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up every last cheesy bite.
With a Soup Starter: Try a light vegetable or tomato soup to complement the dish.
Additional Tips
Use Pre-Cooked Ingredients: Speed up prep by using rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked rice.
Make It Healthier: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa and use low-fat cheese and soup.
Add a Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking for extra texture.
Freeze for Later: Assemble the casserole and freeze it before baking for a make-ahead meal. Just thaw overnight and bake when ready.
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little kick.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A1: Yes! No need to thaw—just add it directly to the mixture, and it will cook perfectly in the oven.
Q2: Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
A2: Absolutely! Just be aware that brown rice takes longer to cook, so using pre-cooked brown rice is best.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
Q4: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A4: Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to eat, bake as directed.
Q5: Can I freeze this casserole?
A5: Yes, you can freeze it before or after baking. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Q6: What’s the best cheese to use?
A6: Sharp cheddar gives the best flavor, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work well too.
Q7: Can I add other veggies?
A7: Definitely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.
Q8: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A8: Use a gluten-free cream soup alternative and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Q9: Can I make this without canned soup?
A9: Yes! Use a homemade creamy sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk instead.
Q10: Can I use a different protein?
A10: Sure! Try turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a potluck, it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Give it a try, and let me know how you love it!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-dish meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. Made with rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, and a creamy sauce, this recipe comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 large rotisserie chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups frozen broccoli
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (with herbs)
- 1/2 cup whipped cream cheese
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded (for topping)
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 1/3 cup milk (to mix everything together easily)
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Mix Ingredients
- In a large bowl (or directly in the casserole dish), mix diced chicken, cooked rice, frozen broccoli, cream of chicken soup, whipped cream cheese, seasonings, and milk. Stir until well combined.
3. Add Cheese & Assemble
- Stir in shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully mixed.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
4. Top & Bake
- Sprinkle the Colby Jack cheese and crispy fried onions on top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this cheesy, hearty meal!
Notes
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
- Substitutions: Swap Colby Jack for Monterey Jack or use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese for a lighter version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Absolutely recommend this recipe. My family loved it. The directions were easy to follow. I appreciate all the substitution ideas as I needed to sub out an few items for what I had on hand and it was just wonderful. Thank you for the recipe I will be making this one again.