If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that brings together all the best flavors and textures in one baking dish, the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe will absolutely steal your heart—and your taste buds! Imagine tender chunks of chicken, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant broccoli florets, all smothered in gooey melted cheddar. This casserole is a crowd-pleaser for family dinners, potlucks, or any night you need something cozy and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe comes together with simple, familiar ingredients, but each one plays a special role in creating that crave-worthy flavor and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why you’ll love them:
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works perfectly and makes this casserole wonderfully hearty.
- Cooked white rice (2 cups): The ultimate comfort base, rice soaks up all the delicious creamy sauce.
- Broccoli florets (2 cups, fresh or frozen, steamed): Adds color, nutrition, and a lovely tender-crisp bite.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): This is the secret to that luscious, creamy texture throughout.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives a tangy richness that really brightens the dish.
- Milk (1/4 cup): Helps loosen the sauce just enough for perfect creaminess.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, and totally irresistible—save some for the golden topping!
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): A subtle boost of savory depth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle sweetness and flavor foundation.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): For an optional crunchy, buttery topping.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, optional): Mix with the topping for extra richness and flavor.
How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s hot and ready when you are. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving—and cleanup—a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s creamy, colorful, and evenly blended. Don’t be afraid to sneak a taste to check your seasoning!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for that signature cheesy crust.
Step 4: Add a Crunchy Topping (Optional)
If you love a little crunch, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. It bakes up golden and delicious!
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole into the oven, uncovered, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and the top is beautifully golden and melty.
Step 6: Serve and Savor
Let the Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe cool for just a few minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes for perfect, scoopable portions.
How to Serve Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or sliced green onions can add a pop of color and a little fresh flavor on top. If you like a kick, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes works beautifully, too!
Side Dishes
This casserole is plenty hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies like green beans or carrots really brightens up the meal. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are always welcome on the side for soaking up every drop of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personalized servings—so fun for dinner parties! If you’re feeding a crowd, serve it as part of a potluck buffet alongside other classic comfort foods, or add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or crunchy fried onions on top for a flavor twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is a gift the next day! Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Wrap the unbaked casserole well (skip the cracker topping until after thawing) and freeze for up to 2 months. If freezing leftovers, portion them into airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave in 1-minute bursts until hot and bubbly.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice or another grain instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice or even cooked quinoa are delicious swaps that add extra fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. Just be sure they’re fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Is it possible to make this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for chickpeas or extra broccoli, and use cream of mushroom or celery soup instead of chicken soup for a hearty vegetarian version.
What’s the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?
Leftover roasted, grilled, or rotisserie chicken is fantastic here. If starting from scratch, simply poach or bake chicken breasts until cooked through, then shred or chop them.
Can I prepare Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely. You can assemble the whole casserole up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
How can I make the casserole lighter?
Use reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream, and low-sodium soup. You can also increase the broccoli and decrease the amount of rice or cheese slightly for a lighter version.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about a bubbling, cheesy casserole, and this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly the ultimate in weeknight comfort. Whether you’re feeding a family or sharing with friends, it’s a dish that always brings smiles. Give it a try and let it become a new classic in your kitchen!
Print
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This comforting Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli with creamy cheese sauce for a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, cooked white rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even baking.
- Add Cheese and Optional Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the mixture. If desired, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture on top to create a crunchy, golden crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve Warm: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice for a healthier variation with more fiber and nutrients.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking to save time on busy days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
