Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli

why make this recipe

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting dish that combines delicious flavors and nutrition in one pot. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, as it is easy to prepare and the whole family will love it! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit, while the broccoli adds a healthy touch. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken and rice.

how to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz / ~300 g) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted, optional, for topping)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Cook the rice according to package directions. Lightly steam the broccoli until just tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
3. Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine the casserole: Stir in the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
6. Optional topping: If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
8. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

how to serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is great on its own as a hearty meal, but you can also serve it with a side salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner. It’s perfect for lunch the next day too!

how to store Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

• You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• For extra flavor, try adding some cooked bacon or diced peppers to the mix.
• If you want to make it creamier, you can add more sour cream or cheese.
• To make it lighter, use a low-fat version of the cream of chicken soup.

variation

For a different twist, you can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like spinach, peas, or mixed veggies. You can also use a different type of cheese, like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?
No, you should use cooked rice as it helps keep the casserole moist and ensures the rice is tender.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and check that your breadcrumbs are gluten-free if you decide to use them.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

A comforting casserole that combines chicken, rice, and broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed) You can use leftover or rotisserie chicken.
• 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown) Cook according to package directions.
• 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen) Lightly steamed.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz / ~300 g
• 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided; add 1 cup to the mixture and top with 1/2 cup.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Optional, for topping.
• 2 tablespoons butter Melted, optional, for topping.

Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
• Cook the rice according to package directions. Lightly steam the broccoli until just tender.

Mix the sauce

• In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Combine the casserole

• Stir in the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and 1 cup of the cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.

Assemble

• Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.

Optional topping

• If using breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Bake

• Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Serve

• Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

This casserole pairs well with a side salad or crusty bread. Perfect for next-day lunch too.

Keyword Broccoli Chicken, Casserole, Cheesy Rice, Comfort Food, easy dinner