There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, bubbly casserole fresh from the oven. The Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole combines three classic dinner staples—tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice—coated in a rich, cheesy sauce that brings the whole dish together. Whether you’re feeding a family of picky eaters, meal prepping for the week, or looking for a cozy dish to share at a potluck, this one-pan wonder is the answer.
This article dives into everything you need to know to master this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, from ingredients and step-by-step instructions to variations, storage tips, and nutritional benefits. Let’s dig into why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your weekly meal rotation.
🧀 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
- One-dish wonder: Everything cooks together—protein, veggies, grains, and cheese.
- Family-approved flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with comfort.
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for busy weeknights or freezer meals.
- Customizable: Easily switch proteins, cheeses, or veggies based on what you have.
This is more than just a chicken casserole with broccoli—it’s an easy and satisfying way to bring everyone to the dinner table with minimal fuss.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy dish:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (use rotisserie for ease)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or lightly blanched
- 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for variation)
- ¾ cup sour cream (adds tang and creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup mozzarella cheese (for extra meltiness)
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- ¼ cup milk (to thin the sauce if needed)
For the topping (optional but recommended):
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cooking the rice and steaming or blanching the broccoli. If using rotisserie chicken, shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a skillet over medium heat, add a touch of olive oil and sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. This step adds great depth of flavor to the casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Steamed broccoli
- Cooked rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Sautéed onion and garlic
- ¾ cup of the cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
- Salt, pepper, and paprika
If the mixture seems too thick, stir in a splash of milk to loosen it.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Mix crushed Ritz crackers or panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🥦 Tips and Variations
Make It Healthier:
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a protein boost.
- Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice.
- Load up with more vegetables—like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms.
Customize the Cheese:
- Try Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
- Use Pepper Jack for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth to the topping.
Go Gluten-Free:
- Use a gluten-free cream soup or make your own roux with gluten-free flour.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Make It Vegetarian:
- Replace chicken with chickpeas, tofu, or roasted cauliflower.
- Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken cheese broccoli rice casserole is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are a few sides that pair beautifully:
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted carrots or green beans for extra veggies
- A dollop of hot sauce for those who like heat
🧊 How to Store and Reheat
Refrigeration:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
- Cool completely, then wrap tightly in foil or transfer to a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
📋 Nutrition Snapshot (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 410
- Protein: 27g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: 18% DV
Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portions used.
💡 FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Can I use raw chicken?
No, this recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken. If using raw chicken, you’ll need to fully cook it first by baking, sautéing, or boiling.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate (unbaked) for up to 24 hours. Add the topping right before baking.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just thaw and drain it well to avoid excess water in the casserole.
What’s a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make your own by whisking together:
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp flour
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup milk
Cook until thickened and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
💬 What People Are Saying
“This is the ultimate weeknight meal—my whole family loved it, even my picky eaters!” – Sarah T.
“I doubled this for a potluck and not a crumb was left. That cheesy topping is everything.” – Miguel R.
“Made it with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and it still turned out amazing!” – Leah D.
🔁 Make It a Meal Prep Favorite
This easy broccoli and rice casserole with chicken is one of the best recipes for batch cooking. Divide into individual containers for a grab-and-go lunch, or freeze half for next week. It reheats beautifully and keeps its creamy texture, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort dish.
🧡 Final Thoughts: Why This Casserole Belongs in Your Rotation
From the cheesy top layer to the creamy center filled with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice, this casserole is the epitome of comfort food with convenience. It’s affordable, freezer-friendly, and feeds a crowd. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit.
So next time you’re staring at a pack of chicken, a head of broccoli, and some leftover rice—remember, dinner greatness is just a casserole away.
