If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole recipe. It’s warm, hearty, and packed with simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, this casserole is the kind of dinner that brings everyone to the table.
The best part? It’s a one dish meal that you can prep ahead, bake, and enjoy for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even potlucks.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
This casserole isn’t just filling. It’s satisfying in every way. Here’s why it will quickly become a family favorite:
- One pan wonder: Chicken, veggies, rice, and cheese all in one dish no need for multiple sides.
- Easy to make ahead: Prep it the night before and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.
- Comfort in every bite: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned with just the right texture.
How This Recipe Works
- Broccoli and rice cook evenly in the casserole, ensuring no soggy or undercooked parts.
- Creamy sauce made from simple pantry ingredients keeps the casserole rich without being heavy.
- Baking everything together allows flavors to meld, while the cheese creates a golden, bubbly topping.
- Chicken stays tender and juicy because it’s combined with the creamy sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for topping)
Step by Step: How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
- Mix in your cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and half the cheese.
- Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if you like a crispy topping).
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
The beauty of casseroles is that you can make them your own. Try these ideas:
What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Since this casserole is already a full meal, you don’t need much on the side. But if you want to round out dinner:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette.
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the cheesy sauce.
- A light fruit salad for something fresh and sweet.
Storage and Make Ahead Tips
This casserole is perfect for meal prep!
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in foil or store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Bake covered at 350°F until heated through, or reheat individual servings in the microwave.
Pro tip: If freezing, don’t add the cheese topping until you’re ready to bake. It keeps it fresh and gooey.
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Don’t overcook the broccoli before baking. It will soften more in the oven.
- Shred your own cheese instead of using pre shredded for better melting.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to set nicely.
- Make it healthier with brown rice + Greek yogurt.
- Double the recipe and freeze one for later!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not letting casserole rest before serving (sauce sets better)
- Overcooking broccoli (keeps it bright green and crisp-tender)
- Skipping pre-cooked rice (can make casserole mushy)
FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Do I have to cook the rice before adding it?
Yes, for best results, use fully cooked rice. Adding raw rice will make the casserole watery and undercooked.
3. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely just thaw and drain well before mixing it in.
4. How can I make this recipe gluten free?
Use a gluten free cream of chicken soup and make sure your breadcrumbs (if using) are gluten free.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken diced (rotisserie or leftover)
- 2 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan optional, for topping
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Good Stuff
- Mix in your cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and half the cheese.
- Stir until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish.
- Top with the remaining cheese (and breadcrumbs if you like a crispy topping).
Step 5: Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
- Let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use cooked chicken—rotisserie chicken works great to save time.
- Broccoli can be fresh or frozen; lightly steam for best texture.
- Use any shredded cheese you prefer; cheddar or a blend works well.
- Cook rice fully before combining for even texture in the casserole.
- Add cream of mushroom or chicken soup for extra creaminess.
- Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
- Bake until bubbly and top is lightly golden for perfect presentation.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days; reheat gently.
Great recipe