Looking for the perfect weeknight dinner that combines comfort, nutrition, and ease? This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is your answer! A one-pot wonder that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this family-favorite casserole recipe delivers both convenience and flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken and Rice Casserole
- One-pot convenience: Minimal cleanup with maximum flavor
- Family-friendly: A crowd-pleasing combination of familiar ingredients
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different ingredients
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for meal prep
- Budget-conscious: Uses simple, readily available ingredients
- Comfort food at its finest: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying
Ingredients for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Main Components
- 2 pounds chicken breast, cubed (or rotisserie chicken)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Aluminum foil
Success Tips
- ✓ Don’t overcook the broccoli
- ✓ Cut chicken into uniform pieces
- ✓ Let ingredients come to room temperature
- ✓ Season each layer
- ✓ Allow casserole to rest before serving
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Cook rice according to package instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces
- Steam broccoli until crisp-tender
- Dice onion and mince garlic
Assembly Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, milk, and seasonings
- Layer cooked rice in a 9×13 baking dish
- Add chicken and broccoli
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over top
- Sprinkle with cheese
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden
Recipe Variations
Quick and Easy Options
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time
- Substitute minute rice for faster cooking
- Try frozen broccoli florets (no pre-cooking needed)
- Use pre-shredded cheese blend
Dietary Modifications
- Swap white rice for brown or wild rice
- Use low-sodium cream of mushroom soup
- Try dairy-free alternatives for a lighter version
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or cauliflower
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance
- Storage: Keep refrigerated for up to 4 days
- Freezing: Wrap well and freeze for up to 3 months
- Reheating: Cover with foil and heat at 350°F until warm
Expert Tips for Perfect Results
- Cut chicken pieces uniformly for even cooking
- Don’t overcook the broccoli – keep it crisp-tender
- Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes before serving
- For extra flavor, add a crispy topping of crushed crackers
- Use room temperature ingredients for even cooking
- Season each layer for best taste
Recipe Card
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 385
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
Time Requirements:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is more than just a recipe – it’s a complete meal solution that brings together protein, vegetables, and grains in one delicious dish. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this versatile casserole delivers on both taste and convenience. Try it tonight and watch it become a regular in your dinner rotation!
Remember to save this recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a reliable, satisfying meal that everyone will love. With its perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness and nutritious ingredients, this casserole proves that comfort food can be both delicious and wholesome.
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Complete Recipe Card
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
A comforting one-pot meal perfect for busy weeknights
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 385 per serving
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild)
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce:
- 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
Optional Toppings:
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup additional shredded cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preparation:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish
- Cook rice according to package instructions
- Steam broccoli until crisp-tender
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Milk
- All seasonings
- Mix until smooth and well combined
- In a large bowl, whisk together:
- Assembly:
- Layer cooked rice in the prepared baking dish
- Arrange chicken pieces and broccoli over rice
- Pour sauce mixture evenly over everything
- Top with shredded cheese
- Baking:
- Cover with foil
- Bake for 20 minutes
- Remove foil and bake additional 5 minutes until cheese is golden
- Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving
Recipe Notes
- Rice: 1 cup uncooked rice yields about 3 cups cooked
- Chicken: Can substitute with rotisserie chicken
- Broccoli: Frozen broccoli works well (no need to pre-cook)
- Make-Ahead: Can assemble 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake
This recipe card includes all the essential information needed to successfully make this chicken broccoli rice casserole. Print or save for easy reference!
