Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped; 3 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups cooked rice; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste

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The first time I made this chicken broccoli rice casserole was when I needed to use up some leftover rotisserie chicken and I was craving something comforting and hearty without spending all night in the kitchen and I had a head of broccoli and some cooked rice already in the fridge so I decided to toss everything together and see what happened and to my delight the whole thing came out golden cheesy and incredibly satisfying.

Ever since that night this has been one of those go-to dinners I rely on when I want something cozy and nourishing and it’s a total family favorite that never gets old. I love how the broccoli stays vibrant and slightly crisp and the chicken gets nestled into the cheesy rice perfectly and it’s just one of those meals that makes everyone go back for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!
Cooked chicken – The protein-packed heart of the casserole that ties everything together.
Broccoli florets – Adds color, crunch, and a burst of nutrition.
Cooked rice – A hearty and starchy base that absorbs all the flavor.
Cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully for that classic creamy texture and sharp bite.
Cream of chicken soup – Binds the ingredients and gives a comforting, creamy base.
Milk – Helps loosen the soup and blend everything smoothly.
Garlic powder – Adds subtle savory depth.
Onion powder – Balances the flavor and enhances the dish.
Olive oil – Used for cooking the broccoli or greasing the dish.
Salt and pepper – Brings out all the flavors.

Tools You’ll Need

Baking dish – To hold everything while it bakes and gets golden.
Mixing bowl – Ideal for combining the chicken, rice, and sauce.
Saucepan or skillet – For lightly cooking the broccoli or reheating the chicken if needed.
Spoon or spatula – To mix the ingredients without breaking the broccoli.
Grater – To shred fresh cheddar for maximum melt and flavor.
Measuring cups – For accurate ingredient portions.
Oven mitts – Always important when transferring hot dishes.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I begin by preheating the oven to 375°F and I lightly grease a large baking dish so the casserole doesn’t stick while it bakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli

While the oven heats I quickly steam or sauté the broccoli just until it’s bright green and slightly tender and I like it to keep some crunch because it finishes cooking in the oven.

Step 3: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl I combine the cooked rice shredded chicken steamed broccoli cream of chicken soup milk garlic powder onion powder salt and pepper and I stir everything gently until it’s evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble in Dish

I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and then I spread it out evenly and I sprinkle the cheddar cheese generously over the top.

Step 5: Bake

I bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are slightly golden and then I let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set.

Tips

I sometimes use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and it adds extra flavor. If you want to make this casserole even creamier you can add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the mix. For extra crunch you can sprinkle some buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking. I’ve also swapped white rice for brown rice or even quinoa with great results.

Ways to Serve

I usually serve this chicken broccoli rice casserole with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty bread. It’s filling enough to be a complete meal on its own but also pairs well with roasted vegetables or a light soup. Leftovers store well and reheat beautifully making it perfect for lunch the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make chicken broccoli rice casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble it earlier and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

Can I freeze chicken broccoli rice casserole?

Absolutely. Just wrap it tightly and freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and then bake as usual.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can use a homemade white sauce or cream of mushroom soup as a substitute.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw it first and pat it dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this chicken broccoli rice casserole a try! It’s a cozy classic that comes together so easily and I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a make-ahead meal this one is always a winner.

Happy Cooking!