Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Creamy, Cozy, and Family-Friendly

Chicken broccoli rice casserole is the definition of comfort food done right. It’s warm, creamy, and packed with familiar flavors that feel both nostalgic and satisfying. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli are folded together in a rich, cheesy sauce, then baked until bubbly and golden. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with comforting aromas and brings everyone to the table without needing to ask twice.

This casserole has been a family favorite for generations because it’s simple, reliable, and endlessly adaptable. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty and filling, but it’s also special enough to bring to potlucks, meal trains, or cozy Sunday dinners. Everything bakes together in one dish, making cleanup easy and stress minimal.

What makes chicken broccoli rice casserole especially lovable is its balance. The broccoli adds freshness and color, the rice makes it hearty, and the chicken provides satisfying protein. The creamy sauce ties it all together, coating every bite without overwhelming the ingredients. It’s comfort food that feels complete.

Whether you’re using leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cooking chicken just for this dish, this casserole comes together easily and reheats beautifully. It’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients:

• Cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• Cooked white rice
• Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
• Unsalted butter
• Yellow onion, finely diced
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Optional topping: additional shredded cheese or breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. If using fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain well.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
4. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and black pepper.
6. Add the onion and garlic mixture to the bowl and stir until evenly combined.
7. Fold in 1½ cups of shredded cheese.
8. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
9. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
10. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
11. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy, comforting casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli baked in a cheesy sauce.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Casserole Base

• 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 3 cups cooked white rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup yellow onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Skillet
• Mixing bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease baking dish.
2. Sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
3. Combine rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, milk, and seasoning.
4. Stir in onion mixture and most of the cheese.
5. Transfer to dish, top with cheese, and bake until bubbly.

Notes

Let casserole rest briefly before serving for best texture.

Tips & Tricks

• Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor.
• Make sure rice is fully cooked before mixing.
• Drain broccoli well to avoid excess moisture.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash more milk.

Variations

• Cheesy Upgrade: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella or Colby Jack.
• Healthier Version: Use brown rice and reduced-fat soup.
• Crunchy Topping: Add buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Extra Veggies: Add carrots, peas, or mushrooms.

Serving Suggestions
Serve chicken broccoli rice casserole with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. It’s also hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal.

Storage Information
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This casserole freezes well for up to 2 months.

FAQ

• Can I make this ahead of time?
  Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
• Can I use frozen broccoli?
  Absolutely—thaw and drain it first.
• Why is my casserole dry?
  It may need a little more milk or sauce.

History / Fun Facts
Chicken broccoli rice casserole rose in popularity during the mid-20th century as a convenient, family-friendly dinner made with pantry staples—and it remains a beloved classic today.