Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – Creamy Comfort at Its Best

Few dishes capture the essence of home-cooked comfort quite like Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of meal that warms the heart as much as it fills the belly—creamy, cheesy, and full of wholesome goodness. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli come together in a luscious sauce, baked to golden perfection under a layer of melted cheddar cheese.

This casserole has earned its place at countless family tables for good reason—it’s affordable, customizable, and unbelievably satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a make-ahead meal that reheats beautifully, this dish delivers every time.

The best part? You only need one pan to create a hearty meal that feels like it’s been simmering all day. With its simple ingredients and nostalgic flavor, Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a true classic that never goes out of style.

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Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
• 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan (optional)
• Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the chicken and rice: Use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie) or cook chicken breasts until tender, then shred or dice. Prepare the rice according to package directions.
3. Steam the broccoli: Blanch or steam broccoli florets until bright green and slightly tender, about 3–4 minutes. Drain well.
4. Sauté aromatics: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.
6. Combine everything: Add the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, sautéed onions, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
7. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan (if using) over the top.
8. Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
9. Garnish and serve: Let cool slightly, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

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Tips & Tricks:

• Shortcut tip: Use rotisserie chicken and microwave rice for the quickest prep.
• Add crunch: Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy topping.
• Make it richer: Stir in a few tablespoons of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for extra creaminess.
• Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, peas, or carrots for more color and flavor.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and rice of your choice.

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Variations:

• Cheesy Broccoli Delight: Use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for an extra-gooey texture.
• Spicy Kick: Stir in diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for heat.
• Healthy Twist: Swap white rice for brown rice or quinoa and use light sour cream.
• One-Pot Wonder: Mix everything in a deep skillet and bake it directly for easy cleanup.

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Serving Suggestions:
Pair Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced dinner. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make perfect sides to soak up the creamy sauce.

This casserole is also ideal for meal prep—it reheats well without drying out, making it perfect for lunch the next day. It’s a dish that truly gets better with time as the flavors meld together overnight.

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Storage Information:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze unbaked or baked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and plastic wrap.
• Reheating: Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes or until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

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FAQ:

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use frozen broccoli?
Definitely. Just thaw and drain it well before adding to prevent excess moisture.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom or make your own homemade version with butter, flour, broth, and cream.

Is it okay to use instant rice?
Yes, instant rice works perfectly—just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in.

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History / Fun Facts:
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a true vintage favorite that first gained popularity in American kitchens during the 1950s, when convenience cooking and casseroles became synonymous with family mealtime. Originally crafted as a way to stretch ingredients and minimize waste, this dish quickly became a comfort staple.

What makes it timeless is its adaptability—you can tweak it with what you have on hand, and it will always taste like home. The combination of chicken, rice, and cheese is as old-fashioned as it is irresistible, making it a beloved classic for generations.

Today, this casserole continues to bring families together around the dinner table, serving up that nostalgic comfort everyone craves on chilly evenings or busy weekdays.