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I’ll be honest, I didn’t always know my way around a kitchen. In fact, the first time I tried to make a “real” dinner, I thought cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole came from a box. And I still remember the mess I made trying to get it out of the oven without burning the top or the rice.
But over time, and a lot of trial and error, I found a way to make it simple, creamy, and full of flavor without the fuss. This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is now a staple in my home, especially on weeknights when time is tight but I still want something warm and satisfying on the table.
Growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, comfort food meant casseroles, something you could prep quickly, bake all in one dish, and scoop out generously to feed a hungry family. And that’s exactly what this recipe does. Whether you’re a beginner like I was or just looking for a fast, hearty dish to bring to a potluck, you’re in the right place.
Through wepostrecipes, I share the kind of recipes I wish I had when I was learning: easy, flexible, and full of home-cooked comfort. This one is especially dear to me, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s the first recipe I didn’t mess up.
IN THIS ARTICLE
KEY TAKEAWAYS: What You Need To Know
Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a creamy, oven-baked dish made with cooked chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melty cheddar cheese. It’s one of the easiest casseroles to throw together with pantry staples, no fancy techniques, no special equipment. You can prep it in under 10 minutes, bake it until bubbly, and serve it straight from the dish.
It’s perfect for:
- Beginners just starting in the kitchen
- Busy families needing weeknight comfort
- Anyone craving a nostalgic, cozy classic
This casserole also freezes well, reheats beautifully, and works great with leftovers like rotisserie chicken or frozen vegetables. If you’ve been looking for an easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, this is the one to bookmark.
What Is Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Classic Comfort with a Creamy Twist
Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a cozy, one-dish meal that layers tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and loads of melty cheese, all baked together in a creamy sauce. It’s a staple of American home cooking, especially in the South, and has earned its place on dinner tables, potlucks, and even holiday buffets.
The magic is in its simplicity. No need for complicated prep or a pantry full of gourmet ingredients. This is a casserole that embraces everyday staples like cooked chicken, frozen broccoli, shredded cheddar, and cream of chicken soup. It’s comforting, familiar, and deeply satisfying, especially on chilly nights when you just want something warm and filling from the oven.
Its texture is hearty but creamy, the top turns golden and slightly crisp, and every bite is packed with nostalgic flavor. If you’ve ever had a casserole made by a Southern grandma, this one hits the same spot.
Like many of our favorite dishes, such as this chicken broccoli casserole or chicken alfredo casserole, this recipe brings together protein, veggies, and carbs in one go. You get a full meal with minimal effort and cleanup, which is why it’s been passed down, shared, and reinvented in kitchens across America.
Why This Casserole Works Every Time
There’s a reason this recipe has stood the test of time, it’s built for success.
- Beginner-Friendly: If you can stir ingredients in a bowl, you can make this dish. There’s no sautéing or separate sauce-making required.
- Adaptable: Use leftover rotisserie chicken, swap in brown rice or frozen cauliflower rice, or mix in extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
- Fast and Family-Friendly: Prep in 10 minutes. Bake while you clean up. It’s kid-approved and reheats like a dream.
- One Dish, Full Meal: Chicken gives you protein, broccoli covers your veggie base, and rice adds satisfying carbs.
Whether you’re serving picky eaters or feeding a crowd, this easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole checks all the boxes. And once you make it once, you’ll likely find yourself making it again, and again.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Pantry Staples, Fresh Flavor
One of the best things about this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is how it turns simple ingredients into something that feels special. Below is a full breakdown of what you’ll need, and what you can swap if you’re missing something.
| Ingredient | Purpose / Notes |
|---|---|
| Cooked Chicken | Shredded or cubed – rotisserie works great |
| Broccoli | Fresh or frozen – cut into bite-size florets |
| Cooked Rice | White, brown, or instant rice (already cooked) |
| Cream of Chicken Soup | Adds creamy texture – can sub homemade white sauce |
| Sour Cream | Boosts richness – Greek yogurt is a great alternative |
| Shredded Cheddar Cheese | Sharp cheddar melts beautifully – feel free to mix cheeses |
| Seasonings | Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder (basic is best) |
Can You Use Fresh, Frozen, or Pre-Cooked?
Yes, you have tons of flexibility here. This recipe was made for convenience, so don’t stress about using what you have on hand:
- Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw it first and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture.
- Rotisserie chicken is a time-saver. So is leftover grilled or baked chicken.
- Instant rice or precooked microwave rice packets speed things up. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before mixing in.
- Prefer something lighter? Try low carb casseroles with cauliflower rice or quinoa as swaps.
Feeling adventurous? Toss in a handful of mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, or even some crumbled bacon. This casserole is incredibly forgiving, and even more delicious with those extra touches.
How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in the Oven
This easy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole comes together fast with no complicated steps.
Simply mix, layer, and bake. Here’s the quick version:
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl, spread into a baking dish, top with cheese, and bake at 350°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Yup—it’s that easy.
Step-by-Step Instructions With Tips
Here’s exactly how I make this casserole at home, plus a few helpful pointers so yours turns out perfectly every time.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F
Spray a 9×13” casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray or grease lightly with butter. - In a large mixing bowl, stir together the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the shredded cheese, and seasonings.
Tip: Make sure everything is fully combined. It should look creamy but not soupy. - Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish using a spatula.
- Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese.
Want it extra cheesy? Add more. No judgment here. - Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through without drying out.
- Remove the foil and bake another 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Optional: Broil on high for 2 minutes to crisp the cheese top, but keep a close eye on it!
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set up and makes scooping cleaner.
This step-by-step works with nearly any variation, whether you’re making a twist like chicken biscuit casserole or something like taco rice casserole, the oven rules stay about the same.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
- 3 cups cooked rice white or brown rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets fresh or thawed frozen
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup condensed
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- — — salt and pepper to taste
- non-stick spray — for baking dish optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13″ casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheese, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Spread mixture into the prepared dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake 10 more minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Variations & Add-Ins
Crowd Favorites With a Twist
The beauty of this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is how easy it is to make it your own. Once you’ve nailed the base, it becomes a blank canvas for delicious upgrades, swaps, and flavor combos your family will love.
Here are some easy ways to switch it up without complicating the process:
- Add Bacon or Ham: Crumbled bacon or diced ham adds smoky, salty flavor that pairs perfectly with cheddar and broccoli.
- Change the Cheese: Try Monterey Jack for creaminess, pepper jack for a kick, or even gouda for a smoky melt.
- Make It Spicy: Stir in a pinch of cayenne, hot sauce, or diced green chiles for heat lovers.
- Swap the Soup: Use cream of mushroom, celery, or even homemade white sauce if you want to skip canned soup.
- Toss in Extras: Mushrooms, peas, bell peppers, even a can of corn blend right in.
- Add Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, fried onions, or buttered breadcrumbs on top before baking.
These tweaks let you reinvent the dish without starting from scratch. And if you’re feeding picky eaters or want something a little more fun, try pairing it with something bold like our Doritos casserole for a week of totally different flavor profiles.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Pioneer-Style
Many readers ask about cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole pioneer woman–style, and while there are several versions floating around, the Southern twist usually includes:
- Extra butter and a touch of cream
- A Ritz cracker topping
- Pre-cooked rice and steamed broccoli to keep texture just right
- A generous helping of sharp cheddar and Velveeta for that ooey-gooey stretch
To make your casserole feel extra nostalgic, go heavy on the cheddar and top with something crispy before baking uncovered for the full 30 minutes.
And if you love old-school casseroles like this, you’ll probably also enjoy our meatloaf casserole or buttery cheddar bay biscuit casserole.
Storage, Freezing, & Reheating
How To Store Leftovers Without Drying Out
One of the best things about this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is how well it keeps. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or storing leftovers after a hearty dinner, here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerator: Store tightly covered in the casserole dish or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay good for up to 4 days.
- Prevent drying out: When reheating, stir in a tablespoon or two of chicken broth or milk to revive that creamy texture.
- Best way to reheat: Cover with foil and bake at 325°F until hot (about 15–20 minutes), or microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between.
This dish is perfect for lunch leftovers, and still tastes great even on day three. That’s why it’s a go-to in our home along with favorites like buffalo chicken casserole and chicken cobbler casserole.
Can You Freeze Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Yes, and it freezes beautifully.
To freeze before baking:
- Assemble the casserole in a disposable foil pan or freezer-safe dish.
- Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
- Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To bake from frozen:
- Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10–15 minutes or until heated through.
To freeze after baking:
- Let the casserole cool completely.
- Portion into freezer-safe containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Pro Tip: If you’re doing meal prep, consider doubling the recipe. Bake one for now, freeze one for later. That’s what I do anytime I know the week ahead will be hectic.
Frequently Asked Questions
What goes with cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole?
This casserole is a full meal on its own, but it pairs well with a crisp green salad, roasted green beans, or garlic bread for added texture and balance.
Can I make this without canned soup?
Yes! You can make a quick substitute by whisking together 1 tablespoon butter, 1 tablespoon flour, and ¾ cup milk or chicken broth. Cook until thick, and use in place of cream of chicken soup.
Is cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole gluten-free?
It can be, just use a certified gluten-free cream soup and double-check your rice and chicken broth for any hidden gluten. Or try this gluten-free casserole for more ideas.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas, white beans, or sautéed mushrooms. Use cream of mushroom soup and vegetable broth for flavor.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for fresh, bubbly results.
Can I use raw broccoli in this recipe?
Yes. Cut it into small florets so it softens during baking. If you prefer very tender broccoli, blanch or steam it for 2–3 minutes before mixing in.
What kind of rice works best?
Cooked long-grain white rice is the classic choice. But you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or even precooked microwave packets. Just avoid using uncooked rice, it won’t fully cook in the oven.
How do I make this casserole low carb?
Swap rice for cauliflower rice or mix in shredded cabbage or zucchini. For more ideas, check out this low carb casserole recipe.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dinner that doesn’t require fancy tools or hours in the kitchen, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is it. It’s warm, creamy, and hits that perfect balance between comfort food and everyday practicality.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a first-time cook, or just someone who loves simple, hearty meals, this recipe is designed for you. It’s forgiving, flexible, and always a hit, just like our tuna noodle casserole and chicken enchiladas casserole.
As someone who once burned a grilled cheese and thought pasta was done when it boiled over, I promise, if I can make this, you absolutely can too. Through wepostrecipes, my mission is to help real home cooks find joy in making real meals. No pressure. No perfection. Just food that feels good.
So grab a casserole dish, preheat that oven, and get ready to serve up something your whole table will love.
