Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Prisca Bush. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes.
Introduction
There’s something magical about a warm, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven on a busy weeknight. For me, that magic almost always involves cheese—lots of it. One of the very first casseroles I ever made on my own was a Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, and it quickly became a family favorite. It’s creamy, comforting, and just downright delicious. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it, simplified it, and perfected it until it became the version I’ll share with you today.
If you’re looking for a dish that pleases picky eaters, uses easy-to-find ingredients, reheats beautifully, and can be made ahead of time, you are absolutely in the right place. This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is perfect for meal prep, potlucks, Sunday dinners, or those evenings when you want something warm and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Let’s dive into this cozy, cheesy goodness.
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Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe (2026)
Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe comes together with simple, wholesome ingredients. You likely already have several of them in your kitchen.
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Add-Ins:
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup diced mushrooms
- 1/2 cup peas or mixed vegetables
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for a little kick
For the Topping (Optional but Highly Recommended):
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
How to Prepare Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is as easy as mix, pour, top, and bake. It’s nearly impossible to mess up, which is one of the reasons I love it so much.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
If you haven’t already cooked your chicken or rice, start there. I often use leftover chicken or pick up a rotisserie chicken to save time. As for the broccoli, you can use either fresh or frozen. If using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly (2–3 minutes in boiling water) so it stays bright green and tender in the casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- the cream of chicken soup
- sour cream
- milk
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- salt and pepper
Stir together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This will be the saucy base that brings everything together.
Step 3: Add the Chicken, Rice, Broccoli, and Cheese
Once the sauce mixture is smooth, add:
- cooked chicken
- cooked rice
- broccoli
- 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese
Gently fold the mixture until everything is evenly coated. It should already smell amazing at this point.
Step 4: Spread Into a Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or spray. Spread the mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing the top so it cooks evenly.
Step 5: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re using a breadcrumb or cracker topping, mix the crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle evenly across the cheese layer. This gives the casserole a golden, crunchy top that’s irresistible.
Step 6: Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top. If you want extra browning, turn on the broiler for the last 2–3 minutes.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes scooping much easier.
How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
One of the best things about this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is—it pairs well with almost anything.
Serving Suggestions:
- With a fresh salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette balances the rich, cheesy casserole perfectly.
- Alongside steamed vegetables: Green beans, asparagus, or cauliflower make great companions.
- With garlic bread: It’s indulgent, but oh-so-good.
- As a potluck main dish: It travels well and stays warm for a long time.
For families with kids, serve it with some fruit on the side—berries or apple slices work great for a refreshing contrast.
Tips for the Best Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
1. Use freshly shredded cheese.
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For that ultra-creamy texture, shred your own cheddar if possible.
2. Adjust the thickness.
If you like a creamier casserole, add an extra half cup of milk. If you want it thicker, reduce the milk slightly.
3. Don’t overcook the broccoli.
Especially if using fresh broccoli—keep it slightly crisp before mixing. Overcooked broccoli can get mushy in the oven.
4. Spice it up.
Add cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños if you like a little heat.
5. Make it ahead of time.
Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate, then bake when ready.
6. Add extra protein.
Mix in a can of white beans or chickpeas for extra heartiness.
7. Try different cheeses.
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, or a blend of all three make delicious variations.
Variations of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
1. Healthy Version
Replace:
- white rice with brown rice or quinoa
- sour cream with Greek yogurt
- cheddar cheese with part-skim mozzarella
Add extra veggies like carrots, peas, or spinach.
2. Spicy Southwest Version
Mix in:
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup corn
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- Pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar
Serve with salsa or guacamole.
3. Bacon Lovers’ Version
Stir in:
- 4–6 slices cooked, crumbled bacon
And sprinkle additional bacon on top before baking for extra smoky flavor.
4. Vegetarian Version
Skip the chicken and double the broccoli or add:
- mushrooms
- zucchini
- peas
- cauliflower
Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
5. Stove-Top One-Pot Version
Instead of baking, cook everything in a pot on the stovetop:
- Cook the rice with the sauce
- Add chicken and broccoli
- Stir in cheese until melted
It’s fast and great for hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works perfectly. Just thaw it slightly and drain off extra moisture so the casserole doesn’t become watery.
2. Can I use raw chicken?
It’s best to use cooked chicken. Raw chicken won’t cook evenly in this casserole and may release too much liquid.
3. Can I make this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. This casserole is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
4. Does it freeze well?
Yes! You can freeze it before or after baking.
- To freeze unbaked: Assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
- To freeze baked: Let cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
5. What kind of rice works best?
Any cooked rice works—white, jasmine, basmati, brown rice, or even wild rice.
6. Can I make it without canned soup?
Yes! Replace the soup with a homemade mixture:
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
Cook until thickened, then use in place of the canned soup.
7. How do I avoid a watery casserole?
Drain broccoli well, don’t add uncooked chicken, and avoid over-measuring milk or broth.
8. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free cream soup, gluten-free breadcrumbs (if using topping), and ensure any spices or broth you use are gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is everything a comfort-food lover could want: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and simple. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over again—because it works every single time. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping lunches for the week, or just trying to get dinner on the table fast, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is a keeper.
I hope this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe brings as much warmth and comfort to your table as it has to mine. If you try it, let me know which variation you made—or if you created your own! The possibilities are endless, and that’s the beauty of a good casserole.
Enjoy every cheesy bite!