Name: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups steamed broccoli florets; 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; ¾ cup sour cream; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional); ½ teaspoon onion powder (optional)

Comfort food at its finest, this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole brings together tender chicken, hearty broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, gooey cheese sauce. It’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, it bakes beautifully and smells amazing right out of the oven.

What makes this casserole stand out is the balance of texture and flavor: creamy, cheesy, and dotted with vibrant green broccoli that adds freshness to every forkful. It’s also a great way to use leftover chicken and make something the whole family will love, all in one dish. No-fuss, no mess, just reliable, delicious comfort.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull off a perfect Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, you don’t need a fancy kitchen setup—just a few dependable tools that make the process smooth:

Large Mixing Bowl: You’ll combine most of your ingredients here, so a bowl with enough space is essential for easy mixing.
Medium Saucepan: This is for pre-cooking the rice or steaming broccoli if needed. A non-stick pan helps avoid burning or sticking.
9×13-inch Casserole Dish: The heart of the recipe. Use a ceramic or glass dish for even heat distribution and a golden top layer.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: These tools are gentle on your mixing bowl and ideal for folding ingredients without breaking them apart.
Cheese Grater: Grating your own cheese melts smoother and tastes fresher than pre-shredded varieties.

Prepping everything ahead—like having the chicken shredded, cheese grated, and rice cooked—means this dish comes together fast, and clean-up is just as easy.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Every ingredient in this casserole plays a key role in creating the ultimate comfort dish:

Shredded Chicken: Cooked and shredded, it provides the protein and a hearty bite. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
Cooked White Rice: Acts as the base and soaks up all the cheesy, creamy goodness. Long grain or jasmine rice holds up well.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds color, nutrients, and a tender-crisp texture. Lightly steamed to keep its vibrant green.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts into a gooey, bold-flavored blanket over the casserole. Use freshly shredded for best melt.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides a rich, savory base that binds everything together.

Sour Cream: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang that balances the richness.
Salt & Black Pepper: Basic seasoning that enhances the entire dish without overpowering the main ingredients.
Garlic Powder (optional): Brings a soft garlicky warmth that deepens flavor.

Onion Powder (optional): Adds a subtle depth and umami boost.

How To Make the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook and shred the chicken, steam the broccoli until just tender, and prepare the rice if not already done. Grate your cheddar cheese and set it aside.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder. Mix until everything is well coated.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese to create that signature cheesy crust.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly with golden edges.

Step 5: Let It Rest and Serve

Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps everything set and makes scooping easier. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.

How to Serve and Store Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or a slice of warm garlic bread. For a comforting dinner, scoop generous portions straight from the baking dish while it’s still warm and cheesy.

When it comes to leftovers, this casserole is a dream. It holds up well in the fridge and is even freezer-friendly.

To Store in the Fridge: Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days.

To Freeze: Wrap tightly in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.
To Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Yes! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble everything the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

What cheese is best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar gives the boldest flavor, but feel free to experiment with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack if you like a kick.

Is there a way to make this healthier?

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and opt for a low-sodium cream of chicken soup. It’ll still be comforting and delicious.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding. You may want to pat it dry slightly to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What protein alternatives work if I don’t have chicken?

Turkey or even cooked ground beef are great substitutes. You can also keep it vegetarian by increasing the broccoli and adding mushrooms or beans.

Want More Casserole Ideas with Cheesy Goodness?

If you loved this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole, here are a few more savory, comforting dishes that will hit the spot:

• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a creamy twist on the classic dish.
• Mexican Cornbread Casserole if you’re craving something bold and spicy.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for cheesy layers that taste like a million bucks.
• Chicken and Stuffing Casserole when you want cozy, Thanksgiving vibes.
• Cheesy Pizza Tater Tot Casserole for a fun, family-friendly spin on pizza night.

Save This Recipe for Later

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you switch up the cheese or add a crunchy topping? Maybe tossed in some bacon?

I love hearing the creative ways you make these recipes your own. Drop your tips, tricks, or questions below—let’s cook and learn together.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s creamy, hearty, and easy to make. With tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and layers of melted cheddar cheese, this one-dish meal is perfect for cozy family dinners or make-ahead meal prep.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook and shred the chicken, steam the broccoli until just tender, and prepare the rice.

3. In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and optional garlic and onion powder. Mix well.

4. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread the mixture evenly.

5. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.

6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.

7. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.