Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly dish that combines hearty ingredients with creamy, cheesy goodness.
Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli come together in a rich, flavorful sauce that’s topped with melty cheese.
This casserole is easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without too much effort.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Highlights
- Uses simple pantry staples and common ingredients.
- Packed with protein and veggies for a complete meal.
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is read in under an hour
- Cheesy, creamy layers make it a family favorite.
- Freezes well for make-ahead convenience.
Ingredient Notes
Please check the recipe card below for a detailed, printable ingredient list.
SOUP – This recipe uses both Cheddar cheese soup and cream of chicken soup to create a creamy, flavorful base. The Cheddar cheese soup enhances the cheesy richness of the dish, while the cream of chicken soup adds a savory depth that ties the flavors together. If you can’t find Cheddar cheese soup, you can use another creamy soup like cream of mushroom or cream of celery. For a homemade option, a simple roux-based sauce with shredded cheese can be substituted, though it may require a bit more preparation time.
BROTH – Low-sodium chicken broth is the best choice here because it adds moisture without overpowering the flavors. If you only have regular broth, taste the mixture before adding salt to avoid oversalting the dish. For extra flavor, consider using homemade chicken stock—it adds a richer, more robust flavor that complements the casserole perfectly. If you’re in a pinch, vegetable broth works too, though it may slightly alter the depth of flavor.
SPICES – Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper add a well-rounded seasoning base that enhances the casserole’s savory flavor without overwhelming it. You can adjust these to your preference—add a pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper if you prefer a touch of heat. These spices are pantry staples, so they keep the recipe accessible and adaptable to various tastes.
CHEESE – A combination of sharp white Cheddar and regular Cheddar cheese is used to balance bold, tangy notes with a creamier, milder flavor. Sharp white Cheddar melts beautifully into the sauce, while the regular Cheddar creates a gooey, golden topping. If you want to experiment, try using Monterey Jack or Colby Jack for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese can be used for convenience, but shredding your own cheese ensures better melting since it doesn’t contain anti-caking agents.
RICE – Jasmine rice is the star here because its light, nutty flavor and soft texture pair beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you want to use a different rice, long-grain white rice or basmati are great options. For added nuttiness and fiber, brown rice works too, but you’ll need to cook it longer before adding it to the casserole. Short-grain rice is not recommended because it becomes too sticky, altering the texture of the dish.
CHICKEN – Cooked chicken is what we use in this recipe to save time. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic option because it’s flavorful, tender, and ready to use. If you’re using leftover chicken, make sure it’s seasoned lightly so it doesn’t clash with the casserole’s flavors. For a fresher option, poach or bake chicken breasts ahead of time. Poaching in broth adds a lot of flavor and moisture. Shred or chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure it mixes evenly into the dish.
BROCCOLI – Frozen petite broccoli florets are convenient and cook perfectly in the casserole since they soften while baking. Be sure to use petite florets for better distribution in the dish. If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam or blanch it first so it becomes tender during baking. Avoid overcooking it beforehand, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Fresh broccoli gives the dish a vibrant green color and a slightly firmer texture, while frozen broccoli makes it quick and easy without compromising the flavor.
How To Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Please check the printable recipe card below for more detailed instructions.
- Mix soups, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large bowl. Stir in half of each type of cheese.
- Fold in cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli until combined.
- Spread the mixture into a casserole dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top and bake at 350º Fahrenheit for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Leftovers and Storage
STORE – To keep the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole leftovers fresh, transfer the casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the casserole cool completely before storing to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can affect the texture. For larger portions, divide them into smaller containers for easier reheating later.
FREEZE – This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a perfect option for meal prep. You can freeze it as a whole or in individual portions for quick lunches or dinners. To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and a layer of foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight for the best texture and flavor.
REHEAT – For the best results, reheat the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole leftovers in the oven. Preheat your oven to 325º Fahrenheit, cover the casserole loosely with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes for smaller portions, or 25-30 minutes for larger ones). If you’re short on time, individual portions can be reheated in the microwave—cover the dish with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally.
MAKE AHEAD – To save time, you can assemble this casserole a day ahead. Prepare the dish as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Before baking, remove the plastic wrap, allow the casserole to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, and bake as directed. If baking straight from the fridge, add about 5 extra minutes to the total bake time to ensure it’s heated evenly.
Serving Suggestions
CHOPPED TOMATO SALAD – This light, tangy salad brings a refreshing contrast to the creamy casserole. Use ripe, juicy tomatoes, toss them with a little olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh basil, and season with salt and pepper. The acidity of the tomatoes cuts through the richness of the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, adding brightness to the meal. If you want to bulk it up, add sliced cucumbers or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
OATMEAL DINNER ROLLS – These hearty rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce from the casserole. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and easy to bake ahead of time. You can also serve store-bought rolls if you’re short on time, but a homemade batch adds a personal touch that pairs wonderfully with the meal.
SIMPLE 3-INGREDIENT BREAD – This easy-to-make bread is a great option if you want something homemade but fuss-free. It’s perfect for scooping up the creamy casserole or as a side to round out the meal. Warm it up just before serving for that fresh-baked feel. If you’re looking for an alternative, garlic bread works just as well and adds a savory twist to the dish.
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Recipe Success Tips
COOKED CHICKEN – Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic choice for its tenderness and rich flavor, but leftover baked or grilled chicken works just as well. If you’re starting from scratch, poaching chicken breasts in broth adds a great depth of flavor to your casserole.
RICE PREP – Slightly undercooking the rice before mixing it into the casserole is key to avoiding mushiness. Aim for rice that’s just shy of fully cooked (al dente) so it can finish cooking in the oven while absorbing the creamy sauce. Jasmine rice is recommended for its delicate flavor and fluffy texture, but long-grain white or even brown rice are excellent alternatives.
CHEESE STRATEGY – Stirring some of the cheese into the sauce base ensures a consistent cheesy flavor in every bite, while sprinkling the rest on top creates a gooey, golden layer. Opt for sharp Cheddar to give the dish a robust flavor, and combine it with mild Cheddar or mozzarella for a smooth, melty finish.
BROCCOLI TIPS – Frozen petite broccoli florets are super convenient and cook perfectly in the casserole, but if you’re using fresh broccoli, lightly steam or blanch it beforehand. This ensures the broccoli becomes tender without turning mushy, and its vibrant green color will stand out beautifully in the dish.
LAYERING FOR SUCCESS – When transferring the casserole mixture to your baking dish, take a moment to spread it out evenly. This small step helps the casserole cook uniformly, ensuring the cheese topping melts and bubbles beautifully across the entire dish. Plus, it gives you a picture-perfect presentation!
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?
Yes, any cooked chicken will work for the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.
Can I Use Fresh Broccoli Instead Of Frozen Broccoli For This Casserole?
Yes, you can. Just be aware that will need to slightly increase your baking time to make sure the broccoli is tender.
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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 10.5-ounce can Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1 10.5-ounce can Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 cup chicken broth low-sodium
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup sharp white Cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese shredded, divided
- 3 ½ cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken chopped
- 12 ounces broccoli frozen petite florets
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350º Fahrenheit and grease a 9×13” casserole dish.
- Combine the soups, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl.
- Add ½ cup of the white Cheddar and ½ cup of the Cheddar cheeses to the soup mixture and stir to combine.
- Fold the cooked rice, cooked chicken, and frozen broccoli into the mixture until all the ingredients are combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and smooth into an even layer.
- Top the casserole with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the broccoli is cooked through and tender and the cheese has melted. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve warm.
Equipment
Nutritional Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Cheerful Cook team members are not trained nutritionists or medical professionals. Calorie information and nutritional values are estimates. If you have nutritional concerns, we recommend using a nutritional calculator.
Maike Corbett is the founder and food blogger of Cheerful Cook, a popular recipe website featuring comfort food recipes from the US and Germany. She has been featured in numerous media outlets, including the AP Wire and MSN.