Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute); 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a crispy topping

Isabella

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This chicken broccoli rice casserole Recipe is the perfect one-pan comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Made with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, it’s a family-friendly meal that’s easy to throw together and perfect for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple to prepare, yet it tastes like a dish that took much more effort. It’s versatile, allowing you to add extra veggies or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Plus, it’s great for leftovers, making meal prep a breeze. Whether I’m feeding my family or hosting guests, this casserole always hits the spot.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets

1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute)

1/2 cup milk

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter for a crispy topping

Directions

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the Broccoli:
If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain well and set aside.

Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.

Add Toppings:
Sprinkle an additional layer of cheddar cheese on top. For a crispy finish, spread the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.

Bake:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbling and the top is golden brown.

Serve:
Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Variations

Add More Vegetables: Throw in carrots, peas, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients.

Healthier Option: Use low-fat cheddar cheese, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

Protein Alternatives: Swap the chicken for turkey, ham, or even canned tuna for a different twist.

Cheese Blend: Try a combination of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a richer flavor.

Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or paprika for a bit of heat.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in foil or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes or in the microwave until warmed through. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before reheating.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply bake it when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

I can replace the canned soup with homemade cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, or a mixture of cream and broth thickened with flour.

How do I ensure the broccoli doesn’t get mushy?

To avoid mushy broccoli, I steam or blanch it briefly and immediately drain it well. Frozen broccoli can also be thawed and patted dry before adding.

Can I use uncooked rice instead of cooked?

For this recipe, cooked rice works best. If I want to use uncooked rice, I need to adjust the liquid and baking time to ensure the rice cooks fully.

How do I make the topping extra crispy?

To achieve an ultra-crispy topping, I mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it evenly over the casserole before baking.

Conclusion

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together hearty ingredients in a creamy, cheesy dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week. I love its versatility and how easy it is to customize with ingredients I already have on hand. Whether I’m serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this casserole is always a satisfying and family-pleasing meal.