A creamy, cheesy, and Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner! This dish is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all coated in a rich and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a fantastic one-pan meal that’s both filling and family-friendly.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this casserole because it’s the ultimate comfort food—warm, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s also incredibly easy to throw together, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of cheddar and mozzarella adds a perfect cheesy balance, while the crunchy cracker topping gives it a deliciously crispy finish. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups cooked white rice
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6
Variations
Protein Swap: Instead of chicken, I sometimes use cooked turkey or ham for a different twist.
Cheese Options: I like using Monterey Jack or Colby cheese instead of mozzarella for a different flavor.
Soup Alternative: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup works well in place of cream of chicken.
Veggie Boost: Adding mushrooms, carrots, or peas makes this dish even more nutritious.
Low-Carb Version: I replace the rice with riced cauliflower to cut down on carbs.
Storage and Reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop a portion in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes until warmed through. If freezing, I wrap the casserole tightly and freeze it for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.
Related Recipes:
- Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole
- Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Chicken and Broccoli Pasta
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! I assemble everything in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
I use breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even extra shredded cheese for a crispy top.
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of steamed?
Yes! I chop fresh broccoli into small pieces and let it cook while the casserole bakes.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Absolutely! I freeze it before or after baking and store it for up to 2 months.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but I make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Conclusion
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that’s simple to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser. It’s great for meal prep, freezer meals, and using up leftovers. With just a few ingredients, I get a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying dinner that everyone loves.
📖 Recipe:
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Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting, and family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in a rich cheese sauce and topped with a crispy cracker crust, this dish is both filling and delicious. A quick and easy dinner that’s also great for meal prep and freezer-friendly!
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and seasonings until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from the oven, let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Notes
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 servings
- Calories: 385 kcal
