If you’re on the hunt for a cozy, comforting, and absolutely no-fuss dinner, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is calling your name. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp-tender broccoli—all baked together in one dish. This is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day, and the best part? It’s super easy to throw together, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights when you just need something that works.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One Dish Wonder: Everything cooks in one baking dish, which means fewer dishes to clean. Always a win.
Family Favorite: It’s creamy, cheesy, and kid-approved. Even picky eaters go back for seconds.
Versatile and Forgiving: You can tweak this with what you have in your fridge and pantry—perfect for using up leftovers or frozen veggies.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This casserole can be prepped ahead, stored, and reheated beautifully, making it a meal prep dream.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you need to make this casserole shine—no fancy ingredients, just pantry staples and fresh goodness:

Cooked Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for ease. Thighs or breasts both work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets are best for a slight crunch, but frozen works in a pinch—just thaw and pat dry.
Cooked Rice: White rice, brown rice, or even a wild rice blend can be used. Make sure it’s cooked and fluffed before mixing in.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds that creamy base. You can use homemade or canned—your call.
Sour Cream: For richness and a little tang that balances the flavors beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar melts well and adds that classic cheesy flavor. Feel free to mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for extra gooeyness.
Onion and Garlic Powder: Brings depth without having to sauté anything—just mix and go.
Salt and Pepper: Always season to taste. Adjust based on how salty your soup or cheese is.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers (Optional): For a crunchy topping, mix with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

Variations

Want to shake things up? Here are a few ways to make it your own:

Swap the Protein: Turkey, ham, or even ground beef can be used instead of chicken.
Make It Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and use chickpeas or a can of white beans for plant-based protein.
Add More Veggies: Mushrooms, peas, carrots, or spinach all blend in seamlessly.
Use Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a lower-carb version, swap out the rice with cauliflower rice or cooked quinoa.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño adds a welcome kick.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of butter.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half the cheese, and all the seasonings. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. If you’re using a breadcrumb topping, mix the crumbs with melted butter and scatter over the cheese layer.

Step 4: Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving—this helps everything set and makes it easier to scoop.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: If using fresh, cut into small florets so they cook quickly and retain a bit of bite.
Use Day-Old Rice: Leftover rice works best because it doesn’t get mushy.
Cover If Needed: If the top starts to brown too fast, cover loosely with foil midway through baking.
Make a Double Batch: It freezes well, so bake one and freeze one for later.

How to Serve

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some tasty pairings:

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
Steamed green beans or roasted carrots for a veggie boost.

Toppings

A dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped parsley for freshness.
Hot sauce or sriracha if you like a bit of heat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm larger portions in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Add a splash of broth or milk if it looks a bit dry.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
No, for this version, the rice should be fully cooked before mixing in. Uncooked rice would need a different liquid ratio and a longer baking time.

Can I prepare it the night before?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake when you’re ready to serve.

Is it okay to use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry with paper towels to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk for a fresher taste.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is everything a comfort food dinner should be—easy, satisfying, and downright delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish checks all the boxes. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every cheesy, cozy bite!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe