Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Creamy, Comforting, and Family-Friendly)

Chicken broccoli rice casserole is the definition of classic comfort food. It’s warm, creamy, filling, and dependable—the kind of dish that feels like home no matter when you serve it. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli folded into a rich, cheesy sauce, this casserole checks every box for an easy, satisfying meal.

This recipe is designed to be simple, reliable, and flexible. It uses familiar ingredients, comes together quickly, and bakes into a hearty dish that feeds a family with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight, a potluck, or meal prep for the week ahead, this casserole delivers every time.

Why Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Is So Popular

This dish has remained a favorite for decades because it’s:

• Easy to prepare
• Budget-friendly
• Filling and nutritious
• Loved by kids and adults
• Perfect for leftovers

Chicken provides protein, broccoli adds color and nutrients, and rice makes the casserole hearty and satisfying. Everything bakes together into a cohesive, creamy dish that holds its shape while staying soft and comforting.

What Makes This Recipe Work

Many casseroles turn out dry, bland, or mushy. This recipe avoids those problems by focusing on balance:

• Proper sauce-to-rice ratio
• Fully cooked rice for consistent texture
• Blanched or lightly cooked broccoli to prevent sogginess
• Cheese added for flavor, not overload

The result is a casserole that’s creamy but not soupy, rich but not heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward ingredients you likely already have:

• Cooked chicken (diced or shredded)
• Cooked rice (white or long-grain)
• Broccoli florets
• Cream-based soup
• Milk
• Butter
• Garlic
• Shredded cheese
• Salt and pepper

Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here and saves time, but leftover baked or boiled chicken is just as good.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven and grease a casserole dish.
2. Lightly cook or blanch broccoli until just tender.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice and chicken.
4. Stir in broccoli evenly.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk soup, milk, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper.
6. Pour sauce over the chicken mixture and stir gently.
7. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.
9. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden.
10. Rest briefly before serving.

Resting helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve clean portions.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Creamy baked casserole with tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and melted cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 410

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 3 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets lightly cooked
• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup milk
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese cheddar or Colby Jack
• 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
• 0.25 tsp black pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Casserole dish

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a casserole dish.
2. Combine cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli in a large bowl.
3. Whisk soup, milk, butter, garlic, salt, and pepper together.
4. Pour sauce over chicken mixture and stir gently.
5. Transfer to baking dish and top with cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and lightly golden.
7. Rest briefly before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

Choosing the Right Rice

Long-grain white rice works best because it stays fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain or sticky rice, which can become gummy.

Always use fully cooked rice. Uncooked rice will absorb too much liquid and leave the casserole dry or unevenly cooked.

Broccoli Tips for Best Texture

Fresh broccoli gives the best texture and color. Lightly blanching it before baking ensures:

• Bright green color
• Tender but not mushy texture
• Even cooking in the casserole

Frozen broccoli can be used, but it should be thawed and well-drained first.

Cheese Choices

For creamy melt and flavor, use:

• Cheddar for sharpness
• Colby Jack for smooth melt
• Monterey Jack for mild creaminess

Freshly shredded cheese melts better than pre-shredded.

Flavor Variations

This casserole adapts easily:

• Extra Cheesy: Add cheese directly into the mixture.
• Garlic Lover’s Version: Double the garlic.
• Crunchy Topping: Add buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
• Lighter Version: Use reduced-fat milk and soup.
• One-Pan Meal: Add mushrooms or carrots.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This dish is hearty enough to stand alone, but pairs well with:

• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread or rolls
• Fresh fruit

It’s especially good for cozy dinners when you want everything in one dish.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Freezing

• Assemble up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate
• Store leftovers up to 4 days
• Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months
• Thaw overnight before reheating

Reheat gently in the oven for best texture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using undercooked rice
• Overbaking (can dry it out)
• Skipping seasoning
• Adding watery broccoli

Each step ensures the casserole stays creamy and flavorful.

Why This Casserole Is a Weeknight Hero

It’s dependable, forgiving, and reheats beautifully. It’s also easy to double for larger families or gatherings. Once you make it, it quickly becomes part of your regular rotation.

Final Thoughts

Chicken broccoli rice casserole is timeless for a reason. It’s comforting, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. With simple ingredients and an easy method, this recipe delivers reliable results every single time.

It’s the kind of dish that makes dinner feel taken care of.