Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re craving a super comforting, fuss-free dinner that everyone at the table will devour, this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole absolutely belongs in your meal rotation. Imagine tender chicken and just-right broccoli nestled in creamy, cheesy rice, with every bite blanketed in melty cheddar – all coming together in under an hour. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, clearing out the fridge, or bringing a friend a cozy pick-me-up meal, this casserole delivers all the cheesy, savory flavor (with a pop of green!) your heart could want. Dinner bliss, coming right up!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is how it turns a handful of simple, everyday ingredients into something irresistibly cozy. Each item has its part to play – whether it’s cheesy richness, creamy body, or a burst of green. Here’s what you’ll need and why they matter:

• Cooked white rice: Provides a soft, fluffy base that soaks up all those creamy, cheesy flavors – use leftovers or make fresh!
• Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed): Packs the dish with satisfying protein; rotisserie chicken is a real-time-saver here.
• Broccoli florets (steamed or blanched): Adds vibrant color, gentle crunch, and a fresh note – you can use fresh or frozen, just cook it first.
• Cream of chicken soup: The secret weapon for a lusciously creamy texture and savory backbone.
• Sour cream: Infuses tang and extra creaminess, balancing the dish’s richness.
• Milk: Helps achieve that ultra-silky sauce that brings everything together.
• Garlic powder: Offers mellow garlicky warmth without fuss.
• Onion powder: Gives a subtle, sweet oniony dimension without chopping or sautéing.
• Black pepper: Adds gentle heat to round out all those creamy notes.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole and forms a golden, gooey topping – the star of the show.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Deepens the cheesy flavor and adds a touch of saltiness.
• Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): Makes for a buttery, crunchy topper if you’re feeling fancy – go for it!

How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray, butter, or oil – this keeps everything from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Setting this up first means less scrambling when it’s time to assemble.

Step 2: Mix the Casserole Filling

In a big mixing bowl, bring together your cooked rice, chicken, steamed or blanched broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss in one cup of cheddar cheese and all the Parmesan cheese. Mixing everything thoroughly ensures that every bite of this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is packed with flavor and creamy goodness.

Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Spread your irresistible, cheesy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Don’t be afraid to give it a little nudge into the corners—this way you get to enjoy crispy edges as well as gooey center pieces. The filling should look thick, creamy, and generously dotted with broccoli and chicken.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Topping (and Extras!)

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese all over the top. If you love a golden, crunchy top, now’s the time to add those crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs. This finishing touch brings extra texture and that satisfying casserole “crust” everyone fights over.

Step 5: Bake to Bubbling, Cheesy Perfection

Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’re looking for a hot, bubbly casserole with the cheese melted to oozy perfection and the topping turning golden brown. Let it sit for at least 5 minutes after baking; this makes it easier to slice and serve, and the cheesy sauce thickens just a tad.

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness against all that cheesy comfort. Red pepper flakes are fantastic for a little kick. Even a dash of extra black pepper can wake up the flavors!

Side Dishes

Though Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is truly a one-pan wonder, you can round out the meal with a crisp green salad, a pile of roasted vegetables, or warm dinner rolls to mop up the extra sauce. It pairs beautifully with everything from classic Caesar salad to garlicky green beans.

Creative Ways to Present

Try baking and serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a dinner-party twist, or scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers before baking for a fun, veggie-packed presentation. You can even use it as a cozy filling for stuffed baked potatoes or as a topping for mini toast rounds at a family gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and stash them in the refrigerator. This casserole keeps well for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or speedy reheats after a busy day.

Freezing

Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole can be frozen either before or after baking! Simply cover it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating. If baked from frozen, add a little extra time in the oven.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes, or until hot throughout. For a single serving, microwave in a microwave-safe dish, adding a splash of milk if it seems dry, until steaming. That way you can enjoy it just as cheesy and creamy as when it was fresh!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice works just as well and adds a nutty flavor, along with a little extra fiber. Just be sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to your mix.

What’s the best way to make this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble everything right up to the topping, then cover and refrigerate the unbaked casserole for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, just add the cheese and crumb topping and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold dish.

Can I add other vegetables?

Definitely! While broccoli is classic, feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, peas, spinach, or even diced red bell pepper for extra color and nutrition.

Is there a way to make this gluten-free?

Yes – opt for a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and either skip the optional cracker topping or use your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs or crackers. Everything else in the dish is already gluten-free!

Can I make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole without canned soup?

You can swap in two cups of homemade white sauce or a thickened chicken stock-based sauce, seasoned with salt and pepper, if you prefer to avoid canned soup. It tastes just as comforting and lets you control the ingredients.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll try this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole soon – it’s truly the kind of dish that turns a Tuesday into a family memory, or turns a fridge clean-out into something craveable. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to stash some freezer comfort, this recipe is always a win. Dig in and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, broccoli-packed bite!

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