Name: Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed); 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom); ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt); 1 cup milk; 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1 tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; Salt & pepper to taste; Optional: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter

This cheesy broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, creamy, and packed with wholesome ingredients. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s satisfying and super easy to put together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

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

2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)

½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)

1 cup milk

1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

Salt & pepper to taste

Optional topping: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter

Directions

I preheat my oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

In a large bowl, I combine the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups of shredded cheese, and all the seasonings.

I stir until everything is fully mixed, then pour it into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

On top, I sprinkle a bit more shredded cheese and, if I’m feeling indulgent, the buttery cracker or breadcrumb topping.

I bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the cheese is melted.

I let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving to help it set up a bit.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6 to 8 people comfortably. From start to finish, it takes around 45 minutes total—about 15 minutes for prep and 30 minutes of baking time.

Variations

I sometimes swap in rotisserie chicken when I want to save time.

For more flavor, I sauté onions or mushrooms and mix them in.

If fresh broccoli isn’t available, I thaw some frozen florets and use those.

When I’m out of cheddar, Monterey Jack or a blended cheese works really well, too.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I pop a serving in the microwave for about 1–2 minutes, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. If it seems a bit dry, I stir in a splash of milk before reheating.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best in this casserole?

I usually use cooked, shredded chicken breast, but rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works great too. As long as it’s cooked and seasoned lightly, it’ll blend perfectly into the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep it earlier in the day, cover it, and refrigerate it until I’m ready to bake. I just add 5–10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold.

Is it possible to freeze this casserole?

Definitely. I assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze it. When I’m ready to eat, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! I leave out the chicken and double the broccoli or mix in other veggies like peas, carrots, or mushrooms. Using cream of mushroom soup also enhances the flavor.

What can I use instead of canned soup?

If I prefer homemade, I make a quick roux with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth. It gives the same creamy base without the can.

Conclusion

This cheesy broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole is my go-to when I need something comforting, simple, and satisfying. It’s full of flavor, easy to customize, and perfect for feeding a crowd or saving leftovers for later. Once I tried it, it quickly became a regular in my meal rotation.

📖 Recipe:

Cheesy Broccoli, Chicken, and Rice Casserole

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

This cheesy broccoli, chicken, and rice casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal made with wholesome ingredients like chicken, broccoli, and rice, all tied together with a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.