chicken rice broccoli casserole

Craving a cozy, comforting dish that’s both hearty and easy to make? This Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole is a delicious all-in-one meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners.

Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and wholesome broccoli all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce, this casserole brings warmth and flavor to the table without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, this simple oven-baked casserole is always a winner. Plus, it’s versatile—add your favorite herbs and seasonings to make it your own!

Ingredients List

Main Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth, water, or milk (I usually go with broth for extra flavor)
• 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
• 1 lb. uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 (12.6 oz) bag frozen baby broccoli florets (or broccoli cuts)
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs and Seasonings

To elevate the flavor, I love adding a mix of herbs and spices like:

• Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
• Onion powder (¼ tsp)
• Paprika
• Thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano
• Chives or parsley
• Seasoned salt (if you want a quick flavor boost)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme for a fresh finish

Required Kitchen Tools

Making this Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole is incredibly straightforward. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

1. 9 x 13-Inch Baking Dish: The perfect size for even cooking and feeding a crowd.
2. Mixing Bowl or Measuring Cup with a Spout: Helpful for whisking and pouring liquids directly into the baking dish.
3. Foil: For covering the dish while it bakes—this locks in moisture and ensures even cooking.
4. Cutting Board & Knife: For prepping the chicken quickly and safely.
5. Cheese Grater: If you’re grating cheddar fresh (highly recommended for better melt and flavor).

Having these tools on hand makes the whole process smooth and stress-free—exactly how a comfort meal should be!

Preparation and Baking Instructions

Making this chicken rice broccoli casserole is as easy as mix, bake, and serve. Everything comes together right in the baking dish—no need to pre-cook the chicken, rice, or broccoli. Here’s how I do it:

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat Your Oven
   Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Creamy Base
   In the prepared baking dish, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and your choice of broth, water, or milk. I recommend using chicken broth for added depth of flavor.
3. Add the Main Ingredients
   Stir in the uncooked long grain rice, diced raw chicken, and frozen broccoli florets directly into the dish. There’s no need to thaw the broccoli—it cooks perfectly in the oven.
4. Season It Up
   Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. At this stage, I like to add ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, plus a pinch of thyme or oregano for a little herby kick. Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
5. Combine Everything
   Mix all the ingredients right in the dish until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Flatten it out with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
6. Cover and Bake
   Cover the dish tightly with foil and place it in the preheated oven. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until:
   • The rice is tender
   • Most of the liquid has been absorbed
   • The chicken is fully cooked through

If after 60 minutes the rice is still a bit firm, simply re-cover the dish and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes. Just be careful not to overbake, or the rice can turn mushy.

7. Add the Cheese
   Once the rice and chicken are done, remove the foil and sprinkle 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Pop the dish back in the oven, uncovered, for a few more minutes—just until the cheese melts and turns golden around the edges.

Serving Suggestions & Flavor Variations

This Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a few extras to really round out dinner—or making slight tweaks to match the season, the mood, or who’s coming to the table.

Serving Ideas

• Fresh Side Salad: A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette is the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm bread to soak up every last bit of the cheesy, creamy goodness.
• Hot Sauce or Chili Flakes: For spice lovers, a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can take the flavor to the next level.

Easy Flavor Variations

Want to shake things up? Here are a few delicious ways to customize your chicken rice broccoli casserole:

1. Switch the Protein

• Swap the chicken for cooked shredded rotisserie chicken if you’re in a rush.
• Use ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile.

2. Change the Veggies

• Not a broccoli fan? Try cauliflower florets, chopped spinach, peas, or a frozen vegetable medley.

3. Play with the Cheese

• Cheddar is classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a little Parmesan for extra sharpness.
• Want a spicy twist? Use pepper jack cheese to give it a gentle kick.

4. Add Crunch

• Sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions over the cheese before the final bake for a crispy topping.

5. Boost the Creaminess

• Stir in a little sour cream, cream cheese, or a splash of heavy cream to the base mixture if you want it extra rich.

Storage Tips & Final Thoughts

One of the best things about this casserole—besides how easy and comforting it is—is that it stores and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re meal prepping or saving leftovers for later, here’s how to keep it fresh and flavorful.

How to Store Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole

• In the Fridge:
  Let the casserole cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
• In the Freezer:
  Yes, you can freeze it! Just portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until heated through.
• Microwave: Place individual servings on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed meal that the whole family will love, this Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole is your answer. It’s one of those reliable, no-fail recipes I keep coming back to—especially on nights when I want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.

Everything cooks in one dish—no need to pre-cook the chicken or rice—and the result is creamy, cheesy, and filled with wholesome ingredients like lean protein and broccoli. It’s also super flexible, so you can easily adapt it to fit your pantry or preferences.