Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe:

Craving a cozy, comforting dinner that’s easy to make and packed with flavor? My Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect answer to your weeknight meal dilemma.

With just a handful of pantry staples and one baking dish, you’ll have a creamy, cheesy, family-friendly casserole on the table—no pre-cooking required!

This recipe is ideal for busy nights when you want a hearty, home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

The best part? Everything bakes together in one dish—just dump, mix, cover, and let the oven do all the work. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience.

Ingredients List

Casserole Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups chicken broth, water, or milk
• 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 Seasonings

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, rosemary, or basil
• ½ teaspoon seasoned salt or Italian seasoning

Garnish (Optional)

• Fresh chopped parsley or thyme

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this dump-and-bake casserole as effortlessly as possible, here’s what you’ll need:

1. 9 x 13-inch Baking Dish – A large baking dish gives everything space to cook evenly.
2. Whisk or Spoon – For combining the soup and liquid directly in the baking dish.
3. Measuring Cups and Spoons – Accurate measurements are key, especially for the rice and liquid ratio.
4. Aluminum Foil – To cover the dish and trap in steam for perfectly tender rice and juicy chicken.
5. Sharp Knife and Cutting Board – For dicing the chicken into even pieces before baking.

These simple tools will help you whip up a stress-free dinner in no time, without dirtying multiple pots or pans.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making this casserole is as easy as it gets. There’s no need to pre-cook the rice, chicken, or broccoli. Just layer, mix, bake, and enjoy!

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.

2. Mix the Base

In the prepared dish, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup and your choice of liquid (chicken broth, water, or milk). This forms the creamy base of the casserole and ensures the rice cooks evenly.

3. Add the Remaining Ingredients

Next, stir in:

• Uncooked long grain white rice
• Diced raw chicken
• Frozen broccoli florets

Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper, then add any optional herbs and spices to taste. I personally love including at least ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder and onion powder, plus a dash of paprika or thyme for extra depth. Stir everything again to evenly combine the ingredients.

4. Cover and Bake

Cover the baking dish tightly with foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 55–60 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the liquid is mostly absorbed, and the chicken is cooked through. To test for doneness, fluff the rice with a fork—if it’s still a bit firm, re-cover the dish and return it to the oven for another 5–10 minutes.

5. Add Cheese

Once the rice and chicken are fully cooked, sprinkle the grated cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Return it to the oven (uncovered) for just a few minutes, until the cheese melts into a gooey, golden layer.

Serving and Customization Ideas

Once your casserole is hot, cheesy, and bubbling, it’s time to serve up the comfort. This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can easily pair it with a few extras or adjust it to suit your family’s tastes.

How to Serve

Serve the casserole hot from the oven, garnished with fresh parsley or thyme for a pop of color and added freshness. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of texture thanks to the tender chicken, soft rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli.

Pairing suggestions:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Warm garlic bread or dinner rolls
• Roasted or steamed vegetables for extra fiber

Customization Options

One of the best parts about this dump-and-bake recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences:

• Add a crunch: Top with crushed Ritz crackers or French-fried onions before the final bake for extra texture.
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of sour cream or cream cheese before baking for an ultra-creamy finish.
• Boost the veggies: Toss in frozen peas, diced carrots, or corn with the broccoli for a veggie-packed version.
• Switch the protein: Use rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or even canned tuna if you want to skip dicing raw meat.

This dish is also great for kids and picky eaters because the flavors are mild, familiar, and easy to customize with their favorite seasonings or mix-ins.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or saving leftovers from dinner, this casserole stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious:

How to Store Leftovers

Once the casserole has cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making leftovers just as tasty (if not better!).

Freezing Instructions

Want to make this meal ahead of time? No problem!

• Before baking: Assemble the casserole (without baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
• After baking: Let the casserole cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven or microwave until heated through.

Reheating Tips

To reheat a refrigerated portion:

• Oven: Cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual servings in 60-second intervals, stirring between each, until piping hot.

A splash of broth or milk before reheating helps revive the creamy texture if the rice has dried out slightly.

Conclusion

This Dump-and-Bake Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. With minimal prep and one dish, you get a complete, balanced meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or make-ahead dinners. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese come together in a cozy, satisfying way that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re sticking to the classic version or mixing in your favorite herbs, veggies, or toppings, this recipe is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. And with easy storage and reheating, leftovers are just as comforting the next day.