If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a luscious cheesy sauce, you’ve just found it. This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe combines simple pantry staples into a hearty, flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you want a satisfying dinner without a fuss. The melty cheese, tender veggies, and savory chicken come together to create a dish that everyone will love and keep asking for again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is the first step, and thankfully, this recipe calls for straightforward, familiar items that each add their own special touch to the dish. From the creamy cheeses to the fresh broccoli, every element plays a role in texture and taste.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly poach chicken breasts for a juicy, protein-packed base.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Fluffy rice brings heartiness and soaks up all the delicious sauce perfectly.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Adds fresh color and a healthy crunch that balances the creamy richness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, cheddar gives the casserole its classic cheesy flavor.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, gooey cheese pull everyone loves.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Acts as the creamy, savory binder that brings everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the soup to create a luscious sauce without overpowering the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and depth to the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes without any chopping needed.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the ingredients.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and a bit of spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Gives a hint of smoky flavor and a lovely color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Used to crisp up the topping and add a golden finish.
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping): Creates a crunchy, buttery crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the perfect baking temperature while you assemble the casserole. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure the cheesy goodness slides out effortlessly after baking.
Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli. Next, add both types of cheese, the cream of chicken soup, milk, and all the seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything thoroughly until each bite is bursting with creamy, savory flavor and the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 3: Transfer and Top
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer. This makes sure every scoop has the perfect balance of ingredients. For the topping, mix the melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs if you’re using them. Sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the casserole to add a savory crunch once baked.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You will know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown. This step melds all those flavors and textures, giving you that irresistible casserole experience.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once you take the casserole out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy without losing any of that cheesy goodness. Now you’re ready to dig in!
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or a handful of chopped green onions on top just before serving. These add a pop of color and a fresh, bright flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs fantastically with a crisp side salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. If you want to add more carbs, some warm garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation, especially useful if you’re entertaining guests. You can also ladle the casserole over a bed of extra steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice for a lighter serving option that still feels indulgent.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. The casserole keeps well for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for enjoy-a-little-later meals or weekday lunches packed with comfort and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to prepare this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in advance, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a sprinkle of extra cheese on top before reheating gives it that fresh-from-the-oven charm once more.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole since it takes a bit longer to cook than white rice.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is perfect for freezing. You can make it ahead, freeze it before baking, and then thaw and bake when you’re ready to enjoy.
Can I substitute other vegetables for broccoli?
Definitely! Cauliflower, peas, or even spinach would work well as alternatives or additions. Just be sure to steam or cook the veggies before mixing to maintain a similar texture.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can easily substitute with cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery, or make a quick homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk if you prefer. Each will bring a slightly different, but still delicious, flavor.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To add a little heat, toss in some crushed red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce to the mix before baking. It will bring a lively kick without overpowering the cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so heartwarming about a dish like this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those reliable, satisfying meals that feel both indulgent and nourishing at the same time. Whether you’re feeding a family or simply craving a cozy dinner, this casserole is an absolute winner. I can’t wait for you to make it and add it to your go-to recipe collection!
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Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy white rice, nutritious steamed broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, this casserole is topped with a crunchy buttered breadcrumb layer and baked to golden perfection. It’s an effortless, crowd-pleasing recipe that brings wholesome ingredients together in a cheesy, satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded cooked chicken, cooked white rice, steamed broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well incorporated and creamy.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer this combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs until the crumbs are evenly coated with butter, adding a delicious crunchy topping.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttery cracker or breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Serve warm and enjoy your cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole!
Notes
- You can swap the cooked white rice for brown rice for a healthier alternative, adjusting cooking time accordingly if making rice fresh.
- If you’d like a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with extra vegetables or plant-based protein and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- The topping is optional but adds a wonderful crunchy texture; you can also use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute.
- For extra flavor, sprinkle some extra shredded cheese over the topping before baking.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
