Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving something ultra-comforting, crowd-pleasing, and so easy you could practically make it in your sleep, this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is about to become your new favorite weeknight hero. Each forkful delivers juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, golden cheese sauce, all baked together in one bubbly, irresistible dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want hearty leftovers, this casserole has you covered. Trust me, it’s the kind of meal that disappears in a flash!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the magic behind this recipe. The ingredients for Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole are simple, familiar, and each one brings a little something special to the table. From the base of tender chicken to the golden cheesy top, every bite is packed with comforting flavors and textures.
- Chicken: Use cooked, shredded or cubed chicken; rotisserie chicken is perfect for saving time and adding extra flavor.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice soaks up all the creamy goodness—microwaveable rice is a great shortcut!
- Broccoli: Fresh or frozen florets bring color, nutrition, and a pop of earthy flavor (just steam until tender).
- Cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy backbone that ties everything together.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that keeps the casserole extra luscious.
- Cheddar cheese: Melty, sharp cheddar gives that iconic cheesy pull—use some for the mix and some for the glorious top layer.
- Garlic powder: A dash brings warmth and subtle depth to the whole dish.
- Onion powder: Offers a sweet, savory note that enhances every ingredient.
- Black pepper: Just a pinch adds mild heat and brings out all the flavors.
- Salt: Season to taste, especially if your chicken or soup is low sodium.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): For a crunchy, golden topping that makes every bite extra satisfying.
- Melted butter (for topping, optional): Helps the cracker or breadcrumb topping crisp up beautifully.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a 9×13-inch casserole dish and give it a light coating of nonstick spray or a brush of oil. This ensures nothing sticks and cleanup is a breeze later!
Step 2: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt if needed. Stir everything together until it’s evenly mixed and looks irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning before moving on!
Step 3: Layer and Top
Spread the filling evenly into your prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the surface for that classic melty finish. If you’re going for the optional crispy topping, mix your crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it all over the cheese for a little crunch in every bite.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be melted, the edges bubbly, and the top (if using the crumb topping) to be beautifully golden. Let the dish rest for about 5 minutes after baking—this helps everything set and makes serving easier.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Garnishes
While this casserole is already a showstopper, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish. If you like a bit of heat, a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes can liven things up!
Side Dishes
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a satisfying meal on its own, but pairing it with a light green salad or roasted veggies makes for a well-rounded dinner. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are also perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy, cheesy goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or family gatherings, try baking the casserole in individual ramekins for personal servings. You can also scoop it into hollowed-out bell peppers, then bake until the peppers are tender for a fun, colorful twist that kids and adults both love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge. Simply cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to an airtight container—it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. The flavors only get better as they meld together!
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap the dish tightly with foil or portion into freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 3 months. If you’re planning to freeze before baking, assemble everything except the cracker topping, and add that fresh before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, popping a serving in the microwave works just fine—just cover with a damp paper towel to keep everything moist and melty.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a huge time-saver and adds tons of flavor. Just shred or cube it and toss it right into the mix.
Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white?
Yes, both white and brown rice work beautifully in this casserole. Brown rice adds a slightly nutty flavor and more fiber, so feel free to use whichever you prefer or have on hand.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to skip the canned soup, try using a homemade white sauce or substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a twist in flavor.
How can I make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole lighter?
For a lighter version, swap the sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese. You can also use a low-fat or lighter version of the cream of chicken soup.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if you’re starting from cold.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts cozy, cheesy, and family-approved, you truly can’t go wrong with Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and always leaves everyone reaching for seconds. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular request at your table!
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Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with shredded chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a family-friendly recipe that combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt if needed. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and browned slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken and microwaveable rice to save time without compromising flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Steaming broccoli ahead ensures it cooks evenly and retains a nice texture in the casserole.
- The buttery cracker topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch; omit for a softer casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for an easy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
