Delicious Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets; 1 cup long-grain rice; 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup water or chicken broth; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Recipe By:

Daniel Lawson

Posted:

January 20, 2026

Updated:

January 20, 2026

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Broccoli chicken rice casserole is the kind of dish that wraps you in a warm, cheesy hug, making you feel like you’re at Grandma’s house again. Imagine tender pieces of chicken mingling with vibrant green broccoli, all smothered in a creamy sauce and topped with a crispy golden layer. The aroma? Oh, it’s like an inviting invitation to the dinner table that nobody can resist.

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family gatherings. It’s comfort food at its finest, promising to deliver flavor explosions with every bite while being easy enough to prepare that you won’t have to sacrifice your sanity. Trust me, once you serve this dish, your guests will be begging for the recipe—and maybe even some leftovers for tomorrow!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This broccoli chicken rice casserole is a one-dish wonder, making cleanup a breeze

The rich and savory flavors meld beautifully together, creating a deliciously satisfying meal
Its colorful presentation brightens up any dinner table and accommodates various diets by allowing ingredient swaps

Perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as hearty leftovers!

I’ll never forget the first time I served this broccoli chicken rice casserole at a family gathering—everyone went back for seconds, and my Aunt Linda even declared it “better than her famous lasagna.” The proud look on my face was priceless!

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.

Fresh Broccoli: Choose bright green florets for the best taste and texture; frozen works in a pinch too!
Long-Grain Rice: This type cooks evenly and absorbs flavors well; instant rice can work if you’re in a hurry.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Use sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor or mix it up with mozzarella for extra stretchiness.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the magical glue that brings everything together; opt for low-fat if you’re watching calories.
Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: These add depth without overpowering; fresh garlic also works wonders!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to taste; don’t skip these for maximum flavor.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks when baked.

Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced chicken until golden brown and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. You want that lovely sear!

Add Broccoli and Rice: Stir in chopped broccoli and uncooked rice into the skillet with the chicken. The rice will soak up all those fantastic juices during baking.

Create the Sauce Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, water (or broth), onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth like buttery clouds.

Pour It All Together: Evenly pour your sauce mixture over the chicken mixture in the skillet. Gently fold everything together until well combined.

Add Cheese Galore!: Sprinkle shredded cheese generously on top of your casserole—because more cheese equals more happiness! Then cover tightly with aluminum foil.

Bake Away!: Place your covered casserole in the oven and bake for about 45 minutes. Remove foil in the last 10 minutes to achieve that glorious cheesy crust we all love!

Once out of the oven, let it cool slightly before diving into this comforting masterpiece. Serve warm and watch as everyone goes back for seconds (and thirds!). Enjoy every cheesy bite!

You Must Know

This broccoli chicken rice casserole is a one-pot wonder, making cleanup almost non-existent
The creamy texture combined with the crunch of broccoli creates a delightful contrast
Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking the chicken thoroughly before adding rice and broccoli to ensure even flavor and texture. Layer ingredients in stages for ideal consistency.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or add spices like paprika for an extra kick. Cheese lovers can sprinkle more cheese on top before baking.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm, ensuring it’s heated through without drying out.

Chef's Helpful Tips

For optimal flavor, sear chicken before mixing it with other ingredients to lock in juices
Avoid overcooking broccoli; tender-crisp is best for texture
Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy meal solution

Sharing this casserole recipe brings back memories of my first attempt when my friends declared it “life-changing.” Their surprised faces were priceless, especially after they discovered it was packed with veggies!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well; just add it directly without thawing.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Substitute regular rice with gluten-free alternatives like quinoa or brown rice.

What can I serve with broccoli chicken rice casserole?

A simple green salad or garlic bread complements this dish wonderfully.

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