Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

This dish takes me back to my grandma’s tiny farmhouse kitchen where a single casserole could fill the whole house with warmth and the smell of bubbling cheese. It was the first meal I ever helped cook.

I remember sitting on the counter, tiny legs swinging, as she stirred the creamy mixture with an old wooden spoon. That simple combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli baked in one dish made me fall in love with cooking.

Now, it’s a recipe I pass on to others, because comfort like this was never meant to be kept a secret.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

Comfort food meets practicality in this one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it one of those dinners the whole family actually agrees on.

• One pan means fewer dishes and less cleanup
• Cheesy, creamy, and totally satisfying
• Easily made ahead and freezer-friendly
• Great way to use leftover or rotisserie chicken
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole isn’t just a recipe, it’s the kind of meal that becomes a tradition.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Ingredients

To get that ultra-creamy, flavorful bite in every forkful, here’s exactly what you’ll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie or baked)
• 1 ½ cups white rice, cooked
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small (fresh or thawed frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (use dairy-free if needed)
• 1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt or non-dairy version)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or dairy-free cheddar)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional for color and flavor)
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter for breadcrumb topping

Every ingredient brings something special to the table, from the savory soup to the creamy cheese. You can even make this dish dairy-free using swaps like coconut milk yogurt and almond-based cheese.

Try pairing this with the Chicken Scampi with Garlic Parmesan Rice for a weekend dinner spread.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

Creating this casserole is as easy as mixing, layering, and baking. Here’s how to make this hearty meal come together fast.

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, paprika, and milk until fully combined.
3. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheese on top.
4. In a small bowl, stir together breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
5. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

If you want another quick casserole idea, this One Pan Chicken and Rice Bake is a solid favorite for busy nights.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole can easily stand on its own, but you can make it shine even more with the right pairings.

• Serve with a fresh side salad for some crunch and brightness
• Pair with roasted carrots or green beans for a colorful plate
• Add a side of cornbread or garlic toast for soaking up the creamy sauce
• Cut into squares and pack into lunchboxes, it reheats beautifully
• Serve alongside a light soup for a cozy, comforting dinner

This casserole is great with a crisp cucumber and tomato salad or a warm bowl of roasted tomato soup. It’s truly a comfort meal with balance.

Chicken Casserole Recipes with Rice: Variations & Customization

One of the best things about chicken and rice casserole recipes is how versatile they are. Here’s how to make this dish fit your needs:

• Swap the protein: Use leftover turkey or cooked ground chicken
• Make it spicy: Add chopped jalapeños or a pinch of chili flakes
• Add more veggies: Stir in peas, carrots, corn, or sautéed mushrooms
• Use different cheese: Pepper jack, Colby, or dairy-free cheese blends work great
• Go low-carb: Swap cooked rice with cauliflower rice (reduce liquid slightly)

For more creative twists, check out this Easy Chicken Pot Pie with Pie Crust, it’s just as cozy and easy to customize.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipes Dairy Free: Storage & Reheating

Leftovers of this broccoli chicken rice casserole store beautifully, making it a smart choice for meal prep.

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• To freeze, cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes
• For microwave reheating, add a splash of broth or milk and heat in 30-second bursts

Want a creamy result every time? Don’t skip the added splash of moisture when reheating.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Rice

Want to avoid a dry or bland casserole? These tips will help you bake it just right:

• Use pre-cooked rice to prevent mushiness or undercooking
• Stir cheese into the filling while it’s warm but off the heat for smoother melt
• Let the casserole rest 5–10 minutes after baking so it sets before slicing
• Chop broccoli into small, uniform pieces so it cooks evenly
• Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping, it adds texture and makes it feel complete

If you love bold flavor, season your chicken with garlic and herbs before mixing. For juicy chicken ideas, check out Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs, perfect for shredding into this recipe.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

Even an easy chicken broccoli casserole can go wrong if you miss these common pitfalls:

• Using raw rice: Always pre-cook rice or use leftover rice for best results
• Skipping seasoning: Salt and spices matter in creamy casseroles
• Overcooking broccoli: Stir it in just before baking, not too early
• Using watery frozen broccoli: Thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture
• Covering with foil: Bake uncovered to get that golden cheese topping

Want to try another creamy comfort dish? This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Soup brings the same cozy vibes with rich flavor in every spoonful.

Final Thoughts on Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Dinner Recipes

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is a recipe that keeps on giving. It’s warm, hearty, and built for real life, quick to prep, easy to clean up, and a win with even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re cooking for a family, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to share, this casserole deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation.

If you loved it, don’t forget to pin this recipe and share it with a friend who could use a new weeknight favorite.

FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipes Easy Dinners

What can I substitute for cheese in a dairy-free chicken broccoli rice casserole?

You can use shredded dairy-free cheese made from almonds, cashews, or soy. Nutritional yeast blended with plant milk and a bit of starch also creates a creamy, cheesy-like flavor.

Can I use brown rice in a chicken broccoli rice casserole?

Yes, but make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing in. Brown rice takes longer to bake, so using precooked brown rice ensures the casserole cooks evenly without drying out.

Is frozen broccoli okay to use in broccoli chicken rice casserole?

Absolutely. Just thaw the broccoli and press out excess moisture with a paper towel before using. This helps maintain the right consistency and prevents a watery bake.

How do I prep this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole ahead of time?

Assemble everything in the baking dish, cover tightly, and store it in the fridge up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the bake time if starting cold.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole – Easy Family Dinner Recipe

Author: Ellie Cooking Method: Casserole