Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Intro

There are some recipes that feel like a warm hug the moment they come out of the oven. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is exactly that kind of dish. It’s creamy, cozy, bubbling around the edges, and filled with tender chicken, soft rice, bright green broccoli, and layers of melted cheese. For me, this is the ultimate :highlight.

The first time I made this casserole, it was on a busy weekday evening. I had leftover chicken in the fridge, a small head of broccoli that needed to be used, and a bag of rice sitting in the pantry. 

I didn’t expect magic. But when that creamy, cheesy aroma filled my kitchen, I knew I had created something special.

As a female chef who believes simple ingredients can create unforgettable meals, I adore recipes like this. They don’t require fancy techniques or expensive ingredients. They just require heart, a baking dish, and a little bit of cheese therapy.

If you’re looking for an easy family dinner that reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day, you’re going to fall in love with this one.

Equipment List

You won’t need anything complicated for this recipe.

• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Large pot (for rice)
• Large skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Aluminum foil

Simple tools. Big flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked white rice (about 1 cup uncooked)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Creamy Sauce

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup whole milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Cheese Layer

• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Optional Topping:

• ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon melted butter

Every ingredient plays a role. The rice absorbs flavor, the chicken adds heartiness, the broccoli brings freshness, and the cheese ties everything together.

Instructions (Step by Step)

Step 1: Prepare the Rice

Cook rice according to package instructions. Fluff it with a fork and set aside. Slightly cooled rice works best because it won’t become mushy when mixed with sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

The smell at this stage already feels comforting.

Step 3: Add the Broccoli

Add chopped broccoli to the skillet and sauté for 3–4 minutes. You don’t want it fully cooked, just slightly tender. It will finish cooking in the oven.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Mixture

In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir until smooth.

This mixture should look creamy and lightly seasoned.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add cooked rice, chicken, and sautéed broccoli mixture into the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently until evenly coated.

Fold in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and all the mozzarella.

Step 6: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread evenly.

Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese on top.

If using crackers or breadcrumbs, mix them with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.

Step 7: Bake

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden.

Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set.

Flavor and Texture: What to Expect

This casserole is creamy but not soupy. The rice stays tender, the chicken remains juicy, and the broccoli adds small bursts of freshness.

The cheddar gives sharp richness while mozzarella adds that irresistible stretch. The sour cream balances everything with gentle tang.

If you add the buttery cracker topping, you get a crunchy golden layer that contrasts beautifully with the creamy center.

Every bite feels balanced and deeply satisfying.

Why This Recipe Works

It’s all about proportion.

Too much liquid makes it runny. Too little makes it dry. The combination of soup, milk, and sour cream creates a smooth sauce that coats each grain of rice without drowning it.

Using cooked chicken saves time and adds flavor. Rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.

And broccoli isn’t just for color—it lightens the dish so it doesn’t feel too heavy.

My Personal Casserole Tips

As someone who makes casseroles often, here are my secrets:

• Slightly undercook broccoli so it doesn’t turn mushy.
• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting.
• Taste your sauce before mixing.
• Let the casserole rest before serving.

Small details matter.

Variations You’ll Love

Brown Rice Version

Swap white rice for cooked brown rice for a nuttier flavor and more fiber.

Extra Veggie Boost

Add diced carrots or mushrooms for added nutrition.

Spicy Twist

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

Lighter Option

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.

Gluten-Free Version

Ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free and skip the breadcrumb topping.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for meal prep.

You can assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. Bake when ready.

Leftovers keep well for 3–4 days in an airtight container.

To freeze, assemble but don’t bake. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Best Side Dishes

Honestly, this casserole can stand alone. But if you want to round out the meal, try:

• Simple green salad
• Garlic bread
• Roasted carrots
• Steamed green beans

Keep sides light since the casserole is rich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking broccoli before baking. Using instant rice without adjusting liquid. Skipping seasoning. Overbaking and drying out the top.

Keep an eye on it during the final minutes.

Why This Dish Feels So Personal to Me

Growing up, casseroles meant family dinners. They meant everyone gathered around the table with seconds ready to go.

As a woman who loves feeding people, I appreciate meals that stretch ingredients and feed many. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole does exactly that.

It’s not fancy. It doesn’t try to impress with complicated flavors. It simply delivers comfort, warmth, and satisfaction.

And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes. Thaw and drain it well before adding.

Can I use leftover turkey?

Absolutely. It’s a great way to use holiday leftovers.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use two baking dishes or a larger pan.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a dependable, family-friendly dinner that tastes like home, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a recipe worth keeping.

It’s creamy, cheesy, hearty, and simple to make. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli baked under a golden layer of cheese, it’s the kind of meal that brings everyone back to the table.

Make it once, and it just might become your go-to comfort casserole forever.