Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Try this Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce—easy, hearty, and satisfying.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Medium saucepan for rice
- Skillet (for chicken, if cooking fresh)
- Cutting board and sharp knife.
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- Aluminum foil
- Steamer or pot for broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked white rice long grain preferred
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets or frozen, thawed and drained
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional topping
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook in a skillet until golden and fully done. Let it rest, then shred or dice.
- Cook your rice according to package instructions. You want it soft and fluffy.
- Steam the broccoli just until tender but still bright green—about 3–4 minutes. Don’t overcook it, or it will turn mushy later.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix together:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Stir until smooth. Then add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and mix again.
- At this point, I always taste the mixture. This is your chance to adjust seasoning. Trust your palate.
Step 3: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli into the sauce.
- Gently fold everything together. Take your time here—you want every grain of rice coated, every piece of chicken covered in that creamy mixture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Grease your baking dish with butter.
- Pour the mixture in and spread it evenly.
- Top with remaining cheese. Add breadcrumbs if you want a golden, slightly crunchy topping. Dot with butter for extra richness.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
- Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes until the top is golden, bubbly, and slightly crisp.
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This step matters—it helps everything set beautifully.
Notes
- Use warm rice so it blends better with the sauce
- Don’t skip seasoning—taste as you go
- Slightly undercook broccoli for best texture
- Let it rest before serving (important!)
- Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back creaminess