If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and vibrant broccoli, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big, delicious hug on a plate — simple to throw together but packed with flavor and texture. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this casserole hits all the right notes with its melty cheese, savory chicken, and just the right amount of crisp topping. Grab your baking dish and let’s get started on this all-time favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a starring role in delivering flavor, creaminess, and freshness. From tender chicken to crisp broccoli and gooey cheeses, these essentials come together effortlessly to create a truly irresistible casserole.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use rotisserie chicken or leftovers for convenience and great texture.
- 2 cups cooked white rice: Provides a hearty base that soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed: Adds a bright green color and fresh, tender bite.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharpness and richness that make each bite cheesy.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully for a gooey, chewy contrast.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The secret to that luscious, creamy sauce binding everything together.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce and ensures it’s perfectly smooth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds savory depth without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors wonderfully.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick for warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings color and a mild smoky hint.
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted: Used for that irresistible buttery topping.
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional): Adds a golden, crunchy finish on top.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it’s ready to give your casserole that perfect bake. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and promote easy serving later on. This prep step might seem simple, but it’s essential for smooth sailing through the cooking process.
Step 2: Combine the Flavorful Filling
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked shredded chicken, cooked white rice, and steamed broccoli. Add the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for that melty goodness, then pour in the cream of chicken soup and milk. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir everything well until it’s evenly mixed and every bite promises layers of flavor and texture ready to shine.
Step 3: Transfer and Smooth
Pour your cheesy chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula or the back of a spoon to spread it out evenly. Creating a smooth, even surface helps the casserole bake uniformly, giving you that delightful balance of crispy edges and soft, creamy center.
Step 4: Create the Golden Crust
Mix the melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs in a small bowl. This simple topping will bake into a crunchy, golden crust that complements the casserole’s creamy interior perfectly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top to finish off your masterpiece.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese on top is bubbly and the crust turns a beautiful golden brown. This step brings all the flavors together, making those comforting aromas fill your kitchen and your heart.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This rest time allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors even more. Then, dig in and enjoy every cheesy, savory, broccoli-packed bite!
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor. For a little extra zing, a light drizzle of hot sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides such as a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted asparagus. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also work wonderfully, soaking up any cheesy sauce that might escape your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also turn leftovers into a filling for wraps or stuff it inside bell peppers for a colorful presentation that feels fresh and different.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your casserole tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating slowly helps maintain the creamy texture without drying it out.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy this Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe another day, it freezes beautifully. Wrap the entire dish with foil or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil. To bring back the crispy topping, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of heating. This keeps everything deliciously melty and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a slightly chewier texture, making the casserole even more wholesome. Just make sure your brown rice is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is there a dairy-free version of this casserole?
Yes, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative or make a homemade sauce using broth and coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheeses and plant-based milk to keep the dish creamy and satisfying without dairy.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas to suit your taste. Just be mindful of cooking times and moisture levels so the casserole doesn’t become too soggy.
What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?
If you want a crunch without Ritz crackers, plain breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes all work well. You might also toss some grated Parmesan cheese into the topping mix for an extra savory kick.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Yes! Assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s going in cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has everything you could want in a home-cooked meal: simplicity, comfort, and irresistible flavor. It’s a wonderful way to make busy dinners feel special without extra fuss. I hope you’ll try it soon and enjoy sharing this cozy casserole with friends and family as much as I do!
Print
Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, delicious one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with shredded chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together shredded cooked chicken, cooked white rice, steamed broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, leveling the top for uniform baking.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set, then serve and enjoy your hearty, cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice for a healthier alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Steaming the broccoli before adding prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Chicken can be replaced with turkey or omitted for a vegetarian version using a suitable cream of mushroom soup.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
