chicken broccoli rice casserole

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Everyone Will Love

If you are looking for a comforting, one-dish meal that the whole family will enjoy, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is perfect. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli. Best of all, it’s easy to make and comes together in one dish.

This casserole is ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. It’s warm, hearty, and makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking.

Ingredients Needed

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Step by Step Instructions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

chicken broccoli rice casserole
Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Prepare the Mixture

In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Add Cheese and Topping

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. If using, sprinkle breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.

Bake the Casserole

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbly.

Serve and Enjoy

Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a hearty main dish.

Tips for Customizing the Casserole

You can easily adjust this recipe to suit your taste. Swap broccoli for cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini to change up the vegetables. Add cooked bacon or ham for a smoky, savory flavor. Try different types of cheese like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a richer, creamier taste. For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and milk without sacrificing flavor. This casserole is also perfect for meal prep, and it reheats beautifully, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or lunches.

Nutritional Information

A serving of this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole contains approximately 400 calories, 18 grams of fat, 35 grams of carbohydrates, and 28 grams of protein. The chicken provides lean protein, broccoli adds fiber and vitamins, and cheese gives a satisfying creamy texture. This is a balanced, filling, and delicious meal perfect for family dinners.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this casserole on its own or pair it with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. It also goes well with garlic bread or roasted vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave. For extra flavor, sprinkle a little fresh parsley or grated Parmesan on top before serving. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want a comforting, hearty meal.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Everyone Will Love

Recipe by recipeideas
Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

30

minutes
Calories

400

kcal

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken, rice, and broccoli. A comforting one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

  • 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • ½ cup milk

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • ½ tsp paprika (optional)

  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
  • Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
  • Bake 25–30 minutes until cheese melts and casserole is bubbly.
  • Cool a few minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • Swap broccoli for cauliflower, green beans, or zucchini.
  • Add bacon or ham for extra flavor.
  • Use different cheeses for a richer taste.
  • Use low-fat cheese and milk for a lighter version.
  • Perfect for meal prep; reheats well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Assemble the casserole a few hours ahead or even the night before. Cover and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Absolutely. Just thaw or steam the broccoli slightly before adding it to the mixture to avoid excess water in the casserole.

Yes. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or skip them for topping. Make sure your cream of chicken soup is labeled gluten-free.

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