If you’re craving a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, this broccoli chicken rice casserole is exactly what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and filled with tender chicken and broccoli, this classic casserole is perfect for quick dinners, cozy lunches, or simple meal prep. With minimal ingredients and very little prep time, it’s a family-friendly recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
This casserole checks all the right boxes: it’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly easy to throw together. The combination of cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli creates a balanced one-dish meal, while the creamy sauce and melted cheddar cheese bring comforting, home-style flavor.
It’s also very flexible. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or meal-prepped rice to save even more time. Whether you’re cooking for two or scaling it up for a family dinner, this broccoli chicken rice casserole adapts beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
- Broccoli florets
- Cooked white rice
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Sharp cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
These simple pantry and refrigerator staples come together to create a creamy, cheesy casserole that feels far more indulgent than the effort required.
How to Make Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets. If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it first for a tender texture.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Stir in the cream of chicken soup and sour cream until everything is evenly coated. This creates the rich, creamy base of the casserole.
Step 4: Season and Add Cheese
Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese for extra richness.
Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot throughout and lightly golden on top. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Make it lighter: Use reduced-fat sour cream and reduced-sodium soup
- Extra crunch: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking
- More veggies: Add carrots, peas, or cauliflower for extra color and nutrition
- Cheese swap: Colby Jack or mozzarella work well if cheddar is too sharp
- Meal prep friendly: Divide into smaller dishes for easy reheating
Easy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a quick, cozy, and family-friendly dinner made with tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, a creamy sauce, and melty sharp cheddar. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight meal or a simple lunch.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz / 298 g)
3/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or butter, for greasing the dish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a small baking dish (about 8×8-inch) with cooking spray or butter.
2. If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam or blanch for 2–3 minutes to keep it tender-crisp. If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets.
4. Add cream of chicken soup and sour cream. Stir until evenly coated.
5. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
6. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the rest for topping).
7. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
8. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese.
9. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
10. Let rest 5 minutes before serving for cleaner slices.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to make this even faster.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce (optional).
To make it stretch for more servings, add an extra cup of broccoli or an extra 1/2 cup cooked rice.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat until warmed through.
Freezer tip: Assemble (do not bake), wrap tightly, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (add 5–10 minutes if needed).
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Serving Ideas & Storage
This broccoli chicken rice casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ~390 | 25g | 32g | 18g | 3g | 680mg |
Final Thoughts
This broccoli chicken rice casserole is proof that simple ingredients can create truly comforting meals. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, it’s a perfect option for busy weeknights, small households, or anyone who loves classic casserole recipes. Once you try it, this easy dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.