Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

There’s something about the combination of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and creamy rice that just feels like home. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most comforting aromas while it bakes in the oven—like a warm hug on a cold day. The beauty of this casserole is how it effortlessly brings together all those layers of flavor without being overly complicated. The chicken stays juicy, the broccoli holds its bright green color and crunch, and the rice becomes perfectly fluffy, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the creamy sauce. Each bite feels like it’s wrapping you in comfort.

I love that you can make this dish your own with little tweaks here and there. Maybe you add a bit more garlic if you’re a garlic lover, or a sprinkle of cheese on top for that extra gooey, golden finish. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this casserole such a go-to for me. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but feels special enough for when you want to treat yourself or your family. And let’s not forget about the leftovers—this casserole tastes even better the next day when all the flavors have had a chance to meld together.

What I also appreciate about this dish is that it’s a one-pan wonder, which makes cleanup a breeze. If you’re like me and not a fan of washing multiple pots and pans after dinner, this is the answer to your dinner woes. It’s everything you want in a cozy, satisfying meal and so much more. I can’t help but think of all the cozy nights ahead, enjoying this dish with a glass of wine and maybe a little extra cheese on top.

Key Ingredients

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity, and it all starts with these key ingredients that work together to create the perfect balance of flavors and textures.

• Cooked chicken, shredded
  Tender, juicy chicken adds a satisfying protein boost and acts as the heart of the dish. The shredded texture makes it easy to incorporate into the casserole and ensures that each bite is filled with flavor.
• Broccoli florets
  The vibrant green broccoli provides a slight crunch and a pop of color to the casserole. It also adds a healthy, earthy flavor that complements the richness of the creamy sauce.
• Cooked rice
  Fluffy and comforting, the rice soaks up the creamy sauce while giving the dish a hearty base. It helps tie all the ingredients together and makes each bite feel like home.
• Cream of chicken soup
  This is the magic ingredient that brings the casserole together with its velvety, creamy texture. It infuses the dish with rich chicken flavor, creating a smooth, comforting sauce that coats the chicken and rice.
• Milk
  Milk thins out the soup to the perfect consistency, helping to create that creamy sauce we all crave in a casserole. It also adds a bit of richness without being too heavy.
• Shredded cheddar cheese
  Cheddar cheese melts beautifully, giving the casserole a luscious, gooey top layer. It adds both flavor and texture, creating a crispy golden finish while making every bite extra indulgent.
• Garlic powder
  A pinch of garlic powder adds that wonderful savory kick without overpowering the dish. It enhances the overall depth of flavor and gives the casserole a delightful aroma as it bakes.
• Onion powder
  The subtle sweetness of onion powder adds another layer of savory goodness to the casserole. It’s a quiet but essential player, rounding out the flavor profile with its warm, earthy notes.
• Black pepper
  Just a dash of black pepper brings a hint of spice to the dish, balancing the creaminess of the sauce and adding a touch of warmth to each bite.
• Salt
  Salt is the flavor enhancer that pulls all the ingredients together. It highlights the savory notes and brings out the best in the chicken, broccoli, and rice.
• Breadcrumbs
  A crunchy breadcrumb topping provides the perfect contrast to the creamy casserole beneath. It adds texture and a bit of golden crispness that takes the dish to the next level.
• Butter, melted
  The melted butter helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully and gives the casserole a rich, buttery finish. It also enhances the flavor of the dish, making each bite more indulgent and comforting.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• A Fresh Side Salad
  The rich, creamy casserole pairs beautifully with a light and refreshing salad. Try a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness. The freshness of the greens will brighten up each bite, making the meal feel well-rounded and satisfying.
• Garlic Bread or Crusty Rolls
  If you’re craving something extra indulgent, serve your casserole with a side of warm garlic bread or crusty rolls. The crispy, buttery bread is perfect for sopping up any extra creamy sauce left on your plate. Trust me, it’s the kind of combo that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• A Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs
  Before serving, sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top for a burst of color and flavor. The freshness of the herbs cuts through the richness and adds a delightful pop of fragrance that elevates the dish. It’s a simple touch, but it makes all the difference!

How to Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

When it comes to leftovers, this casserole is a dream! If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, you’ll want to make sure you store them properly so they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible.

For short-term storage, simply cover the casserole dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about 3-4 days, and all you have to do is reheat it when you’re ready for another comforting meal. The flavors will have had time to meld together, so it might even taste better the next day!

If you want to store it for a bit longer, freezing is a great option. Just let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can stay in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven to bring that golden top back to life.

For quick reheating, individual servings can be stored in smaller containers, making it easy to heat just what you need. You can reheat them in the microwave for a few minutes or in the oven for a bit longer. Either way, you’ll have a comforting meal waiting for you whenever you need it.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a cozy, comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite! From the tender chicken and crisp broccoli to the creamy rice and golden breadcrumb topping, every bite is packed with all the warmth and love you’d want in a dish like this. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and perfect for those nights when you just need something that feels like home.

I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy it as much as I do. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special meal, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you, so feel free to drop me a comment or let me know if you have any questions or need any help while making it. Happy cooking, and don’t forget—food is always better when shared with loved ones!

Print Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice come together in a creamy, cheesy casserole that’s baked to golden perfection. This comforting dish is a hearty, flavorful meal that’s sure to satisfy with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

• 2 cups broccoli florets

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• ¹⁄₂ cup milk

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ cup breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice.
4. Add the can of cream of chicken soup to the bowl with the chicken, broccoli, and rice.
5. Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture is well combined.
6. Sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt into the mixture.
7. Stir again to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the mixture.
8. Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese until it is evenly incorporated into the casserole mixture.
9. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
10. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter.
11. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
12. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
13. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Note

• For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Swap out the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian variation.
• Use brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative to white rice.
• You can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
• To make the casserole even creamier, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture.

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