Name: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups cooked rice; 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs; 1 tablespoon melted butter

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Get ready to fall in love with the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe—a warm, bubbling casserole that’s cozy, comforting, and endlessly satisfying. This dish brings together fluffy rice, juicy shredded chicken, tender broccoli, and layers of melted cheese, all wrapped in a creamy, savory sauce. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or bringing a hearty meal to a potluck, you can count on this casserole to deliver smiles (and second helpings!) every time.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is how it turns simple, common ingredients into something truly special. Each component plays its part, building a casserole that’s perfectly creamy, oozy with cheese, and bursting with homey flavor.

Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works beautifully, or use leftovers for easy prep and rich flavor.
Cooked rice: White or brown rice both work; just make sure it’s cooked and fluffy to soak up the yummy sauce.
Fresh broccoli florets, steamed: Broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a delightful bite to balance out the richness.
Cream of chicken soup: This classic casserole ingredient binds everything together in creamy perfection.
Sour cream: Adds tanginess and extra lusciousness to the sauce.
Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Half goes into the casserole for that gooey pull, and the other half melts gloriously on top.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a sharp, salty punch that elevates every bite.
Milk: Keeps everything creamy and just the right amount of saucy.
Butter: A touch of richness that rounds out all the flavors.
Garlic powder: Gives savory depth without the fuss of chopping fresh garlic.
Onion powder: Another hit of rounded flavor that blends right in.
Salt and pepper to taste: A simple way to tailor seasoning to your tastebuds.
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for topping: Delivers that classic crispy, buttery crust everyone loves.
Melted butter for topping: Ensures your topping comes out golden and irresistible.

How to Make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Prep Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s good and hot by the time your casserole is assembled. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps cleanup easy and helps each serving come out clean and perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a roomy bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, prepared rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 3/4 cup of the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, milk, 1 tablespoon of butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is wonderfully coated and you just want to grab a spoon right then!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Evenly spread the mouthwatering mixture into your greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Smooth out the top so that every bite will have a bit of everything.

Step 4: Add the Cheesy Blanket

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will melt into an irresistible molten layer that’s truly the crown jewel of the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe.

Step 5: Add the Buttery Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together your crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly over the cheese for a crunchy, buttery finish everyone looks forward to.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Bubbly Perfection

Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and the topping is a warm golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes after baking—if you can resist!—to make serving neat and tidy.

How to Serve Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

For a pop of freshness and color, scatter chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese over each serving. If you like a touch of heat, thinly sliced green onions or a whisper of red pepper flakes work wonders.

Side Dishes

This casserole is undeniably filling, but it’s even better with a crisp side salad, a platter of roasted veggies, or a loaf of warm, crusty bread for sopping up every last bit of sauce. If you want something lighter, try a simple fruit salad for a contrast of flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider baking the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for personalized portions—kids love these! For potlucks or holiday tables, garnish with a few fresh broccoli florets or cherry tomatoes around the edge for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Transfer any extra casserole to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to meld and deepen, so you might find it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble the casserole right up until the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time if needed.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat your casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 20–25 minutes). Individual portions can go in the microwave in short bursts, though the oven keeps that topping extra crisp.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver and adds plenty of flavor. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing it in.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can swap in cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor profile. If you want to skip canned soups entirely, use a homemade béchamel sauce as a substitute.

Can I make the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free condensed soup (many major brands carry this now), make sure your breadcrumbs or crackers are gluten-free, and check all other ingredient labels.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! Peas, diced carrots, or bell peppers all blend in wonderfully and add extra color and texture. Just be sure to cook or steam firmer vegetables before mixing them into the casserole.

Do I need to cook the rice and broccoli before adding them in?

Yes, for this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe, both the rice and broccoli should be cooked ahead of time. This ensures everything combines evenly and bakes up perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal to gather everyone around the table, the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is it. Go ahead and make your weeknight dinners, gatherings, or potlucks extra special—once you try it, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home too!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 10 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli are baked in a creamy, cheesy sauce until bubbly and golden brown on top. Perfect for a cozy dinner any night of the week!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked shredded chicken
2 cups cooked rice
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble casserole: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
Add topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden topping.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.