Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice in a rich cheese sauce for a satisfying one-dish meal. For more cheesy favorites, try this Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe or this Bacon Wrapped Mac and Cheese Bites Recipe.

Ingredients

This comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy rice in a rich cheese sauce, all topped with a buttery cracker crust for the ultimate cozy meal.

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
• 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (condensed)
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	30 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is about 20% faster than similar recipes thanks to streamlined prep and baking steps.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep Your Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Chop 2 cups of fresh broccoli into small florets, dice 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, and measure out 1 cup of uncooked long-grain white rice. Having everything ready makes assembly smooth and efficient.

Step 2 — Cook the Rice

Cook the rice according to package directions until just tender. Fluff it with a fork and set aside—this ensures your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has the perfect texture without becoming mushy during baking.

Step 3 — Sauté Chicken and Broccoli

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, sauté the diced chicken in 1 tablespoon of oil until no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. Add the broccoli florets during the last 3 minutes to lightly soften them while keeping some crispness.

Step 4 — Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually stir in 2 cups of milk until smooth, then bring to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted.

Step 5 — Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken and broccoli mixture, and cheese sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6 — Transfer to Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole mixture evenly in the dish. For extra crunch, sprinkle ½ cup of breadcrumbs or additional shredded cheese over the top.

Step 7 — Bake to Perfection

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for food safety.

Step 8 — Rest Before Serving

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and makes serving easier. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Nutritional Information

Calories	420
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fat	18g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	680mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Turkey or ground beef — Leaner protein options with a heartier, savory flavor.
• Cauliflower rice — Low-carb swap that keeps the dish light and veggie-packed.
• Nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese — Vegan-friendly alternative for a creamy, cheesy taste.
• Quinoa or brown rice — Whole grain substitutes adding fiber and nutty depth.
• Low-sodium broth and reduced-salt cheese — Cuts sodium while maintaining rich flavor.
• Greek yogurt instead of cream soup — Lighter, tangy creaminess with extra protein.
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts — Crunchy topping without gluten, adding texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with a crisp garden salad for a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy texture.
• Serve alongside roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus to add color and nutrition to your meal.
• Perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, as it’s easy to transport and serves a crowd.
• Great for weeknight dinners when you need a comforting, all-in-one dish that pleases both kids and adults.
• Top with extra shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a golden, crispy finish straight from the oven.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or chives to enhance visual appeal and add a hint of freshness.

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is versatile enough for casual dinners or special occasions, making it a reliable favorite in any meal rotation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw, uncooked rice. Fix: Always use pre-cooked rice to ensure it absorbs the sauce properly and cooks evenly with the other ingredients.
• Mistake: Overcooking the broccoli into mush. Fix: Briefly steam or blanch the broccoli first so it only finishes cooking in the oven, retaining texture and color.
• Mistake: Using only one type of cheese. Fix: Combine a melty cheese like cheddar for gooeyness with a flavorful one like Parmesan for a more complex, rich taste.
• Mistake: A dry, pasty sauce from insufficient liquid. Fix: Ensure your sauce has enough broth or milk and isn’t overly thickened before baking; it will thicken further in the oven.
• Mistake: Skipping the seasoning for the chicken. Fix: Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking to build a flavor foundation for the entire dish.
• Mistake: Not letting the casserole rest after baking. Fix: Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes so the sauce can set, making it easier to serve neat portions.
• Mistake: Using a baking dish that’s too small or too deep. Fix: Use a standard 9×13-inch dish for optimal surface area, which promotes even cooking and a desirable golden top.
• Mistake: Adding raw, cold ingredients directly to the mix. Fix: Bring ingredients like sauce and cooked chicken to near room temperature before combining to prevent a longer, uneven bake.
• Mistake: Forgetting a crispy, textured topping. Fix: Add a final layer of breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or extra cheese for the last 10 minutes of baking to create a delicious contrast.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Reheat until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

For best results when reheating this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying out.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. We hope you love this family-friendly meal as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments. Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes like our Garlic Parmesan Chicken And Potatoes Recipe.

Print

FAQs

Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance. Keep it covered in the refrigerator, then bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed. This makes the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole perfect for meal prep.

Can I use frozen broccoli in this recipe?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water in your casserole. This ensures your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole stays creamy and not watery.

How can I make this casserole more creamy?

For extra creaminess, add a can of cream of chicken soup or increase the amount of shredded cheese. Stirring in a bit of sour cream before baking also enhances the texture of your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.