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Home » Main Dishes Recipes » Chicken Main Dishes

BROCCOLI, RICE, CHEESE, AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Updated: May 3, 2026 · Published: Jun 6, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and veggies, this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a dinner dream come true. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or craving a classic dish, this casserole delivers.

There’s nothing fancy here—just a simple mix of everyday ingredients coming together in a warm, satisfying bake. It’s the perfect all-in-one meal that’s comforting, easy to prepare, and crowd-pleasing every single time.

It’s ideal for busy weeknights or meal prep since it reheats like a charm. Use rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli, and cooked rice to make this a no-fuss recipe packed with flavour and creamy comfort.

This recipe is flexible—you can swap rice types or add your favourite spices to suit your taste. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak vegetables like broccoli into a delicious dinner. You can prepare it ahead, then bake for a warm and filling meal.

Perfect for potlucks, meal prep, or casual dinners, this casserole stores well and reheats nicely without losing flavour or texture. Whether you’re cooking for your family or feeding guests, this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and chicken casserole is sure to be a hit.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

  • Easy one-dish meal: Combines protein, vegetables, and carbs for a complete dinner with minimal prep and cleanup required.

  • Creamy cheesy goodness: The combination of cheddar cheese and cream sauce creates a rich and smooth texture everyone loves.

  • Nutritious and filling: Packed with lean chicken, vitamin-rich broccoli, and satisfying rice for a balanced and hearty meal.

  • Flexible ingredient swaps: Easily use brown rice or cauliflower rice and add herbs or spices to customize flavour and nutrition information.

  • Great make-ahead option: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a stress-free dinner solution.

  • Family-friendly comfort food: Mild flavours and cheesy textures make it perfect for kids and adults alike.

  • Leftovers reheat well: This casserole maintains moisture and flavour when reheated, making it ideal for next-day meals.

INGREDIENTS

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup additional shredded cheese for topping

DIRECTIONS

  • Step No.1: Preheat and prep
    Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.

  • Step No.2: Mix ingredients
    In a large bowl, combine chicken, rice, broccoli, soup, sour cream, cheese, and seasonings. Mix until well combined.

  • Step No.3: Transfer to dish
    Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.

  • Step No.4: Add cheese topping
    Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

  • Step No.5: Bake until bubbly
    Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and cheese is melted and bubbly.

  • Step No.6: Serve warm
    Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with a simple side salad or crusty bread.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS

  • Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken: Both work well and make this casserole a great way to use up leftover protein.

  • Steam broccoli lightly: If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam it first for tender, not mushy, texture after baking.

  • Don’t skip the rest time: Letting casserole sit a few minutes helps it set and improves flavour combination.

  • Add extra cheese for more gooeyness: Increase cheese quantity or add a cheese blend for an even cheesier experience.

  • Use low-sodium soup to control salt: Choosing low-sodium condensed soup helps you manage salt levels better in this dish.

  • Optional crunchy topping: The Ritz cracker and butter topping adds a lovely crunch and contrast to the creamy casserole.

  • Make it gluten-free diet: Use gluten-free crackers or omit topping to make this casserole gluten-free friendly.

VARIATIONS

  • Swap chicken for turkey or ham: Substitute protein with cooked turkey or ham for different flavours and texture.

  • Add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers: Boost veggie content and add more flavour with sautéed mushrooms or diced peppers.

  • Use cauliflower rice for low-carb: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this casserole.

  • Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme: Stir in chopped fresh herbs for a fragrant and fresh taste boost.

  • Mix in cream cheese for extra creaminess: Adding cream cheese to the sauce mixture makes it even richer and more velvety.

  • Use a mix of cheeses: Try mixing mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for more complex cheese flavour.

  • Top with toasted almonds or breadcrumbs: For extra texture, sprinkle toasted almonds or seasoned breadcrumbs instead of crackers.

SERVING AND STORAGE

Serving

Serve hot with a crisp green salad or steamed veggies. Garlic bread or biscuits also pair well.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

FAQ

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely. Assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cold.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, freeze before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Can I use fresh broccoli?

Yes. Steam it slightly before adding to ensure it cooks through in the oven.

How do I make it more creamy?

Add extra sour cream or a bit of milk to loosen the mixture before baking.

This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—easy, filling, and full of nostalgic flavour.

It’s flexible, family-friendly, and perfect for any day of the week.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning lunches for the week, it’s a dependable and delicious option.

BROCCOLI, RICE, CHEESE, AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE

Sana Umer
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a hearty and creamy comfort food classic. It’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and melted cheese—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 35 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 8 Serves
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
  • 2 cups cooked white rice
  • 2 cups broccoli florets steamed or blanched
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 1 cup milk
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs optional topping
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Mix the Casserole:

  • In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well coated.

Assemble:

  • Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with remaining cheese.

Add the Topping (Optional):

  • Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Bake:

  • Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with golden edges.

Serve:

  • Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

Make Ahead:
Prepare the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time if chilled.
Freezer-Friendly:
Freeze before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Variations:
Use brown rice for added fibre or swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a twist.
Keyword cheesy rice bake, chicken broccoli casserole, comfort food, easy chicken recipes






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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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