🧀 Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, creamy sauce, and lots of melted cheese baked together into a warm, satisfying family dinner.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35–40 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
- Servings: 6–8
Ingredients
Casserole
- 3 cups cooked white rice (long-grain or jasmine)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the Broccoli
- If using fresh broccoli, steam for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well.
3. Make the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Mix until smooth.
4. Combine
Add:
- Cooked rice
- Chicken
- Broccoli
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese
- Mozzarella cheese
Stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Assemble and Bake
- Spread mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
- Add cracker topping if desired.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
6. Rest and Serve
- Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with parsley or extra Parmesan.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- 🥗 Green salad
- 🥖 Garlic bread
- 🥕 Roasted carrots
- 🍲 Tomato soup
- 🥒 Fresh cucumber salad
Tips for the Best Casserole
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and flavorful.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest melt.
- Add a splash of chicken broth if the casserole seems too thick.
- For extra flavor, sauté onions and mushrooms before mixing.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months (before baking is best).
- Reheat: Warm covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
Variations
🥓 Loaded Version: Add crispy turkey bacon and extra cheddar.
🌶️ Spicy Version: Add jalapeños, pepper jack cheese, and chili flakes.
🥬 Healthier Version: Use brown rice, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and extra vegetables.
🍄 Creamy Mushroom Version: Add sautéed mushrooms and a mushroom cream sauce.
This casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with classic flavors—an easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. 🧀🍗🥦