When it comes to comfort food, there’s just something about a casserole that hits the spot. Maybe it’s the way everything bakes together in a cheesy, creamy, and flavorful dish. Or maybe it’s the fact that it’s so easy to make and always satisfies the whole family. This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the perfect example of all that cozy goodness wrapped into one simple dish. With just a few basic ingredients like chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese, it’s a meal that not only tastes incredible but also comes together quickly, making it a go-to option for busy nights or family gatherings.
If you’re looking for a dish that can feed a crowd without much fuss, this casserole is your new best friend. Whether you’re using up some leftover chicken, cooking for picky eaters, or just craving something comforting, this dish will do the trick. It’s got that creamy texture, the pop of flavor from the garlic and onion powder, and of course, the unbeatable combination of cheese and broccoli. If you’re a fan of casseroles that you can prep ahead of time and just pop in the oven when you’re ready, this recipe checks all the boxes.
I know a lot of people love to make casseroles with a lot of creaminess (I mean, who doesn’t?) but also appreciate that crispy, golden topping that adds a bit of texture. That’s exactly why I included the breadcrumb option at the end – so you can customize the dish to your liking! But don’t worry, if you prefer a softer casserole, you can skip the breadcrumbs and still get that deliciously cheesy goodness.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Baking Dish
The first step might sound simple, but it’s one of the most important. Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) ensures that your casserole bakes evenly and gets that golden cheese topping we all crave. Lightly greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray will keep everything from sticking, making cleanup a breeze afterward.
I always find that greasing the dish is something I forget until I’m halfway through mixing everything, so make sure to do this early! That way, you’ll have your casserole ready to go straight into the oven when the time comes. Trust me, it’ll save you a few extra minutes when you’re excited to dig in.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base for the Casserole
Now, onto the good stuff—the creamy base that holds everything together. In a large mixing bowl, combine the can of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. The combination of these three ingredients is what gives this casserole its rich, comforting texture. Garlic powder and onion powder will help build the flavor profile, giving the casserole that savory depth without being overpowering. Add salt and pepper to taste—you want just enough seasoning to bring everything to life.
Once the soup, sour cream, and milk are well mixed, it’s time to add the cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli. If you’ve got some leftover chicken hanging around, this is the perfect way to use it up. Rotisserie chicken works like a charm here too, as it adds even more flavor to the dish. Mix it all up until it’s well combined, making sure that the chicken, rice, and broccoli are evenly distributed in the creamy sauce. And of course, don’t forget to fold in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. That melty cheese is what makes this casserole irresistible!
This step is where the casserole starts to really come together. You’ll see everything transform into a thick, creamy, cheesy mixture that’s ready to be baked into perfection. I like to take a moment and admire how great it looks before moving on to the next step—it’s just too tempting not to!
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Once your casserole mixture is ready, pour it into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly, ensuring every corner is filled. It’s important that the mixture is spread smoothly so that it bakes uniformly.
Now, for the most important part—topping it with more cheese! Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. This is where the magic happens—when that cheese melts and turns golden and bubbly, you’ll know it’s almost time to eat.
At this point, you have two choices: either stop here and let the cheese be the star, or add a little something extra with a breadcrumb topping. Both options are fantastic, but the breadcrumb topping gives it an added crunch that’s hard to resist.
Step 4: Add the Breadcrumb Topping (Optional, But So Worth It!)
Now, here’s the part where you can take your casserole to the next level. The breadcrumb topping isn’t required, but it’s such a simple way to add some texture and extra flavor to the dish. If you’re a fan of a little crunch on your casseroles, this is where it’s at.
To make the breadcrumb topping, simply toss your breadcrumbs with the melted butter until they’re evenly coated. You can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or even homemade breadcrumbs if you’ve got them on hand. The butter not only helps the breadcrumbs brown in the oven but also gives them that rich, delicious flavor. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the top of the shredded cheddar cheese, making sure to cover the entire surface.
If you’re opting for the breadcrumb topping, make sure to bake the casserole for an additional 5 minutes, just to ensure that the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. This extra step will give you that delightful golden-brown finish on top, which is truly the crowning glory of this dish. But if you’re not in the mood for a crispy topping, feel free to skip this step, and the casserole will still be creamy, cheesy, and absolutely perfect.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole to Golden Perfection
With everything assembled, it’s time to pop the casserole into the oven. Bake it in the preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and starting to brown. The key here is that the casserole should be fully heated through and the cheese should be all gooey and irresistible.
If you chose to add the breadcrumb topping, remember to let it bake for a little longer, about 5 extra minutes, to get that crispy, golden-brown topping. The result is a casserole that’s perfectly balanced with creamy goodness and a little crunch on top. Trust me, it’s the perfect combination of textures!
Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set a bit so that you can cut nice, neat portions. Plus, it gives you a moment to admire how delicious it looks before diving in.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Now comes the best part—serving and enjoying your meal! This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is perfect on its own or paired with a fresh side salad or some warm garlic bread. It’s hearty enough to be a meal on its own but versatile enough to complement whatever sides you’re in the mood for.
This casserole is truly one of those dishes that gets better with every bite. The creamy base, tender chicken, rice, and broccoli, combined with that cheesy topping (and optional crispy breadcrumb layer), make it a meal that will quickly become a family favorite. The fact that it’s so easy to make is just the cherry on top!
Whether you’re serving it for dinner on a busy weeknight or making it for a special family gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. Plus, it reheats beautifully if you happen to have leftovers. The next day, just pop it in the microwave or oven, and it’s almost as good as when it was first made!
FAQ: Your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole Questions Answered
As much as I love this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole, I know there are a few questions that tend to pop up when making it. Whether it’s about ingredient substitutions, storage tips, or baking options, I’ve got you covered with answers to the most common questions!
1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can! While using cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) is the quickest option, frozen chicken can definitely work. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly before shredding or dicing it. You could either bake it, cook it in a skillet, or even use a pressure cooker or Instant Pot to speed things up. Once the chicken is cooked, you can proceed with the rest of the recipe. Just remember, you’ll need to allow extra time for cooking the frozen chicken.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. You can assemble the entire dish (up through the step of adding the cheese topping) and then cover it with foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake it, just pop it into the oven straight from the fridge, though you may need to add a few extra minutes of baking time to ensure it heats through completely.
You can also freeze it for longer storage. After assembling it, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
3. Can I use a different kind of cheese?
While cheddar cheese is the classic choice for this casserole, you can absolutely mix it up depending on your preferences. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses would all work wonderfully. For a bit of extra flavor, you could even add a little Parmesan to the mix. Just be mindful that the texture of the casserole may vary slightly depending on the cheese you choose, but it will still be delicious!
4. What if I don’t like broccoli?
Not a fan of broccoli? No problem! You can substitute it with another vegetable. Cauliflower would be a great swap, as it has a similar texture and flavor profile. You could also try using peas, spinach, or green beans—whatever your family enjoys most. Keep in mind that different vegetables might change the overall flavor, but the casserole will still be comforting and tasty.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers are just as delicious as the fresh casserole, if not better! To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to eat it, simply reheat it in the microwave or oven. If reheating in the oven, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out. You can also freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make this casserole without the cream of chicken soup?
If you’d prefer not to use cream of chicken soup, you can substitute it with a homemade version or use a different canned soup. For a homemade cream of chicken soup, combine 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of flour, 1 cup of milk, and some chicken broth, and cook until thickened. Add seasonings to taste, and it will work wonderfully in this casserole.
7. How can I make this recipe healthier?
There are a few simple swaps you can make to lighten up this casserole without sacrificing flavor. You can use low-fat sour cream and milk instead of the full-fat versions. Opt for brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for extra fiber. For a lighter cheese option, you can try reduced-fat cheddar or mozzarella. If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can skip the breadcrumb topping or use a smaller amount.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Comfort Food Classic!
I hope this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole has found a place in your recipe rotation. It’s one of those dishes that never disappoints, whether you’re feeding a hungry family, making a meal for a special occasion, or just craving some cozy comfort food. The best part is how adaptable it is—you can tweak it to your preferences, swap ingredients, and make it your own!
Whether you choose to make it ahead of time, add your favorite veggies, or change up the cheese, this casserole will still be a hearty, satisfying meal that everyone will love. Don’t forget the breadcrumb topping for that extra crunch, but even without it, this dish is a winner.
Next time you’re looking for a quick, comforting meal that can be served up in no time, this casserole is sure to become your go-to. Don’t forget to share your own variations or any tips you have in the comments—I’d love to hear how you make this recipe your own!
BROCCOLI, RICE, CHEESE, AND CHICKEN CASSEROLE
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Description
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This casserole is baked to perfection, with a golden, melty layer of cheddar cheese on top. It’s a well-balanced meal that’s easy to make, especially with the convenience of using rotisserie chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a hearty dish to feed a crowd, this casserole is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream soup)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (if using breadcrumbs)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2️⃣ Prepare the mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. Stir in the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is well combined.
3️⃣ Assemble the casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
4️⃣ Add breadcrumb topping (optional):
If using breadcrumbs, toss them with the melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
5️⃣ Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted. If using breadcrumbs, bake for an additional 5 minutes to lightly brown the topping.
6️⃣ Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting dish with a side salad or garlic bread.
Notes
- You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like cauliflower or peas for variety.
- For a creamier texture, you can add an extra 1/4 cup of sour cream or use a bit of cream cheese.
- This casserole is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
