Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

Looking for an easy, hearty meal that the whole family will love? Say hello to the ultimate comfort food: Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole. This all-in-one dish is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — plus it’s a fantastic way to use leftover chicken or rice. It’s the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes: kid-friendly, freezer-friendly, and satisfying enough for a complete dinner.

This casserole has stood the test of time for good reason. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or even meal prep. With tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and melty cheese in every bite, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Casserole

🍗 Hearty and filling — loaded with chicken, rice, and veggies
🧀 Super cheesy and creamy without being heavy
🌿 Versatile — easy to customize with pantry staples
🥘 One dish dinner — fewer dishes, more flavor
❄️ Great for freezing and reheating

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Ingredients

This recipe yields 6–8 servings and fits perfectly in a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2–3 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/broccoli)
• ¾ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup mayonnaise (adds creaminess — optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter for toasting the topping

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How to Make Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

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Step 1: Preheat and Prep

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C)
• Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish

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Step 2: Cook Rice and Broccoli

• If not already done, cook your rice (white, brown, or jasmine all work well)
• Steam or blanch broccoli for 3–4 minutes until just tender (don’t overcook)

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Step 3: Mix the Filling

In a large bowl, combine:

• Chicken
• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream (or yogurt)
• Mayonnaise (if using)
• 1½ cups cheddar cheese
• Seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper

Mix until well combined.

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Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish
• Smooth the top with a spatula
• Sprinkle remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top
• Optional: Combine crushed crackers or panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crunchy topping

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Step 5: Bake

• Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly
• If using a breadcrumb topping, broil the last 2–3 minutes to get it golden and crisp

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Step 6: Rest and Serve

• Let the casserole sit for 5–10 minutes to firm up before serving
• Garnish with chopped parsley or a dash of paprika for color

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Tips for Best Results

✅ Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep
✅ Don’t overcook the broccoli — keep it vibrant and slightly crisp
✅ Mix cheeses: try adding Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a creamy melt
✅ Add a splash of milk if your mixture seems too thick
✅ Let the casserole rest so it slices cleanly and doesn’t fall apart

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Make It Your Own

🌶️ Spicy kick – Add diced green chiles, jalapeños, or cayenne pepper
🥓 Bacon lovers – Stir in cooked crumbled bacon or pancetta
🌽 Add veggies – Mix in peas, corn, mushrooms, or sautéed onions
🌾 Whole grain option – Use brown rice or quinoa instead of white rice
🥛 Creamier version – Stir in ½ cup milk or cream cheese to the filling

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What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Although this dish is a meal in itself, you can pair it with:

🥗 Side salad – like Caesar, spinach, or a simple vinaigrette salad
🍞 Dinner rolls or garlic bread
🥕 Roasted carrots, green beans, or asparagus
🍷 A glass of chardonnay or a sparkling citrus drink

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Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

🧊 Refrigerator:

• Store leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warm

🥶 Freezer:

• Assemble casserole and freeze before baking
• Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months
• To cook from frozen: thaw overnight in fridge, then bake as directed
• Or bake directly from frozen at 350°F for 45–50 minutes

🕒 Make Ahead:

• Mix the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

Nutrition may vary based on ingredients and brands used.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes! Just thaw and drain it well before mixing. No need to pre-cook.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Absolutely — just use a gluten-free cream soup and skip or substitute the topping.

Can I use uncooked rice?

No — the rice must be fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.

Can I make this without canned soup?

Yes! Replace it with a homemade sauce made from butter, flour, broth, and milk (a basic roux). I can give you a homemade version if you’d like!

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Why This Recipe Works

✅ Balanced flavors of savory chicken, creamy cheese, and tender broccoli
✅ Great use of leftovers and pantry staples
✅ Easily customizable for dietary preferences
✅ Feeds a crowd, freezes well, and reheats beautifully
✅ Classic comfort food that everyone loves

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Final Thoughts: A Casserole You’ll Make Again and Again

Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly meal. It’s a classic for good reason — comforting, satisfying, and simple to make. With its creamy filling, cheesy top, and nourishing ingredients, it’s bound to become one of your go-to recipes for busy nights, potlucks, or any time you need a little cozy on your plate.

It’s not just dinner — it’s comfort in a casserole dish.

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