Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole for Busy Weeknights
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with the heartiness of chicken and rice. A comforting meal that’s easy to make and ideal for family dinners, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup uncooked white rice (or 2 cups cooked rice)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or use a healthier version)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup frozen broccoli florets (or fresh, chopped)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter.
2️⃣ Prepare the Rice: If using uncooked rice, cook the rice according to package instructions. If you’re using cooked rice, ensure it’s ready to go.
3️⃣ Blanch the Broccoli: If using frozen broccoli, steam or microwave it until just tender (about 3-4 minutes). If using fresh broccoli, chop it into small florets and steam for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
4️⃣ Make the Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
5️⃣ Assemble the Casserole: Add the blanched broccoli to the casserole mixture and stir until everything is well mixed. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6️⃣ Top with Cheese and Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you prefer a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the cheese. Drizzle melted butter over the breadcrumbs for extra flavor and crispiness.
7️⃣ Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20-25 minutes. After 20-25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8️⃣ Serve: Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and comforting meal!
Notes
- Rice Tips: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked rice or leftover rice to make this casserole even quicker!
- Broccoli Options: Fresh broccoli can be used instead of frozen. Just be sure to steam it to a tender, but not mushy, texture.
- Topping Variations: You can skip the breadcrumbs for a more classic, creamy casserole or add a sprinkle of parmesan for extra flavor.