There’s something wonderfully comforting about tucking into a hearty, bubbling dish that brings together tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and fluffy rice all bathed in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of one-pan dinner that wraps you in warmth the moment you dig in. Every forkful offers a blend of textures and flavors: the savory depth of seasoned chicken mingles with the gentle bite of green florets, while two kinds of cheese—sharp cheddar and melty mozzarella—create that irresistible stretch in every mouthful. Whether you’re looking for a fuss-free weeknight meal or a cozy lunch to satisfy a ravenous crew, this casserole checks all the boxes, delivering stick-to-your-ribs satisfaction without spending hours in the kitchen.
Beyond its rich taste, this recipe is a true beginner-friendly superstar. With just a handful of simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can have dinner on the table in about an hour—15 minutes to prep, 40 to 45 minutes to bake covered, plus another 10 to 15 minutes uncovered to achieve that golden, bubbly top, and a quick 5-minute rest to let the layers set. At roughly 350 calories per serving, it offers a balanced portion of protein, veggies, and carbs. And the best part? You can adapt it to what you have on hand—swap in brown rice for added fiber, use leftover turkey, or toss in extra veggies like carrots or peas. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food that feels homemade and indulgent, yet requires minimal effort—perfect for busy cooks craving a dish that feeds both body and soul.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BROCCOLI CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
To nail this cozy casserole, it helps to understand the role each ingredient plays. From the base proteins and grains to the seasonings and optional crunch on top, here’s why we chose each key element—so you can swap or tweak confidently and still get amazing results.
- Cooked chicken
A versatile protein that soaks up flavors from the soup and seasonings, providing tender, juicy bites throughout the casserole. Shredded or diced chicken ensures even distribution and quick reheating.
- Broccoli florets
Fresh or frozen, these green jewels add color, vitamins, and a pleasant snap. They balance the richness of the cheese sauce and pair beautifully with the chicken for a well-rounded meal.
- Uncooked rice
Acts as the hearty base that absorbs all the flavorful liquid, creating a fluffy, cohesive bed for the chicken and broccoli. You can use white or brown rice depending on your preference for texture and nutrition.
- Chicken broth
Infuses the rice with savory depth and keeps the entire dish moist. Opt for seasoned broth for an even bigger flavor boost, or make your own for a homemade touch.
- Cream of chicken soup
The secret to a velvety, creamy sauce that binds the ingredients together. Its savory profile enhances the chicken flavor and ensures each forkful is luxuriously smooth.
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Brings sharpness and rich color to the casserole, melting into pockets of gooey goodness. Half goes into the base mix and half crowns the top for extra cheesiness.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
Offers stretchy, melty appeal and mild flavor. Combined with cheddar on top, it creates a beautifully bubbly, golden crust.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried mustard
These pantry spices round out the seasoning profile. Garlic and onion powders contribute savory warmth, while dried mustard adds a subtle tang that brightens the dish.
- Salt and pepper
Essential for balancing and highlighting all the other flavors. Adjust to taste before baking to ensure the casserole isn’t bland.
- Olive oil or butter
Used for greasing the casserole dish, preventing sticking and adding a hint of richness around the edges.
- Breadcrumbs (optional)
Sprinkle on top for an extra crunchy finish. They toast up nicely under the cheese, adding texture contrast.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BROCCOLI CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
Let’s dive into the simple, step-by-step process that transforms these humble ingredients into a bubbling, golden casserole. Follow along and you’ll have dinner ready in about an hour, with minimal hands-on time and maximum flavor payoff.
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and helps develop a crisp, golden edge as it bakes.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well with a sturdy spoon or spatula until each grain of rice and floret of broccoli is coated in the creamy sauce and the ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Tasting a small spoonful before baking helps you dial in the perfect level of seasoning.
4. Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly, creating a uniform layer that will cook consistently.
5. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap steam and moisture. This step ensures the rice cooks through without drying out and the broccoli stays tender-crisp.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is fully cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid. You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully around the edges.
7. Carefully remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and all of the mozzarella cheese on top. If you’re craving a bit of crunch, add a layer of breadcrumbs now for that irresistible contrast.
8. Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and has formed golden-brown peaks. Keep an eye on it to prevent over-browning.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This short resting period helps the layers set, making it easier to slice and plate perfect squares of creamy, cheesy goodness.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BROCCOLI CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
After the aroma of melted cheese and roasted broccoli lures everyone into the kitchen, it’s time to think about presentation and accompaniments. This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with fresh or tangy sides will elevate the meal—and turn dinner into a delightful dining experience. You can serve it straight from the dish for casual family style, or plate it elegantly with garnishes for guests. Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of each serving:
- Sprinkle with fresh herbs
A handful of chopped parsley, chives, or basil adds a pop of color and a bright contrast to the rich, cheesy casserole. The herbal freshness cuts through the creaminess and makes each bite feel lighter.
- Pair with a crisp salad
Serve alongside a zesty green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or a tangy coleslaw. The acidity and crunch of raw veggies balance the soft textures and creamy flavors, creating harmony on the plate.
- Add a side of crusty bread
Warm slices of garlic bread or a crusty baguette are perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce. The toasty crunch gives textural contrast, and who can resist wiping that cheesy sauce around with a fresh slice?
- Top with a drizzle of hot sauce or salsa
For those who love a little kick, a swirl of your favorite hot sauce or a spoonful of fresh tomato salsa brings brightness and spice. It’s an easy way to customize the heat level and add complex flavor notes.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BROCCOLI CHICKEN AND RICE CASSEROLE
This casserole shines as a make-ahead meal and keeps beautifully, making your weeknight dinner prep a breeze. Whether you want to stash leftovers or prepare it entirely in advance, proper storage will preserve its creamy texture and vibrant flavors. Always allow the casserole to cool completely before covering or transferring to prevent sogginess from trapped steam.
- Refrigerator (short term)
Transfer cooled leftovers into an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with plastic wrap. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 350°F oven until heated through.
- Freezer (long term)
After baking, let the casserole cool, then portion into freezer-safe containers or wrap the whole dish in heavy-duty aluminum foil followed by plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake uncovered at 350°F until hot and bubbly.
- Make-ahead before baking
Assemble the casserole in a freezer-to-oven dish, cover with foil, and freeze without baking. When needed, bake from frozen, adding about 15–20 minutes to the covered baking time, then proceed to uncover and brown the cheese as directed.
- Proper reheating tips
To prevent drying out, add a splash of broth or a few pats of butter on top before reheating. Cover with foil and heat slowly—this minimizes the risk of overcooked rice and ensures the cheese remains gooey.
CONCLUSION
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole has all the makings of a weeknight hero: simple ingredients, beginner-friendly steps, and that dreamy combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice. From the moment you stir together the cooked chicken, soup, spices, and rice, to the final golden, cheesy finish, you’ll find this dish brings comfort and joy to any table. The entire process—from 15 minutes of prep to a total cooking time of about an hour, plus a short rest—feels effortless, yet the result is undeniably indulgent. At roughly 350 calories per serving, it strikes the perfect balance between satisfying and nourishing. And because it’s so adaptable, you can customize it to what you have on hand or tweak the seasonings to suit your taste.
Feel free to print this article or save it for later reference—having it on hand means you can jump into casserole mode anytime you need a reliable, crowd-pleasing meal. You’ll also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, reheating methods, and variations. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop your comments, questions, or feedback, and let me know if you discovered any fun twists—whether you added extra veggies, switched up the cheese blend, or found a clever way to serve it. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Description
This casserole blends tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice in a rich, cheesy sauce that bakes to golden perfection. Simple ingredients deliver a hearty, homey dish your family will love.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish with olive oil or butter.
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
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Pour the chicken and rice mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
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Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss during baking.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and has absorbed most of the liquid.
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Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese on top. If desired, add a layer of breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
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Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
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Once baked, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. It will help to set the layers and make serving easier.
Note
- For added flavor, consider using seasoned broth instead of regular chicken broth.
- You can substitute the chicken with leftover turkey or even use canned chicken.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge before baking; just add extra baking time if cooking from cold.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.