Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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Creamy, cheesy, and topped with a golden crunch — this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the definition of cozy comfort food. It’s the perfect make-ahead dinner for busy weeknights or a simple crowd-pleaser for potlucks. With tender chunks of chicken, bright green broccoli florets, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy sauce, this dish is hearty and wholesome without being fussy.

One of the best parts? It uses simple pantry staples and minimal prep. You don’t even need to cook the rice ahead of time. Everything comes together in one dish, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking to meal prep for the week, this casserole checks all the boxes.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This recipe is flexible! You can use shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and cube chicken breasts or thighs. Leftover grilled or baked chicken also works beautifully. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.

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Ingredients for the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
• 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers for topping)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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How To Make the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a little butter.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Main Ingredients

Stir in the uncooked rice, shredded or cubed chicken, steamed broccoli florets, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until well coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 4: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.

Step 5: Add Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes (or Ritz crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Bake

Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the top is golden and bubbly. If the topping starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.

Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This helps everything set up nicely for clean scooping.

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How to Serve and Store Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This casserole is a one-dish wonder, but it also pairs nicely with a fresh green salad or a slice of crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, try serving it in individual ramekins for dinner parties or casual gatherings.

To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover the dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of rice works best for this casserole?

Long-grain white rice is ideal, as it cooks evenly and absorbs flavor well. You can also use jasmine or basmati. If you use brown rice, extend the cooking time and ensure there’s enough liquid.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to the mix to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.

Is it okay to substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery if you prefer. Homemade versions of condensed soup also work great for a cleaner option.

How do I make this casserole vegetarian?

Simply leave out the chicken and double up on the broccoli or add in other veggies like mushrooms or cauliflower.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you’re starting from cold.

What can I use instead of cornflakes for the topping?

Crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips are great alternatives for that signature crunch.

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Want More Casserole Ideas?

If you loved this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, you’re going to want to add these to your meal rotation:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a pasta-forward twist.
• Cheesy Baked Tortellini with Meat Sauce when you need something rich and satisfying.
• Easy Thai Red Curry Dumpling Soup for a warm, spiced alternative.
• Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole — it’s as decadent as it sounds.
• Chicken Crescent Roll Casserole for a buttery, flaky finish to your chicken bake.

These recipes keep dinner fresh and comforting without the stress.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s handy when the craving hits.

Tried this casserole? Let me know in the comments how it turned out! Did you swap in brown rice or try a different topping? I’d love to hear your spins and tips.

And if you’re craving more cozy casseroles and weeknight dinners, check out my daily recipe shares on Pinterest over at Life with Jam.

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