You know those nights when you just need dinner to be easy, comforting, and ready fast? That’s exactly why I keep coming back to this chicken broccoli rice casserole—it’s my go-to lifesaver when the week gets crazy. I’ve made this recipe more times than I can count, tweaking it over the years until it became the creamy, cheesy perfection my family begs for. The best part? It all comes together in one dish with simple ingredients you probably already have. Trust me, this isn’t just another casserole—it’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and leaves everyone scraping their plates clean.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

Oh, where do I even start? This casserole checks all the boxes for those crazy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast. Here’s why it’s become my absolute favorite:

• One-dish wonder: Mix, bake, and serve – all in the same dish means less cleanup (hallelujah!)
• Ready in a flash: From fridge to table in under 40 minutes – perfect when hunger strikes suddenly
• Kid-approved magic: The cheesy goodness makes even broccoli-haters go back for seconds
• Endlessly adaptable: Swap ingredients based on what’s in your fridge – it’s hard to mess up
• Comfort in every bite: That creamy, cozy texture just hugs your soul after a long day

Seriously, this recipe has saved dinnertime at my house more times than I can count. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone ask “When are you making this again?” before they’ve even finished their first helping.

Ingredients for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy dish—and trust me, measuring matters for that perfect creamy texture! I’ve learned through trial and error that getting these amounts just right makes all the difference.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works beautifully here—just remove the skin first)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (I prefer day-old rice that’s slightly dry—it soaks up the sauce better)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed (steam just until bright green but still crisp—they’ll soften more in the oven)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (don’t dilute it—the can goes straight in!)
• 1/2 cup full-fat sour cream (this is what gives it that extra-rich mouthfeel)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, packed (I always hand-shred mine—the pre-shredded stuff doesn’t melt as well)
• 1/2 cup whole milk (2% works in a pinch, but whole milk makes the sauce silkier)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (my secret weapon for depth of flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (adds that savory note without onion chunks that kids might pick out)
• Salt and black pepper to taste (I do about 1/4 teaspoon salt if using low-sodium soup)

See? Nothing fancy—just real ingredients that come together to make something magical. Now let’s get cooking!

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

Okay, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together so smoothly once you’ve got everything prepped. I’ve made this enough times that I could probably do it with my eyes closed (though I don’t recommend trying that with hot pans!). Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a bubbly, golden casserole ready before you know it.

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake. While that’s heating up, shred your cooked chicken (I just use two forks on leftover rotisserie chicken – so easy!), fluff your cooked rice, and steam those broccoli florets until they’re bright green but still have a little crunch. Pro tip: I microwave the broccoli with a splash of water for about 90 seconds to save time!

Step 2: Combine the Base

Grab your biggest mixing bowl – this is where the magic starts! Dump in your shredded chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli. Give it all a good stir until everything’s evenly mixed. See how those pretty green broccoli pieces distribute throughout? That’s exactly what you want.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

Now for the creamy goodness! In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Don’t worry if it looks a bit thick at first – that’s perfect! This rich sauce will thin out beautifully as it bakes.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour that luscious sauce over your chicken-rice mixture and stir until every bite is coated. Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish and sprinkle that glorious cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Pop it in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the cheese turns golden brown in spots. Your kitchen will smell amazing!

Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

After making this casserole more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “oh-my-goodness” amazing:

• Rotisserie chicken is your friend – The pre-cooked flavor saves time and adds depth you just can’t get from plain boiled chicken
• Let it rest 5 minutes – I know it’s tempting to dig right in, but waiting lets the sauce thicken perfectly
• Crunchy topping magic – Mix 1/4 cup breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for irresistible texture
• Broil for the last minute – That extra blast of heat gives the cheese those gorgeous golden-brown spots
• Undercook the broccoli slightly – They’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay bright green instead of turning mushy

These little touches make all the difference between a decent casserole and one that disappears before you can get seconds!

Variations for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

One of my favorite things about this recipe? How easily you can switch it up! Here are some of my go-to twists when I’m feeling creative:

• Cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken for an earthier flavor (my husband’s favorite version)
• Crumbled bacon mixed in or sprinkled on top – because everything’s better with bacon, right?
• Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option (just reduce baking time by 5 minutes)
• Diced ham instead of chicken when I’ve got leftovers to use up
• Italian cheese blend when I want to fancy it up for guests

See? The possibilities are endless with this versatile dish!

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

This casserole is practically begging to be the star of your dinner table! For weeknights, I love pairing it with a simple garden salad and some garlic bread to soak up that creamy sauce. When I’m serving a crowd at potlucks, roasted carrots or green beans make perfect colorful sides. The best part? Kids and adults alike will clean their plates – it’s that kind of magic comfort food that brings everyone together.

Storage and Reheating

Here’s the beautiful thing about this casserole—it actually tastes even better the next day! Store leftovers covered in the fridge for 3-4 days. When reheating, I prefer the oven (350°F for 15-20 minutes) to keep that crispy cheese topping, but the microwave works in a pinch (just stir halfway through). The sauce will thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk when reheating brings back that creamy texture. Pro tip: Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months—perfect for those “I don’t feel like cooking” nights!

Nutritional Information

Just a quick note—nutrition can vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. For a general idea, each serving clocks in around 320 calories with 22g protein and 25g carbs. Not too shabby for such a comforting dish! Of course, if you’re watching certain nutrients, tweak the cheese or sour cream amounts to fit your needs.

FAQs About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely! I do this all the time when fresh broccoli isn’t available. Just thaw and drain it really well—I’ll even pat it dry with paper towels to prevent extra moisture making the casserole soggy. No need to cook it first since it’ll soften perfectly while baking.

How can I make this gluten-free?
Easy peasy! Swap the cream of chicken soup for a gluten-free version (Pacific Foods makes a great one) and double-check your other ingredients. I’ve used gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping too—works like a charm!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You bet! Assemble everything (minus the cheese topping), cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add the cheese and pop it in the oven—just add 5-10 extra minutes since it’s going in cold. The flavors actually get better as they mingle!

What’s the best rice to use?
I swear by long-grain white rice—it holds its texture beautifully. Brown rice works too, but you’ll need to adjust baking time since it’s denser. Avoid instant rice—it turns mushy in the oven. Pro tip: Day-old rice works best because it absorbs the sauce without getting gluey.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—my foolproof recipe for the coziest, cheesiest chicken broccoli rice casserole that always saves my weeknights. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out for you! I promise, once you taste that first creamy, comforting bite, this will become your new go-to just like it did for me. Happy cooking!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in 40 Minutes Flat

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• Author: Christina R. Jones
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Lactose

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Description

An easy and comforting chicken broccoli rice casserole that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix chicken, rice, and broccoli.
3. In another bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
4. Pour the sauce over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
5. Transfer to a greased baking dish and top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup if preferred.
• Add breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: chicken broccoli rice casserole, easy casserole recipe, one-pan dinner