Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole Recipe

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Cozy, cheesy, and endlessly comforting, this Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is the ultimate family dinner when you need something warm and satisfying. It wraps together tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese into one bubbling, golden-topped casserole that smells like home and tastes like a hug. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet hearty enough to feed a hungry crowd without complaints.

This recipe brings back memories of potlucks and Sunday suppers, where everyone dives in for seconds. It’s simple, classic, and made for busy lives. Using pantry staples and just one baking dish, this casserole checks every box: protein, vegetables, carbs, and cheese in every creamy bite.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is the definition of comfort food. You don’t need anything fancy or fussy to make it work, which makes it a go-to when you’re short on time but craving something homemade. It freezes beautifully, reheats even better, and can be adapted to suit picky eaters or leftover ingredients.

From weeknight dinners to meal prep for the week ahead, it’s flexible, family-approved, and deeply satisfying. You can swap out the protein, use frozen or fresh broccoli, and even make it low-carb with cauliflower rice if needed. It’s one of those recipes you’ll return to again and again.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For ease and flavor, cooked shredded or cubed chicken breast works beautifully in this dish. If you have leftover rotisserie chicken, this is a perfect place to use it. Boneless skinless chicken thighs can also add extra flavor and tenderness.

If you’re starting from scratch, you can roast, boil, or pan-fry your chicken with simple seasoning. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole. This recipe is flexible, so go with what you have on hand.

Ingredients for the Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

The beauty of this casserole lies in its simple ingredients that come together into something greater than the sum of their parts. You likely already have most of them in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed, this is your main protein and adds savory heartiness to the dish.
• Cooked rice: White rice is most common, but brown rice or even wild rice blends work great for extra texture.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, it brings color, crunch, and a healthy green boost to the creamy casserole.
• Cheddar cheese: The star ingredient. It melts into the mix and crisps up on top, giving the dish its irresistible cheesy pull.
• Cream of chicken soup: This gives the casserole its creamy base and enhances the chicken flavor.
• Milk: Helps thin out the soup for smoother mixing and baking.
• Onion: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to balance the richness.
• Garlic powder: Boosts the overall savoriness without overpowering the dish.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning everything just right.

How To Make the Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of oil.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli (if frozen, thaw it first), one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, diced onion, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Step 3: Fill the Dish

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

Step 4: Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the casserole to create that perfect golden cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 6: Let it Rest

Once baked, remove from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. This helps everything set and makes serving easier.

How to Serve and Store This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole

This casserole is a full meal on its own, thanks to the balance of protein, veggies, carbs, and creamy cheese. It feeds about 6 people generously, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. When serving, scoop generous portions straight from the baking dish and top with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if you like.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It also freezes wonderfully. Just portion it out into freezer-safe containers, label, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm in the oven or microwave until heated through.

What to Serve With Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole?

Simple Green Salad

The creamy, cheesy casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette to balance the richness.

Garlic Bread

For those who can’t resist a bread side, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any cheesy bits left behind.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet and slightly caramelized roasted carrots add a pop of color and extra nutrition.

Apples and Cucumber Slices

For a fresh contrast, serve a bowl of cold apple and cucumber slices lightly sprinkled with lemon juice.

Sauteed Green Beans

Simple sautéed green beans with olive oil and a touch of garlic work well as a no-fuss veggie side.

Tomato Basil Soup

A small bowl of warm tomato soup makes this dinner feel extra cozy and satisfying.

Pickled Beets or Red Onions

A tangy pickle element, like beets or onions, cuts the richness and wakes up the taste buds.

Fresh Fruit Cups

To end the meal light and sweet, offer small fruit cups of berries, melon, or citrus.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole made your dinner table a little cozier, here are more comfort-filled casserole recipes from Luna Meals you’ll want to try next:

• Low Carb Chicken Casserole if you’re looking for a lighter twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Amish Sunday Savior Casserole for a traditional, soul-warming weekend bake.
• Smothered Chicken and Rice when you want something ultra creamy and deeply comforting.
• Crockpot Loaded Steak and Potato Bake for a set-it-and-forget-it dish packed with hearty flavors.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine if you want a creamy pasta casserole loaded with spice and butter.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Use a different cheese blend? Maybe throw in some spicy green chiles?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too – let’s help each other create feel-good food for real life.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and cozy comfort meals on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next weeknight favorite: Luna Meals on Pinterest

Conclusion

Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole proves that simple ingredients can still deliver big comfort. It’s a dish you can count on to please even picky eaters, and the creamy, cheesy layers make every forkful satisfying. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a family, or bringing something warm to a potluck, this casserole is always a winner.

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