This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor, making it a hearty meal everyone will enjoy. The broccoli adds a nice touch of green and a bit of crunch, while the chicken and rice soak up all that delicious cheesy goodness.
I love making this casserole on busy weeknights because it’s such an easy way to get a full meal with veggies and protein all in one dish. One tip I have is to make sure the rice is cooked just right before mixing everything together, so it doesn’t get mushy after baking. Also, feel free to mix in your favorite cheese or add some garlic for an extra punch of flavor—I always like to make it a little my own.
When I serve this dish, I usually pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, and I’ve found that leftovers taste just as good the next day, which means less cooking and more time to relax. This casserole has definitely become one of my go-to recipes when I want something warm, satisfying, and easy to bake all in one pan.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I like using cooked chicken breast for its lean protein and mild flavor. Rotisserie chicken works well for convenience. You can swap it for cooked turkey or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives great texture and color. Lightly steaming it before baking keeps it tender but still crisp. Frozen broccoli can be used too; just thaw and drain excess water.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds nice tang and gooey meltiness. You can replace it with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend if you prefer a milder taste.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the creamy base. For a homemade option, mix equal parts cream and chicken broth thickened with a bit of flour. Use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Rice: I suggest using freshly cooked white rice rather than instant, as it holds up better in the casserole and won’t get mushy. Brown rice is a healthy substitute but might need a longer bake time.
How Do I Get the Perfect Creamy Texture Without a Watery Casserole?
Too much liquid can make casseroles soggy, so balance is key. Here’s how I avoid that:
- Use just enough milk to keep the mixture creamy but not runny.
- Cook rice fully and drain broccoli well to reduce extra moisture.
- Mix the creamy ingredients thoroughly with chicken and veggies to coat well.
- Bake uncovered so steam can escape, helping the casserole set instead of getting soggy.
- Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
Following these steps means your casserole will be deliciously creamy, not watery, with well-blended flavors and a comforting texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size to bake all the ingredients evenly without spilling.
- Large mixing bowl – to combine the creamy sauce, chicken, rice, and broccoli smoothly.
- Skillet or frying pan – for sautéing onion and garlic if you choose to add them.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you mix ingredients gently without breaking up chicken too much.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the creamy sauce and seasonings just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or cooked sausage to change up the protein and add more flavor.
- Use mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese for a milder, creamier melt.
- Add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies and texture.
- Mix in some red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a slight kick and smoky depth.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup milk (or as needed for creaminess)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (to sauté onion and garlic)
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Time Needed to Make This Dish
You’ll need about 10 minutes to prepare and mix your ingredients, then around 25-30 minutes to bake the casserole in the oven. Altogether, plan for roughly 40 minutes from start to finish, which makes it a great option for a cozy weeknight meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Preheat:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish or a similar oven-safe pan.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic (Optional):
If you’re using onion and garlic, heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chopped onion and minced garlic until they’re soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Set them aside to cool briefly.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce:
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and milk. Add the cooked onion and garlic if you used them. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and dried thyme or Italian seasoning if you like. Stir well.
4. Mix the Main Ingredients:
Fold in the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli gently to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce.
5. Add Cheese and Assemble:
Mix in 1½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese into the casserole filling. Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and spread it out smoothly. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese evenly on top.
6. Bake Until Bubbly:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until it’s bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.
7. Rest and Serve:
Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a bright flavor and pretty presentation. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole to prevent it from becoming watery.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Yes, brown rice works well as a healthier alternative! Just make sure the brown rice is fully cooked before assembling the casserole, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
