Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re looking for a comforting, fuss-free dish that comes together with minimal effort but tons of flavor, then I’ve got something you’re going to adore. This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. I absolutely love how it combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli all baked in one dish—it’s like a warm hug on a plate. And bonus: it’s a dump-and-bake recipe, so you’ll find it’s perfect for when you want a hearty meal without standing over the stove.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is in the balance—creamy soup, hearty broth, fresh-ish broccoli, and tender chicken all come together perfectly. Most of these ingredients you can keep in your pantry or freezer for quick meals anytime. Plus, choosing quality basics sets you up for success.

• Condensed cream of chicken soup: This adds creamy richness—don’t skip it, you can’t replicate this texture easily with fresh cream alone.
• Chicken broth, water, or milk: I usually go with chicken broth for extra flavor, but water works if you want to keep it simple.
• Uncooked long grain white rice: Only use long grain white rice for the right fluffy texture—you won’t want sticky or mushy casserole here.
• Uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier if you prefer dark meat, but breasts work great too.
• Frozen baby broccoli florets: Frozen broccoli is a dream here—cuts prep time and holds up well when baked.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: The melty, savory topping that pulls everything together—go sharp for bold flavor.
• Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Basic seasoning to elevate all the flavors, don’t skip or skimp!
• Optional herbs and seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, parsley, oregano—these add extra layers of flavor; use what you love.
• Optional garnish: Fresh chopped parsley or thyme brighten the dish with a touch of color and fresh flavor at serving.

Variations

I love that this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe invites you to make it your own. Over time, I’ve played with swapping ingredients and timing to suit my mood and what’s in the fridge. Don’t be shy about adding your personal twist—you’ll find it’s incredibly forgiving.

• Using cooked chicken: When I’m short on time, I toss in leftover roasted or shredded chicken, reducing baking time and still getting all the comfort.
• Fresh broccoli instead of frozen: I’ve used fresh chopped small; just be mindful of moisture and cook a bit longer if needed.
• Dairy-free option: You can swap heavy cream soup with a dairy-free cream soup and use a vegan cheese to keep it allergy-friendly.
• Adding mushrooms or bell peppers: For a veggie boost, toss these in frozen or fresh—adds great depth.

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Everything and Layer It In

First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Then, whisk together the can of condensed cream of chicken soup and your choice of chicken broth or water directly in the dish. This simple base sets the creamy, flavorful foundation.

Step 2: Add Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli

Now, stir in the uncooked rice, diced raw chicken, and the frozen broccoli florets. Season with about ½ teaspoon kosher salt and a pinch of black pepper. This is where I like to add my favorite spices—garlic powder and onion powder are my go-to, but feel free to toss in any dried herbs you love. Make sure to mix everything thoroughly so every bite has a bit of everything.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Seal the dish tightly with foil—that’s key to keeping the moisture in so the rice cooks perfectly without drying out. Pop it in the oven for 55-60 minutes. After about an hour, check the rice with a fork—it should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed. If the rice is still a little firm, just cover it back up and bake for 5-10 minutes more, but be careful not to overcook or it’ll get mushy.

Step 4: Cheese and Final Bake

Once the rice and chicken are cooked through, sprinkle the grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Return the casserole to the oven unfoiled for just a few minutes, until the cheese melts beautifully. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly and inviting, with golden cheese on top.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top if you have it handy—it adds a lovely fresh contrast to the creamy richness. Serve it hot straight from the oven for that cozy dinner feel everyone will appreciate.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme—the freshness really cuts through the richness and adds a lovely color pop. Sometimes I’ll add a little extra sharp cheddar on top just before serving if we’re in a serious cheese mood.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is satisfying all on its own, I usually keep sides simple: a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted carrots. If you want a heartier meal, garlic bread on the side is always a family-pleaser. I’ve even paired it with simple steamed green beans for added crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I like to serve this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese and a sprig of thyme. It makes the meal feel a bit more festive and special, plus guests love having their own portion. Adding a colorful side of roasted cherry tomatoes also elevates the presentation beautifully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Yes, please! I store any remaining casserole in an airtight container in the fridge, and it stays delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it a perfect next-day lunch or dinner. Just be sure to cool it before putting it in the fridge to keep that creamy texture.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well if you want to prep ahead. I freeze it before baking with everything mixed (but without the cheese). When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese on top, and bake as usual, adding a few minutes as needed. I’ve found this method keeps the casserole tasting just as fresh!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered loosely with foil until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. This helps avoid drying it out. Honestly, reheating in the microwave works fine too, but the casserole is best when reheated gently in the oven to keep the texture just right.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, I was amazed at how simple it was to get such a flavorful, filling dinner with minimal effort. Now it’s one of my go-to weeknight winners that I always recommend to friends who want to feed their family well without hours in the kitchen. Give it a try—you’ll love how cozy, creamy, and downright satisfying this casserole feels. And trust me, once you make it a few times, you’ll find your own favorite tweaks that make it uniquely yours.

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