Easy & Delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
When the craving for warm, hearty, and utterly satisfying comfort food strikes, look no further than this incredibly easy **Chicken and Rice Casserole** with the delightful addition of broccoli. This recipe is designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it a perfect contender for your regular dinner rotation. With just 8 straightforward ingredients and a mere 40 minutes of your time, you can have a truly delicious and wholesome meal ready to grace your table.
Why This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
There’s a reason why some form of chicken and rice casserole holds a cherished spot in countless kitchens across America. This dish isn’t just food; it’s a hug in a baking dish, a nostalgic taste of home that consistently delivers. Our version elevates this classic by adding vibrant, nutritious broccoli, making it even more wholesome and delicious.
Here’s why this **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole** truly stands out:
- Unbeatable Comfort: The creamy sauce, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and cheesy goodness blend together to create an undeniably comforting experience. It’s the perfect meal to warm you up on a chilly evening or simply satisfy a craving for something deeply nourishing.
- Incredibly Easy: With only 8 ingredients, the preparation is surprisingly simple. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing you to focus on other tasks while your oven does the work. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when time is of the essence.
- Quick to Prepare: From start to finish, you’re looking at about 40 minutes to get this dinner on the table. A quick prep time means more quality time with family and less stress in the kitchen.
- Feeds a Crowd: This generous recipe easily serves 8 people, making it more than enough for a family of 6, with delicious leftovers to spare. If you’re hosting a gathering, this casserole is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that won’t leave anyone hungry.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: For ultimate convenience, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time. Simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready to bake, making meal planning a breeze.
- Nutritionally Balanced: By incorporating broccoli, we add essential vitamins and fiber, turning a simple comfort meal into a more complete and balanced dinner.
This recipe transforms readily available ingredients into a flavorful, satisfying meal that everyone will love. It’s hearty enough to be a standalone main course, yet versatile enough to pair with a simple side salad.
RELATED: You might also enjoy our speedy Instant Pot Chicken and Rice recipe for another quick and easy meal!
Key Ingredients for Your Delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
One of the best features of this **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole** is its reliance on readily available, simple ingredients. You likely have most of these staples in your pantry and fridge already! Below, we’ll go into a bit more detail on each component. For precise measurements and the full recipe, please refer to the printable recipe card at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Easy Substitutions
Understanding each ingredient’s role and knowing your substitution options can make this **Chicken and Rice Casserole** even more adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- RICE: We recommend using **long-grain white rice**. Once cooked, it maintains a distinct texture that holds up well in a casserole without becoming overly sticky or mushy. While convenient, “Minute Rice” or instant rice varieties tend to have a stickier consistency and generally offer fewer nutrients compared to long-grain options. If you prefer to use brown rice for a healthier, nuttier flavor, ensure it is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole, as it requires a longer cooking time than white rice.
- CHICKEN: For ultimate ease, a pre-cooked **rotisserie chicken** is a fantastic choice, allowing you to skip a cooking step entirely. Simply dice or shred the meat. However, any leftover cooked chicken will work perfectly, whether it’s baked, grilled, or boiled chicken breasts or thighs. If starting from scratch, you can quickly cook a few chicken breasts, then dice them. This recipe is designed to be flexible with your chicken source.
- BROCCOLI: Both **frozen or fresh broccoli florets** are suitable for this casserole. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw it beforehand; simply add it directly to the mix. For fresh broccoli, ensure you cut it into bite-sized pieces, especially if you have children or family members who prefer smaller florets. This also helps it integrate better into the casserole. Other vegetables like peas, corn, or diced carrots can also be added for variety.
- SOUP: Our recipe calls for **cream of mushroom soup** to add a rich, savory depth and creamy texture. This classic ingredient is a staple in many casseroles for a reason! If you’re not a fan of mushrooms or prefer a different flavor profile, you can easily swap it for **cream of chicken soup** or even cream of celery soup. For those who prefer to avoid canned soups, a homemade béchamel sauce or a dairy-free cream soup alternative can also be used, though it will add to the prep time.
- SOUR CREAM: This ingredient adds a pleasant tang and extra creaminess to the sauce, balancing the richness of the soup and cheese. Full-fat sour cream provides the best texture and flavor, but a light sour cream can be used. For a richer, tangier alternative, you could also use cream cheese, softened and mixed in well.
- SHREDDED CHEDDAR CHEESE: We recommend **sharp cheddar cheese** for its robust flavor, which stands out beautifully in the casserole. Using freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties, which often contain anti-caking agents. Feel free to experiment with other good melting cheeses like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder taste.
- CRUSHED CORN FLAKES: This is the secret to the wonderfully **crunchy topping** that adds a delightful textural contrast to the soft, creamy casserole. The corn flakes crisp up beautifully in the oven, providing a golden, buttery crust.
- MELTED BUTTER: Drizzled over the corn flakes, the melted butter helps them turn golden brown and extra crispy, infusing the topping with a rich flavor.
How to Make the Perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
These step-by-step photos and detailed instructions are here to guide you through making this delicious casserole. For a simple printable version of the recipe, please scroll down to the bottom of this post!
- Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your casserole goes in. Next, generously grease a 13×9 inch baking dish. Greasing prevents sticking and makes for easier serving and cleanup.
- Combine the Hearty Base: In your prepared baking dish, it’s time to assemble the main components of your casserole. Add the diced or shredded chicken, the cooked long-grain rice, your broccoli florets (fresh or frozen), the condensed cream of mushroom soup, the sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Use a large spoon or spatula to stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and evenly distributed. This ensures every bite of your casserole is packed with flavor.
- Add the Top Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken and rice mixture. This layer of cheese will melt into a golden, gooey blanket during baking, adding another dimension of cheesy goodness.
- Create the Crispy Topping: Now for the star of the show – the crunchy topping! Evenly spread the crushed Corn Flakes over the cheese layer. Then, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the Corn Flakes. This buttery coating is what will help the cereal crisp up beautifully and turn golden brown, providing that irresistible crunch.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges, and the cheese has melted into a gooey, irresistible layer, with the Corn Flake topping beautifully golden brown and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Your Casserole
Here are some common questions and expert advice to help you master this **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole** and make it a regular in your meal planning.
Absolutely! This casserole is fantastic for meal prepping. To make it ahead, assemble the entire casserole as directed in the instructions, but do not add the crushed Corn Flake and butter topping yet. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to bake, remove the casserole from the fridge about 30 minutes prior to baking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Then, add the topping and bake as usual. You might need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s still very cold.
Cooled leftovers of this **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole** should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 3-4 days. To reheat, you can place individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if needed to help loosen up the sauce and prevent it from drying out. For larger portions or the entire casserole, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, usually about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent the topping from over-browning.
Yes, this casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole according to the recipe, but again, do not add the crunchy topping. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil (you can use two layers for extra protection) and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator. Bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes, then add the topping and bake as directed. If baking from frozen, it will take significantly longer (approx. 60-90 minutes, covered, then uncovered for the last 15-20 minutes to crisp the topping).
Expert Tips for the Best Casserole:
- Perfectly Cooked Rice: Ensure your rice is cooked to al dente (slightly firm) before adding it to the casserole. Overcooked, mushy rice will only get softer in the oven.
- Seasoning is Key: While the condensed soup provides a lot of flavor, don’t be afraid to add a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of black pepper to the mixture for an extra flavor boost, especially if using plain cooked chicken.
- Even Distribution: Take your time to thoroughly mix all the ingredients in the baking dish. This ensures every serving gets a balanced amount of chicken, rice, broccoli, and creamy sauce.
- Customize Your Crunch: While Corn Flakes are a classic for this casserole, other great topping options include crushed Ritz crackers, Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, or even crispy fried onions for an extra layer of savory flavor.
- Kid-Friendly Broccoli: If you have picky eaters, finely chop the broccoli florets into very small pieces so they blend seamlessly into the casserole.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
This **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole** is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, offering protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, you can easily enhance your dinner spread with a few simple additions. The delightful crunchy topping, achieved with crushed Corn Flakes and melted butter, is always a fan favorite in my household, adding a perfect textural contrast to the creamy interior. As mentioned earlier, feel free to experiment with other topping ideas like crushed Ritz crackers or even potato chips for a different kind of crunch.
To round out your meal, consider serving this casserole with:
- A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to add freshness and a crisp element.
- Warm, crusty dinner rolls or garlic bread, perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
- Steamed green beans or asparagus for additional green vegetables, if you desire.
- A dollop of extra sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives on top for garnish and added flavor.
Whether served simply or with complementary sides, this casserole promises a satisfying and delicious dining experience for everyone at your table.
Explore More Delicious Casserole Recipes
Casseroles are truly the unsung heroes of weeknight dinners and potlucks. They’re often easy to assemble, feed a crowd, and provide comforting flavors. If you love this **Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole**, you’ll surely enjoy exploring some of our other cherished casserole recipes. Each offers its unique twist on this beloved meal format:
- Mexican Chicken Casserole – A zesty, flavorful take with south-of-the-border flair.
- 7 Layer Casserole – A classic, hearty dish with layers of deliciousness.
- Broccoli Casserole – A delightful side dish or vegetarian main that heroes fresh broccoli.
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole – Indulgently creamy and cheesy, truly living up to its name.
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole – All the flavors of enchiladas without the fuss of rolling.
- Chicken Chow Mein Casserole – An unexpected and delicious fusion of comfort food.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken or cooked chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain white rice (2 cups cooked)
- 12 ounces bag frozen broccoli florets thawed (or 2 cups fresh broccoli florets)
- 10.5 ounces can cream of mushroom soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 1 cup crushed Corn Flakes
- 2 Tablespoons butter melted
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
Before You Begin
- We use a rotisserie chicken for this meal, but you can use any leftover chicken or cook up some chicken breasts fresh for this dinner.
- Frozen or fresh broccoli work for this recipe. We do suggest cutting the broccoli into bite sized pieces if you have children or other family members that may have trouble eating the larger florets.
- Use long-grain rice as directed in the recipe. Minute Rice tends to be stickier and has far less nutrients than long grain.
- We use cream of mushroom soup for additional flavor, but you can swap it with cream of chicken if desired.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°.
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In a greased 13×9 baking dish, stir together diced chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, condensed soup, sour cream, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.2 cups diced rotisserie chicken, 1 cup long grain white rice, 12 ounces bag frozen broccoli florets, 10.5 ounces can cream of mushroom soup, 1/2 cup sour cream
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Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese.
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Top with crushed Corn Flakes and drizzle with melted butter.1 cup crushed Corn Flakes, 2 Tablespoons butter
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Bake until bubbly and the cheese is melted. 30-35 minutes.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat in a 350F oven until warmed through, or reheat single servings in the microwave. Optionally add a splash of water if needed to help loosen up the sauce.
- Make Ahead – to make this dinner ahead, assemble the entire thing except for the topping. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Take it out of the fridge 30 minutes before baking. Add the topping and bake.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.