Looking for a cozy, filling dinner that comes together in one dish? This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is your new weeknight hero. It’s everything you want in a home-cooked meal—savory shredded chicken, perfectly tender rice, gooey melted cheddar cheese, and nutritious broccoli—all baked together to golden, bubbly perfection.
Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding a hungry family, or just craving comfort food made easy, this casserole delivers in both flavor and convenience.
🥦 Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
✔️ One-pan simplicity – fewer dishes, less cleanup
✔️ Family-friendly – picky eaters love it
✔️ Freezer-friendly – great for make-ahead meals
✔️ Balanced – protein, veggies, and carbs in every bite
✔️ Customizable – easy to tweak with your favorite mix-ins
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- Broccoli cheddar chicken and rice casserole
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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
- Cooked chicken – shredded or cubed (great for rotisserie leftovers!)
- Uncooked rice – long grain white rice or brown rice
- Chicken broth – for flavor and moisture
- Cheddar cheese – sharp cheddar gives the best cheesy flavor
- Broccoli – fresh or frozen florets work well
- Milk – for creaminess
- Garlic + onion powder – to boost the savory flavor
- Optional: sour cream or cream of chicken soup for a richer texture
👩🍳 Tips for Success
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw first and squeeze out excess moisture
- Want it creamier? Stir in a little cream cheese or sour cream before baking
- Add crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy finish
- Brown rice works, but you’ll need to increase baking time and liquid slightly
📖 Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 6
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup sour cream or 1 can cream of chicken soup
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix together uncooked rice, chicken broth, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the chicken and broccoli.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Cover tightly with foil.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the rice is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.
- Remove foil, sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top, and return to oven uncovered for another 5–10 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
🥄 Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Let cool completely and freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in microwave or oven.
This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is the cozy dinner you’ll turn to again and again. Easy, hearty, and made with pantry staples—what’s not to love?