Name: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked white rice; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 2 cups small broccoli florets; 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5 ounces; 1 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk or chicken broth; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon butter softened for greasing the dish or use cooking spray

Picture this: tender bites of chicken, cozy spoonfuls of creamy rice, and bright pops of broccoli all tucked under a bubbling blanket of melted cheddar. This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of weeknight dinner that makes everyone at the table lean in a little closer.

It’s simple, hearty, and loaded with familiar flavors, so even picky eaters usually clean their plates. You can use leftover chicken and cooked rice, mix everything in one bowl, and slide it into the oven while you unwind. By the time the cheese is golden and bubbly, dinner is ready and the house smells amazing.

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

This casserole checks all the boxes for a busy night: it’s easy to prep, uses everyday ingredients, and bakes up into a full meal in one pan. You get protein from the chicken, comforting carbs from the rice, and a good helping of green veg thanks to the broccoli.

It’s also incredibly flexible. Swap in rotisserie chicken, use brown rice if you prefer, or adjust the cheese to your taste. Leftovers reheat beautifully, so it’s perfect for meal prep or packing lunches for the next day.

What Kind of Chicken and Rice Work Best?

Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thigh meat both work well here, as long as they’re cooked and shredded or chopped before you mix the casserole. This is a great way to use up leftover roast chicken or a store‑bought rotisserie.

For the rice, cooked long‑grain white rice gives you that classic, fluffy texture, but you can use jasmine, basmati, or even cooked brown rice for extra fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor. The key is starting with fully cooked rice so the casserole bakes evenly and stays creamy instead of soggy.

Ingredients for the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Before you start, it helps to know what each ingredient brings to the dish so you can tweak things to your taste if needed.

Cooked white rice – Forms the cozy, starchy base that soaks up all the creamy sauce and cheesy goodness.
Cooked shredded chicken – Adds lean protein and makes the casserole hearty enough to be a full dinner on its own.
Broccoli florets – Bring color, texture, and a boost of veggies that balance the richness of the sauce and cheese.
Condensed cream of chicken soup – Provides a thick, savory base for the sauce with very little effort.
Sour cream – Adds tang and creaminess so the casserole stays moist and never dry.
Milk or chicken broth – Loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency so it can coat the rice and chicken.
Sharp cheddar cheese – Melts into the casserole for big cheesy flavor and creates that irresistible golden topping.
Kosher salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that wake up all the flavors.
Garlic powder and onion powder – Add savory depth without needing to sauté fresh garlic or onions.
Paprika – Gives a gentle warmth and a pretty color to the top of the casserole.
Butter or cooking spray – Used to grease the baking dish so nothing sticks and the edges get a little extra richness.

How To Make the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

This casserole comes together in just a few simple steps: mix the sauce, fold in the rice, chicken, and broccoli, then top with cheese and bake until bubbly.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13‑inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray so the casserole doesn’t stick and the sides get nicely browned.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk or chicken broth until smooth. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This seasoned mixture is what keeps the casserole creamy and flavorful from edge to edge.

Step 3: Fold in the Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli

Add the cooked white rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli florets to the bowl. Gently fold everything together so the sauce coats every grain of rice and piece of chicken and broccoli. Take your time here—an even mix means every scoop will taste just as good as the last.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir about three‑quarters of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture so it melts throughout the casserole as it bakes. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar over the top for that classic cheesy crust.

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot all the way through and the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden around the edges.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. This short cooling time helps the sauce thicken slightly so each portion scoops out neatly while still staying creamy.

Serving and Storing Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

A 9×13‑inch pan of this casserole comfortably feeds about 6 people as a main dish, especially if you add a simple side salad or bread. It’s a great option for family dinners, casual company, or bringing to a potluck.

Leftovers store well, which makes this recipe ideal for cooking once and eating twice. Let the casserole cool completely, then cover the dish tightly or transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.

To reheat, warm individual servings in the microwave until steaming, or cover the dish with foil and bake at 325°F until heated through. If the casserole seems a little thick after chilling, you can stir in a splash of milk or broth before reheating to loosen it up.

What to Serve With Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole

Simple Green Salad

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and crunch that balances the creamy casserole.

Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls

Warm, buttery bread is perfect for scooping up every last bit of cheesy rice from your plate.

Roasted Carrots

Sweet, oven‑roasted carrots bring a touch of natural sweetness and extra veg to the meal.

Steamed Green Beans

If you’d like another green side, simply seasoned green beans pair nicely without stealing the spotlight.

Cucumber and Tomato Salad

A quick cucumber and tomato salad with a little red onion and olive oil keeps the meal light and colorful.

Fruit Salad

A bowl of mixed fresh fruit makes a refreshing, no‑fuss finish to this cozy dinner.

Want More Casserole Ideas?

If this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a hit at your table, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites from Nora Nosh:

Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole – A creamy, oven‑baked classic with tender chicken and nutty wild rice that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
https://noranosh.com/chicken-and-wild-rice-casserole/
Crazy Good Chicken Pasta Casserole – Packed with pasta, chicken, and plenty of cheese for the ultimate crowd‑pleasing bake.
https://noranosh.com/crazy-good-chicken-pasta-casserole/
Cowboy Casserole – A hearty, stick‑to‑your‑ribs dish layered with beef, potatoes, and cheese for serious comfort food vibes.
https://noranosh.com/cowboy-casserole/
Doritos Chicken Casserole – Crunchy, cheesy, and fun—this one is a family‑friendly twist on classic chicken casserole.
https://noranosh.com/doritos-chicken-casserole/
Cheesy Zucchini Casserole – A great way to use up extra zucchini while still getting that bubbly, cheesy top everyone loves.
https://noranosh.com/cheesy-zucchini-casserole-a-comforting-delight/

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time you’re craving an easy, cozy bake.

When you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Did you use brown rice or white? Extra broccoli? Maybe a different cheese on top?

Share your tweaks and questions in the comments so we can swap ideas and help each other cook smarter, not harder.

For even more comforting casseroles, quick dinners, and weeknight food ideas, explore my daily recipe pins over on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/noranoshrecipes/