Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup rice (uncooked); 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Jump to Recipe· 4.6 from 12 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, hassle-free dinner that tastes like a warm hug, you’re in the right place. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those golden-brown, bubbling dishes that’s pure magic in one pot. Trust me, once you try it you’ll see why it’s become my go-to for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

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Why This Recipe Works

All-in-One Pot: Everything cooks together, cutting down on pots and cleanup, which is a lifesaver after long days.
Creamy & Cheesy Comfort: The combination of cheddar cheese and cream of chicken soup makes this casserole rich and indulgent without being complicated.
Balanced Nutrition: With protein-packed chicken, nutrient-filled broccoli, and satisfying rice, you’ve got a meal that feeds everyone happily.
Customizable & Foolproof: You can easily swap veggies or cheese types and still end up with a delicious dish every time.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, chicken broccoli rice bake, cheesy chicken casserole, easy chicken and rice dinner, hearty broccoli casserole - The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white speckled pan filled with a cheesy mixture. The dish has two main layers: at the bottom, tender pieces of light brown chicken mixed with white rice; on top, bright green broccoli florets are scattered evenly. A thick layer of melted yellow cheese covers the whole dish, with some green herbs sprinkled on top. A metal spoon lifts a portion, showing the mix of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese together. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are all about creating that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease. Each component plays a role in making the dish hearty but approachable, creamy but not heavy, fresh but indulgent.

Olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and onion, adding subtle richness without overpowering flavors.
Small onion: Adds foundational sweetness and depth; chopping it small helps it cook quickly and blend smoothly in the dish.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that cooks quickly; cutting into small cubes means each bite has tender pieces.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the natural flavors evenly.
Garlic cloves: Adds aromatic warmth – a little goes a long way in making the dish feel homey and comforting.
Rice: I recommend long grain rice like Basmati for fluffy, separate grains that soak up the flavors just right.
Cream of chicken soup: The secret to creamy texture without fuss; it blends smoothly with broth to create a luscious base.
Chicken broth: Provides savory depth, making the rice cook up flavorful, not bland.
Broccoli florets: Adds color, crunch, and loads of nutrition; steaming in the casserole keeps them bright green and tender-crisp.
Cheddar cheese: Gives that perfect gooey, cheesy finish that everyone loves.
Fresh parsley: A fresh note on top to brighten the whole dish right before serving.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love making this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe my own by switching up veggies or cheese types depending on what’s in my fridge. It’s super forgiving, so don’t be shy about customizing!

Variation: Sometimes I swap cheddar for pepper jack when I want a little kick – it adds a fun southwestern flair.
Veggie swap: Cauliflower or mushrooms blend beautifully too; I actually like throwing in chopped bell peppers for extra pop.
Dietary change: Using low-sodium broth and reduced-fat cheese still keeps the casserole creamy but lighter if that’s your goal.
Quick-cooking rice: If you’re pressed for time, quick cooking rice works fine; just keep an eye on liquid levels.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the onion and chicken to build flavor

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cubed chicken breasts. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken loses its pink color and gets a little golden brown on edges. This step is key to getting that lovely caramelized flavor. Season it well with salt and pepper, then stir in minced garlic and cook it just until fragrant — about 30 seconds. This gives the dish such a lovely aroma that sets the mood for what’s coming next.

Step 2: Add rice and creamy, savory liquids

Into the skillet, add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. Starting with 2 cups of broth works well, but keep some extra broth nearby because sometimes rice likes a little more liquid to get it perfectly tender. Stir everything together gently so the soup mixes in smoothly. This hearty, flavorful base will infuse the rice as it cooks.

Step 3: Cook the rice and adjust seasoning

Bring the skillet contents to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the rice simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Check the rice texture towards the end—you want it fully cooked but still fluffy, not mushy. Taste and tweak salt and pepper as you like, because this is where the magic fine-tuning happens.

Step 4: Add broccoli and cheese for the perfect finish

Stir in the broccoli florets and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover again and let it cook for 2 more minutes, just enough to soften the broccoli without losing that vibrant crunch. Then sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple of minutes—watch closely!—until the cheese melts and develops a gorgeous golden brown crust. This step always feels like a little celebration in my kitchen.

Step 5: Garnish and enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley to add a fresh burst of color and flavor. Then, dig in immediately while it’s melty, cheesy, and perfect!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Don’t Rush the Browning: Getting a little color on the chicken and onions adds layers of flavor that you won’t get with just boiling everything.
Broth on Standby: Keep extra chicken broth at hand to add as needed if the rice looks dry before it’s tender—it happens!
Watch the Broiler: Cheese melts fast under high heat—stay close so it doesn’t burn but gets that beautiful golden crust.
Use an Oven-Safe Skillet: It makes moving from stovetop to broiler seamless and cuts down on dishes.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with fresh parsley—something about that little pop of green makes the whole casserole feel fresher. Sometimes I like adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a mild heat or a drizzle of hot sauce if I’m craving a bit of zing.

Side Dishes

Because this casserole is so filling on its own, I usually keep it simple: a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or some roasted carrots for extra sweetness. A crusty loaf of bread also pairs perfectly for mopping up every last cheesy bite.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins and top each with a little extra cheese and parsley, making it feel like a cozy comfort meal just for one. It’s also great for potlucks — just bring it in the skillet and let everyone serve themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers? Lucky you! I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheated, it still tastes delicious, though the broccoli softens a bit more. Just make sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating for the best texture.

Freezing

Freezing this casserole works well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers. I like to freeze before broiling the top cheese layer, so when I reheat, I add the cheese fresh and broil then. It keeps the texture fresher and the cheese beautifully gooey.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you want to revive some cheese’s meltiness, pop it under the broiler just for a minute or two at the end.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! If you’re using frozen broccoli, just be sure to pat it dry well with paper towels before adding it to the casserole. This prevents extra water from making the casserole soggy and helps the broccoli hold its texture.
What type of rice is best for this casserole?

I recommend a long grain rice like Basmati. It cooks up fluffy and separate, which pairs well with the creamy sauce. Short grain or sticky rice tends to be creamier and might change the texture. Brown rice can be used but will need more cooking time and liquid.
Can I make the casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep up through the step where you add the rice and liquids, then cover tightly and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just cook as directed, adding your broccoli and cheese at the end.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free version or homemade sauce made from broth and a plant-based milk thickened with flour. Just make sure your broth is compatible with your dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s proof that comfort food can be quick, easy, and nutritious all at once. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids or treating yourself after a busy day, it delivers the kind of warmth and creamy satisfaction that just feels like home. I hope you give it a whirl—and when you do, don’t forget to savor every cheesy, broccoli-loaded bite!