When it comes to simple, comforting meals that the whole family will love, it’s hard to beat a good casserole. This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole checks all the boxes—it’s hearty, cheesy, packed with flavor, and comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this casserole will quickly become a go-to recipe in your kitchen.

I first made this casserole when I needed something quick and filling that could use up leftover chicken and some broccoli I had on hand. Little did I know it would turn into a family favorite! With its creamy, cheesy base, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli, it’s a meal that feels cozy and satisfying every time. Plus, that buttery cracker topping adds the perfect crunch to every bite.

Let’s get started with the ingredients and first few steps to create this delicious, no-fuss dinner!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

STEP 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or butter. This step ensures your casserole doesn’t stick to the dish and makes serving so much easier later.

STEP 2: Combine the Casserole Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice. Then, stir in the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until it’s evenly combined.

This mixture forms the heart of your casserole—creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with bites of tender chicken and broccoli in every spoonful. Make sure the ingredients are well mixed so that the flavors are evenly distributed throughout the dish.

STEP 3: Spread the Mixture into the Baking Dish

Once your mixture is ready, spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it bakes evenly. The dish is already looking delicious, but we’re not done yet—there’s still a buttery, crunchy topping to add if you want to take it up a notch.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

With the hearty filling spread into the baking dish, we’re almost ready to get this delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole into the oven. Now it’s time to add an optional crunchy topping that takes this casserole to the next level, and then bake it to warm, bubbly perfection. Let’s continue with the final steps!

STEP 4: Prepare the Optional Topping

If you’re using a topping (and I highly recommend you do for that extra texture), it’s super simple to prepare. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers or crumbs are evenly coated. The butter helps the topping become golden and crispy in the oven, adding a delicious crunch to every bite.

Once mixed, sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Make sure to cover the surface for a beautiful, golden finish after baking.

STEP 5: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden brown.

Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking to ensure the top doesn’t over-brown. If you like an extra crispy topping, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes—just watch it closely so it doesn’t burn.

STEP 6: Let It Cool Slightly Before Serving

After you remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for about 5 minutes. This quick resting time allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and helping all the creamy flavors settle together.

Once cooled a bit, it’s ready to dish out and enjoy. Each scoop is packed with creamy chicken, tender broccoli, cheesy goodness, and that irresistible buttery crunch on top.

Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Your Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is now ready to serve, and it’s looking every bit as comforting and satisfying as you hoped! Before you dig in, let’s go over some frequently asked questions and helpful tips to make sure you get the best results every time you make this cozy dish.

FAQ: Your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Questions Answered

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! It adds extra flavor and saves time. Simply shred or dice the rotisserie chicken and mix it right into the casserole.

2. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Absolutely. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it first and pat it dry with a paper towel to avoid adding extra moisture to the casserole. Frozen broccoli works just as well and makes this dish even more convenient.

3. How can I make this casserole healthier?
To lighten it up, you can use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, light sour cream, and part-skim cheeses. You can also swap white rice for brown rice or even quinoa for an extra nutritional boost.

4. What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a quick homemade version by whisking together 1 cup of chicken broth with ½ cup of milk and thickening it with a tablespoon of flour or cornstarch over medium heat until smooth and thickened.

5. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before putting it in the oven.

6. How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.

Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is everything you want in a comfort food dish—warm, creamy, cheesy, and packed with satisfying flavors. It’s quick to throw together, flexible based on what you have in the fridge, and hearty enough to feed a hungry family. Plus, the combination of chicken, broccoli, and rice makes it a well-rounded meal all in one dish.

Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, a potluck, or prepping meals for the week, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again because it’s just that good—and just that easy.

I hope you give this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole a try and enjoy it as much as we do. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to bring a little extra comfort to your table. Enjoy!

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