Chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe lovers, this one’s for you. When you need a meal that’s hearty, family-friendly, and easy to pull together, this cheesy, creamy casserole is the answer. With tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and loads of cheddar, it’s a comfort food classic you can make in one pot and finish in the oven. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or cooking it fresh, this recipe delivers flavor and convenience. I’ve fine-tuned every step to make it foolproof—even on busy weeknights. Stick with me, and you’ll have a satisfying dinner the whole family will want on repeat.
Table of Contents
The Story & Why This Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe Works
My comfort casserole moment
This chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe started as a last-minute “what’s for dinner” save on a school night when time was short, the kids were hungry, and I had a rotisserie chicken to use up. I tossed together some pantry basics—rice, condensed soup, cheese, and sour cream—layered in broccoli, and finished it off with a Ritz cracker topping. The result? My husband asked for seconds, my girls cleaned their plates, and I knew it was a keeper.
Since then, it’s become one of those dependable dinners that fit easily into our weekly rotation, especially during busy sports seasons. It’s satisfying, cheesy, and hearty enough to keep everyone full.
You can make the whole thing in a single pot before baking it, which keeps cleanup quick. I even add a few optional seasonings like garlic powder and thyme for extra depth when I’m in the mood to boost the flavor. What makes this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe special is that it feels like a hug in a dish—classic comfort that never disappoints.
The secret is in the layers
Layering hot rice, flavorful chicken, and melty cheese into a casserole dish brings a uniquely comforting and delicious experience. The trick is to let the rice and broccoli cook just right, so everything stays tender without turning to mush. I always let the rice rest for ten minutes after cooking so the texture is perfect before adding the creamy sauce.
I’ve found using long-grain white rice works best—it absorbs the broth without becoming too soft. Additionally, using fresh broccoli rather than frozen maintains a more vibrant texture. And when it’s all topped off with buttery crushed crackers and baked until golden? Pure dinnertime joy.
Internal links are included naturally here:
- If you enjoy easy chicken dinners, don’t miss this chicken crust pizza recipe that skips the dough entirely.
- For more low-carb comfort food options, visit our Low Carb Chicken Recipes section for family favorites.
Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe – Quick To Make
- Total Time: 50 min
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cheesy, creamy, and comforting chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
2 Tablespoons butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt/Pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
2–3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
Optional: 1/2 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Topping: 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed + 2 Tbsp melted butter
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Sauté chicken in butter until golden (skip if using rotisserie).
4. Add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer 6 min.
5. Add broccoli, cover again, and cook 9 more min. Remove from heat, let stand 10 min covered.
6. Stir in cooked chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, optional spices, and half the cheese.
7. Transfer to greased 9×13 dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake covered for 15 min.
8. Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter, add topping to casserole, bake uncovered for 10 min.
9. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use long grain white rice for best results.
Substitute turkey or ground chicken if preferred.
Great for freezing or prepping ahead.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
How to Make This Easy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
One-pot prep keeps it simple
One of the best parts of this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe is that you prep it all in a single pot before transferring it to the oven. That means fewer dishes and more time to relax after dinner. Begin by dicing two boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small pieces, then season with a blend of Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Sauté them in a large pot with a bit of butter until golden brown. (If you’re using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and add it later.)
Add chicken broth, a splash of olive oil, and uncooked white long-grain rice to the mixture. Bring it to a boil, cover tightly, and simmer for 6 minutes. Then, add fresh broccoli florets—don’t worry about precooking them—and continue simmering for another 9 minutes. When all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender, take the pot off the heat and let it sit (covered!) for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish steaming to the perfect fluffy texture.
Creamy, cheesy layers make it irresistible
Once the rice is cooked through, mix in condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and—if desired—a pinch of garlic powder and dried thyme. Fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
If you’re using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, now’s the time to fold it in. Everything should be thick, creamy, and ready for the oven.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes. During this time, crush your Ritz crackers and combine them with melted butter to create that golden, crunchy topping.
After the initial bake, sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole and return it to the oven uncovered for 10 more minutes. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving so the layers hold together beautifully when scooped.
If you love oven-baked comfort meals like this one, you’ll also want to check out our crockpot steak and potato bake—it’s a slow-cooked, cheesy dream that’s always a hit. For a low-carb, protein-rich alternative, try our popular chicken crust pizza—perfect for busy weeknights!
Make-Ahead Tips, Freezing & Storage for Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe
Perfect for prep and freezer-friendly meals
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe is how well it fits into my weekly meal planning. Whether you’re prepping ahead for busy weeknights or doubling the recipe to freeze, it holds up beautifully.
To make it in advance, follow the full cooking instructions up to the point of baking. Assemble the casserole in your 9×13 dish, but instead of baking it, cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When you’re ready, simply bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes (a bit longer than usual since it’s starting cold), then add the cracker topping and finish with another 10 minutes uncovered.
You can also freeze this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe after assembling but before baking. Tightly wrap it in foil, then either place it in a large freezer-safe bag or wrap it again with plastic wrap to protect against freezer burn. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then follow the baking instructions as written.
Reheat, serve, and enjoy all over again
Got leftovers? This chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe reheats like a dream. Simply scoop individual portions into microwave-safe containers for quick lunches or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 325°F until warmed through. To revive the creamy texture, add a splash of milk before reheating.
This dish is not just comfort food—it’s practical, versatile, and always delicious. Whether you’re feeding your family tonight or stocking your freezer for later, this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe is one you’ll rely on again and again.
Conclusion
This chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe is a go-to for a reason: it’s creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and easy to pull off on even the busiest weeknights. Whether you’re starting with fresh chicken or rotisserie, prepping it ahead or baking it fresh, this dish adapts to your schedule without losing flavor. The one-pot method keeps cleanup simple, and the crispy topping adds the perfect finish. From weeknight dinners to potlucks and freezer meals, this casserole covers it all. It’s comfort food that checks every box—quick, delicious, and family-approved.
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FAQS
What is in Paula Deen’s broccoli casserole?
Paula Deen’s version of broccoli casserole typically includes frozen chopped broccoli, mayonnaise, cream of mushroom soup, shredded cheddar cheese, eggs, and crushed Ritz crackers on top. While her casserole focuses mostly on broccoli and creamy richness, our chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe adds hearty chicken and fluffy rice for a complete meal in one dish.
Do you cook rice before putting it in a casserole?
In most recipes, yes, but in this chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe, the rice cooks directly in the pot with chicken broth before the final bake. This method keeps the dish simple and prevents overcooked rice. Just be sure to check your rice package to match the liquid ratio and timing.
What goes in chicken broccoli rice casserole?
A traditional chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe includes chicken (cooked or rotisserie), uncooked rice, fresh broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Optional ingredients like garlic powder, thyme, and a Ritz cracker topping add extra flavor and crunch.
Do you have to cook broccoli before putting it in a casserole?
Not with this recipe! This chicken broccoli and rice casserole recipe uses fresh, uncooked broccoli that steams with the rice during cooking. It keeps the broccoli tender yet slightly crisp, avoiding the mushy texture that can happen with pre-cooked or frozen broccoli.