Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: Base; 2 cups cooked chicken (diced or shredded); 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed + drained); 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, slightly firm); Sauce; 1 can (10.5 oz cream of chicken soup); ½ cup milk; ¼ cup sour cream; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Topping; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional)

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Comforting, Family-Friendly, and Perfect for Busy Nights

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a dependable, all-in-one meal designed for real-life cooking. Tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli are combined with a creamy cheese sauce, then baked until bubbling and lightly golden. It is rich without being heavy and familiar without feeling boring.

Creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole baked until golden and bubbly

This casserole works especially well for busy households because the main ingredients are already cooked before baking. That makes the final result predictable and consistent, even on hectic weeknights. The sauce coats everything evenly, the rice holds its shape, and the broccoli keeps enough texture to feel fresh rather than soft.

Because it reheats well and stores easily, this recipe is ideal for family dinners, leftovers, and make-ahead meals.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Complete one-pan meal with protein, vegetables, and grains
Creamy and comforting without complicated steps
Easy to customize based on what you have
Stores and reheats well
Kid-friendly and crowd-friendly

Equipment & Tools You’ll Need

9×13-inch casserole dish
Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Whisk
Spatula or large spoon
Measuring cups and spoons
Oven

Ingredients You’ll Need

Casserole Base

2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed frozen, well drained)
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown, slightly firm)

Creamy Sauce

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
¼ cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Topping

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ cup crispy fried onions (optional)

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Before You Begin

Prepare all ingredients and lightly grease your baking dish. Use cooked chicken, well-drained broccoli, and rice that is cooked but slightly firm. Oven performance and ingredient moisture may vary, so rely on visual cues in each step along with the time ranges.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole (Corrected)

Step 1 — Preheat
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 2 — Combine the Base
In a large bowl, gently mix cooked chicken, broccoli, and rice.
Visual cue: The mixture should stay loose and not mash together.

Step 3 — Make the Sauce
Whisk soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Visual cue: Sauce should look creamy with no lumps.

Step 4 — Assemble
Pour sauce over chicken mixture and fold gently. Stir in 1½ cups cheese.
Visual cue: Everything should look evenly coated.

Step 5 — Bake (Corrected Safe Cue)
Spread mixture into baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
Bake 25–30 minutes.
Visual cue: Cheese should be melted with light golden spots and edges should look bubbly.

Step 6 — Rest
Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving so the casserole sets.
Visual cue: Slices should hold shape when spooned.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a crisp green salad, steamed vegetables, or crusty bread. It also works well as a potluck dish or make-ahead family dinner.

Storage, Reheating & Make-Ahead

Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Storage time may vary depending on ingredient freshness and refrigerator temperature.

Reheating
Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F until hot and steaming throughout.
For microwave reheating heat in short intervals and stir between intervals for even warming.

Make-Ahead
Freeze unbaked casserole tightly wrapped for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Ingredient moisture levels may vary after freezing, so you may need to add a small splash of milk before baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using overcooked rice, which becomes mushy
Not draining broccoli fully
Overbaking until dry
Skipping the resting time

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well, but it must be fully thawed and drained. Excess moisture can thin the sauce and prevent the casserole from setting properly. Press the broccoli gently with a towel before adding it.

What type of rice works best?
White or brown rice both work. The key is using rice that is cooked but still slightly firm. Overcooked rice absorbs too much sauce and becomes soft during baking.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cold dish.

Does this casserole freeze well?
It freezes best before baking. Assemble the casserole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

How do I keep it creamy when reheating?
Add a small splash of milk before reheating and cover the dish. This restores moisture and keeps the sauce smooth.

Can I add more vegetables?
Yes. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas work well. Cook or drain them first to avoid excess liquid.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes. The mild flavors and creamy texture make it appealing for children while still satisfying for adults.

Conclusion

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a practical, comforting recipe that fits easily into everyday cooking. With simple ingredients, predictable results, and flexible options, it works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for meal prep or sharing with others. This is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

Creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole served from a baking dish

Isaac blogger