This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s filled with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and plenty of melty cheese, all mixed together in a creamy sauce that pulls everything into one cozy dish.
I love making this casserole when I want something easy to prepare but still hearty enough to satisfy the whole family. One tip I’ve learned is using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time—makes the process even quicker without losing any flavor. The cheese melts just right, and the broccoli adds a nice pop of green and a little crunch that I really enjoy.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven, with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. It’s always a hit, especially on chilly nights when you want something filling and tasty without a lot of fuss. Whenever I make it, I feel like I’m sharing something special, even if it’s just a regular weeknight dinner.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken saves time. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds great flavor. For a lighter option, try shredded turkey or cooked tofu for a vegetarian twist.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli gives a nice crunch and bright color, but frozen works well too. Just thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water in your casserole.
Rice: White rice is classic here, but you can swap for brown rice or even quinoa for more fiber. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing.
Cheese: Cheddar and mozzarella mix gives creaminess and meltiness. For a sharper taste, use aged cheddar or add some Monterey Jack. If dairy-free, try vegan cheese alternatives.
Creamy Base: Cream of chicken soup and sour cream combine for smooth richness. If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut milk and a dairy-free sour cream alternative, or thickened cashew cream.
How Can I Get the Perfect Creamy, Not Soggy, Casserole?
Balancing creaminess without sogginess is key! Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure the rice is fully cooked and not too watery before mixing.
- Steam or blanch broccoli briefly to keep it tender but firm.
- Drain any excess liquid from thawed frozen broccoli well.
- Use cooked chicken to reduce extra moisture from raw meat.
- Mix ingredients gently but thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Bake uncovered so excess moisture can evaporate and the top crisps up.
Following these steps will give you a creamy casserole with a slightly crisp cheese topping—just the way I like it!
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch casserole dish – perfect size to hold all the ingredients and bake evenly.
- Large mixing bowl – easy to mix all the creamy ingredients and chicken together.
- Large skillet – to sauté onion and garlic, adding extra flavor before baking.
- Steamer basket or pot with lid – for steaming broccoli quickly without waterlogging it.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to keep ingredient amounts accurate for creamy texture.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for mixing without crushing the broccoli or chicken.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked ham or turkey – adds a different savory note great after holidays.
- Try mixing in cooked mushrooms or bell peppers – brings extra moisture and mild sweetness.
- Add a pinch of chili powder or smoked paprika – for a gentle spicy kick that livens up the dish.
- Stir in cooked spinach or kale – adds color and nutrients without changing the creamy feel.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to bake. Steaming the broccoli and sautéing the onion and garlic add just a few extra minutes, so you can have this creamy casserole ready in under an hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Broccoli:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish lightly. Steam or blanch the broccoli florets for 3 to 4 minutes until tender but still bright green. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 3 to 4 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Mix All Ingredients:
In a big mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, half the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well until everything is mixed evenly and creamy.
4. Assemble and Bake:
Spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. If you like, add a sprinkle of paprika and dried parsley for some color and extra flavor.
5. Bake and Serve:
Bake the casserole uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the casserole can set up and be easier to scoop.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole! It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or to take to potlucks where everyone will love it.
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes! Frozen broccoli works great—just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra moisture making the casserole soggy. You can steam it briefly if you like before adding.
Is It Okay to Substitute Brown Rice or Quinoa for White Rice?
Absolutely! Just make sure your brown rice or quinoa is fully cooked before mixing into the casserole since the dish only bakes about 30 minutes.
Can I Prepare This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day ahead and keep it covered in the fridge. When ready, bake it for the same amount of time, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally for even heating.
