This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is the perfect mix of comforting and satisfying flavors. It brings together tender chunks of chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and gooey melted cheese all baked into one delicious dish. The combination of creamy texture with cheesy goodness makes it a super cozy meal that’s great anytime you want something warm and filling.
I love making this casserole when I want a simple but hearty dinner that the whole family will enjoy. It’s one of those go-to recipes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. A little tip I like to use is to make sure the rice is cooked just right before mixing everything together — that way the casserole stays nice and creamy instead of dry.
My favorite way to serve this is straight from the oven with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread on the side. It’s a dish that’s easy to prepare ahead and even tastes great as leftovers the next day. Whenever I make this casserole, it always brings back memories of cozy family dinners where everyone digs in happily for seconds. It really is comfort food at its best!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breast keeps the casserole hearty. You can swap it for rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. Ground turkey or shredded cooked pork can also work well.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli adds a nice crunch and nutrition. If fresh isn’t available, frozen broccoli works fine—just thaw and drain before adding.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives great flavor and meltiness. For a milder taste, try Monterey Jack or a mild Colby. You can also mix cheeses for more depth.
Rice: Long-grain white rice or jasmine rice works best for a fluffy texture. You can try brown rice for a healthier twist but it needs to be fully cooked before mixing in.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates the creamy base. Use homemade cream sauce as a substitute or a dairy-free canned soup if needed.
How Do You Get the Creamy Texture Without the Casserole Drying Out?
The secret is to mix all the wet ingredients well and make sure your rice is fully cooked but not mushy before assembling. Here’s how:
- Cook rice ahead and let it cool slightly to avoid soggy casserole.
- Sauté onion and garlic to release aromas and add flavor.
- Mix sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and mayo thoroughly so they combine smoothly.
- Add seasonings evenly to balance taste.
- Don’t overbake; 25-30 minutes lets everything heat through and the cheese melt without drying the dish out.
Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking helps the moisture distribute evenly, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
Equipment You’ll Need
- 9×13 inch casserole dish – perfect size for even baking and holding all the ingredients together.
- Medium skillet – to sauté onions and garlic, adding extra flavor.
- Mixing bowl – for combining all the ingredients smoothly without mess.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – to stir the mixture gently without breaking up the chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of each ingredient for perfect balance.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for cooked turkey or ham to change up the protein, especially great after holidays.
- Try adding cooked mushrooms or diced bell peppers for extra veggies and a flavor boost.
- Use pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a milder or spicier taste.
- Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle smoky kick.
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (long grain or jasmine)
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed or blanched)
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup mayonnaise
For Flavor:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This meal takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you should plan for around 40-45 minutes from start to finish, including a few minutes to let the casserole cool before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep and Sauté:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, around 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Remove from heat.
2. Mix Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, and optional thyme or Italian seasoning. Stir until everything is well blended and creamy.
3. Assemble and Bake:
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and lightly golden.
4. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes once it’s out of the oven. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh touch. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole!
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well! Just make sure to thaw and drain it completely before adding to avoid extra moisture making the casserole soggy.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Substitute Brown Rice for White Rice?
Yes, but make sure the brown rice is fully cooked and tender before using, as it takes longer to cook and could affect the casserole’s texture if undercooked.
