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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the kind of comforting, family-style meal that turns simple ingredients into a hearty dinner. Tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp-tender broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce come together in one bubbling casserole dish. It is filling enough for a weeknight dinner, yet easy enough to prepare when you want something cozy without spending hours in the kitchen.

The beauty of this casserole is its flexibility. You can use cooked chicken from a previous meal, leftover rice, or prepare everything fresh. The broccoli adds color and freshness, while the creamy sauce brings all the ingredients together. A layer of melted cheese on top finishes the dish with a golden, savory crust.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cut into bite-sized pieces
3 cups cooked white rice
3 cups broccoli florets
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

For the Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
1 tablespoon melted butter

Step-by-Step Method

1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.

Greasing the dish helps prevent the creamy rice mixture from sticking and makes serving much easier later.

2. Prepare the Broccoli

Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, just until they become bright green and slightly tender.

Drain the broccoli thoroughly and rinse it briefly with cold water to stop the cooking process.

You do not want the broccoli completely soft at this stage because it will continue cooking in the oven. Keeping it slightly firm gives the finished casserole a better texture.