Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is the kind of dish that brings comfort to the table effortlessly. It’s warm, creamy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that make it both filling and satisfying. With tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, perfectly cooked rice, and a rich cheesy sauce, this casserole delivers everything you want in a hearty family meal—without complicated steps or unnecessary fuss.

Whether you’re feeding a busy household, planning a meal-prep week, or craving something warm and homestyle, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s budget-friendly, customizable, and a reliable crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknights.

Why This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole Works So Well

• One-pan convenience—protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish

• Creamy, cheesy, and ultra-comforting

• Meal prep friendly

• Kid-approved flavors

• Easy to customize with different cheeses or added veggies

This casserole strikes the perfect balance of comfort and nutrition, making it a staple recipe worth keeping in your rotation.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large skillet or saucepan

• 9×13-inch casserole dish

• Cutting board

• Chef’s knife

• Measuring cups & spoons

• Mixing bowl

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Foil (for baking)

Ingredients List

For the Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

• 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or thawed if frozen)

• 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack

• 1 small onion, finely diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp butter

• 2 tbsp flour

• 1 ½ cups chicken broth

• 1 cup milk

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• Fresh parsley

Timing & Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes

• Total Time: 45–50 minutes

• Servings: 6

How t o Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Step 1. Prepare the Base Ingredients

Make sure your cooked chicken and rice are ready to go. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it; fresh broccoli can be lightly steamed for 2–3 minutes so it stays vibrant and crisp-tender.

Step 2. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking until the mixture thickens. Season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and stir in half the cheddar cheese until melted.

Step 3. Combine Everything Together

In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, rice, and the homemade cheese sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Step 4. Transfer to a Baking Dish

Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella.

Step 5. Add an Optional Crunchy Topping

Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a golden, crisp finish.

Step 6. Bake

Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.

Step 7. Serve

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Flavor Variations

Spicy Kick

Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese.

Extra Veggies

Mix in carrots, peas, spinach, or mushrooms.

Creamier Version

Stir in ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt to your sauce.

Low-Carb Swap

Use cauliflower rice instead of cooked rice.

What to Serve With Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

• Crisp green salad

• Garlic bread or dinner rolls

• Roasted vegetables

• A side of sautéed green beans

This casserole works beautifully as a complete meal but pairs easily with light, fresh sides.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

Freezer

Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~420

• Protein: ~28g

• Carbohydrates: ~32g

• Fat: ~20g

• Fiber: ~3g

• Sugar: ~4g

This recipe is perfect for busy evenings, just like Baked Chicken Parmesan Meatballs, Slow Cooker Chicken and Sweet Potato Curry, or Cajun Sausage and Rice Skillet.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole blends tender chicken, wholesome veggies, and creamy homemade sauce for a comforting meal that's easy, flavorful, and ideal for weeknights.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Course: dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients

  

For the Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or cubed
• 2 cups broccoli florets lightly steamed or thawed if frozen
• 2 cups cooked rice white, brown, or jasmine
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp flour
• 1 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 cup milk
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• Fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large skillet or saucepan
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Foil (for baking)

Method

 

Prepare the Base Ingredients

1. Make sure your cooked chicken and rice are ready to go. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it; fresh broccoli can be lightly steamed for 2–3 minutes so it stays vibrant and crisp-tender.

Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

1. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté diced onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to form a roux. Slowly pour in chicken broth and milk, whisking until the mixture thickens. Season with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Reduce heat and stir in half the cheddar cheese until melted.

Combine Everything Together

1. In a large bowl, mix chicken, broccoli, rice, and the homemade cheese sauce. Make sure everything is evenly coated.

Transfer to a Baking Dish

1. Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and top with the remaining cheddar and mozzarella.

Add an Optional Crunchy Topping

1. Mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole for a golden, crisp finish.

Bake

1. Bake uncovered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbling and golden on top.

Serve

1. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color.

Conclusion

Chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole delivers everything you love about comfort food—warmth, creaminess, and satisfying flavor—all in one easy-to-prepare dish. The homemade cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice come together to create a cozy weeknight dinner that tastes like a hug in a bowl. Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or meal prep, this reliable casserole is always a winning choice.

Recipe FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time.

2. Can I use uncooked rice in this casserole?

No, the rice must be cooked beforehand or the casserole will become watery.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

4. What cheese melts best for casseroles?

Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella all melt well and offer great flavor.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes—use gluten-free flour for the roux and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

6. Why is my casserole watery?

Overly wet broccoli or undercooked rice can cause excess moisture. Make sure everything is drained and cooked properly.