Here’s a classic, creamy, cozy Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole—a family-favorite comfort dish that’s easy, filling, and perfect for weeknights or potlucks!
🥘 Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole
⭐ Serves 6–8
🧀 Ingredients
Base
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp works best)
Creamy Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- Optional: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko (mixed with 2 tbsp butter)
🔧 Instructions
1. Prep the broccoli
- If using fresh broccoli: steam or microwave until just tender (bright green).
- If using frozen: thaw and drain well.
2. Make the creamy sauce
- In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onions and cook 3–4 minutes until soft (optional but flavorful).
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until smooth and heated through.
3. Combine everything
In a large bowl, combine:
- Cooked chicken
- Cooked rice
- Broccoli
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- The creamy sauce
Stir until everything is coated and evenly mixed.
4. Transfer & top
- Spread mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.
- Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheddar evenly on top.
- Add buttery Ritz or panko crumbs if using.
5. Bake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
6. Serve
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Great with:
- a green salad
- roasted veggies
- garlic bread
💡 Tips & Variations
- Add spice: Mix in ½ cup Rotel or 1 tsp Cajun seasoning.
- Extra creamy: Add ½ cup cream cheese to the sauce.
- Healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- One-pan shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken + microwave rice + frozen broccoli.
- Freezer-friendly: Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze up to 3 months.
If you’d like, I can also give you:
🍗 A no-soup-from-a-can version
🧀 A super cheesy stovetop version
🌶️ A spicy Tex-Mex version with Rotel & taco seasoning
Just tell me!
