Name: Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup; 2 cups chicken broth, water, or milk; 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice; 1 lb. uncooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced; 1 (12.6 oz) bag frozen baby broccoli florets; 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; Kosher salt, to taste (about ½ teaspoon); Ground black pepper, to taste (about ¼ teaspoon); Garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon; Onion powder, ¼ teaspoon; Paprika (optional); Thyme (optional); Rosemary (optional); Basil (optional); Oregano (optional); Chives (optional); Parsley (optional); Seasoned salt (optional); Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme

If you’re on the lookout for a comfort food that’s fuss-free but still packed with flavor and wholesome ingredients, this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. It truly takes the stress out of weeknight dinners with a simple dump-and-bake method that delivers a hearty, cheesy meal everyone in the family will devour. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Dish Wonder: Everything cooks together, saving you time and clean-up.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and frozen veggies—perfect for a quick grocery run or a last-minute meal.
Versatile Flavors: Easy to adjust seasonings and ingredients to suit your family’s tastes.
Nutritious and Filling: Balanced with protein, veggies, and carbs to keep everyone satisfied.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer is creamy rice mixed with small chunks of pale cooked chicken. On top of that are bright green pieces of broccoli spread evenly. The top layer is melted yellow cheese, slightly browned in some spots, covering the broccoli and chicken. A silver serving spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping out some casserole, showing the layers beneath. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh green herbs and pieces of white bread. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, chicken broccoli rice bake, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, cheesy chicken rice dish

Ingredients You’ll Need

When I first tried this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, I loved how the ingredients all complemented each other effortlessly. The creamy soup base cozies up with the rice and chicken, while the broccoli adds a fresh, tender bite. Here are some tips to help you pick just what you need.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy chicken soup, a small white ceramic bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of uncooked long grain white rice, a few pieces of raw diced boneless skinless chicken breast, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh baby broccoli florets, a small white ceramic bowl of grated sharp cheddar cheese, two whole uncracked brown eggs, small white ceramic bowls containing kosher salt and ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl with mixed fresh herbs including parsley, thyme, basil, oregano, and chives, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, chicken broccoli rice bake, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, cheesy chicken rice dish

Cream of Chicken Soup: This creates the creamy texture that binds everything; condensed soup is best for richness without extra liquid.
Chicken Broth, Water, or Milk: I prefer broth for extra flavor, but milk adds creaminess, and water works if you want it lighter.
Uncooked Long Grain White Rice: Absorbs all those lovely flavors, so no need to pre-cook it.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts or Thighs: I usually use breasts for lean protein, but thighs add juiciness—either works!
Frozen Baby Broccoli Florets: I find baby broccoli has a great texture that doesn’t get mushy during baking.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully on top, giving you that golden, cheesy finish everyone loves.
Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out the flavors just right.
Optional Herbs & Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, and others add a personalized touch—try different combos to make it yours!
Fresh Herbs for Garnish (Optional): Parsley or thyme brighten up the dish and add a fresh aroma.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I like to switch things up sometimes so this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe never feels dull. It’s such a forgiving dish that you can really play with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary needs.

Add Different Veggies: I’ve tossed in frozen peas, carrots, or even diced bell peppers for extra color and flavor—makes it feel a little more special.
Use Brown Rice: For a nuttier taste and more fiber, just note that cooking time might be a bit longer.
Make it Dairy-Free: Swap cheddar for dairy-free cheese and use unsweetened almond or oat milk instead of broth or cream for lactose sensitivity.
Spicy Kick: If you love some heat, a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika adds a warm, smoky note.

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Mixing Bowl

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get a 9 x 13-inch baking dish ready by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes clean-up easier—trust me, it’s a game-changer for casseroles.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In your baking dish, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup with chicken broth, water, or milk. This is your cozy sauce that brings the whole casserole together. When I use broth, I love the extra depth it gives without needing more seasoning.

Step 3: Add Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli

Stir in the uncooked rice, diced raw chicken, and frozen broccoli florets right into the creamy mixture. Season with about ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. I usually add garlic powder and onion powder here—those little boosts of flavor really take it up a notch. Mix everything until well combined so the seasoning spreads evenly.

Step 4: Bake and Check for Doneness

Cover your dish tightly with foil and pop it into the oven for 55-60 minutes. You’re aiming for tender rice, fully cooked chicken, and mostly absorbed liquid. After 55 minutes, I use a fork to fluff the rice—if it’s still a bit firm, give it another 5 to 10 minutes. Just watch closely because overcooking can turn the rice mushy.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese and Serve

Once the rice and chicken are perfect, sprinkle grated sharp cheddar cheese on top, then return it to the oven uncovered for another few minutes until the cheese melts and bubbles. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme if you want that extra fresh pop. Serve it hot, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Even Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform sizes so they cook evenly and don’t dry out.
Frozen Veggies Go Straight In: No need to thaw broccoli—frozen works perfectly and saves time.
Don’t Skip the Foil: Covering with foil traps steam, cooking the rice and chicken tender without drying them.
Check Rice Texture: If your rice isn’t quite done, bake in 5-minute increments instead of overshooting and risking mushiness.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a creamy risotto mixed with bright green broccoli pieces and small white cheese chunks, topped with green herbs. On the side of the plate, there are two thick yellow cornbread squares with a soft texture. A gold fork rests on the right side of the plate, partially inside the rice. In the background, there is a wooden bowl with fresh green and purple salad leaves and a white pot filled with more risotto, all set on a white marbled surface with scattered parsley leaves. A striped blue and white cloth is at the bottom left corner of the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, chicken broccoli rice bake, easy dinner recipes, weeknight casserole, cheesy chicken rice dish

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for adding a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme on top right after baking—it brightens the whole dish and adds a delicate herbal aroma that complements the creamy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

Even though this casserole is a complete meal on its own, I love pairing it with a crisp side salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any cheesy sauce that might linger on your plate. Roasted cherry tomatoes also make a lovely, colorful accompaniment.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I sometimes bake this casserole in individual ramekins and top each with a little extra cheese and fresh herbs. It feels extra special and makes plating a breeze. It’s also great layered in a clear baking dish so your guests can admire those inviting layers of rice, chicken, broccoli, and melted cheese.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats well and keeps the flavors intact.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze cooked leftovers. To bake from frozen, just add a bit more cooking time and keep it tightly covered so it thaws and cooks evenly.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Adding a sprinkle of cheese on top during reheating helps revive that fresh-from-the-oven feeling. If microwaving, cover loosely to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice in this casserole?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, but keep in mind it needs a longer cooking time and more liquid. You might want to pre-cook the brown rice a bit or extend the bake time, checking for tenderness as it cooks.
Is it necessary to use cream of chicken soup?

The cream of chicken soup helps create that creamy, cohesive texture in the casserole. If you want to avoid canned soup, you can make a quick homemade béchamel sauce or use a cream of mushroom or celery soup alternative, but the traditional version is the easiest and most comforting.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole in the baking dish, cover it tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is cooked when the internal pieces are no longer pink and the rice is tender. Baking covered ensures even cooking. If you want to be extra sure, you can check with a meat thermometer—chicken is safe at 165°F (74°C).

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe turns out every single time—creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors. When I first tried it, I was amazed at how simple it was, yet how it impressed my family so much. If you’re after a no-fuss, delicious meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ll enjoy making this as much as eating it. Grab your ingredients, and let this casserole become your go-to for easy, satisfying dinners!