Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a comforting, no-fuss dinner that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you’re in the right spot. This Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those magic “dump-and-bake” dishes that comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. I absolutely love how it bakes up creamy and cheesy, with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and vibrant broccoli all in one pan—making weeknight dinners a breeze and family meals a hit.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe come together to create a hearty, balanced dish. The cream of chicken soup adds richness, while the chicken and cheese provide protein and gooey goodness. Something I’ve learned is that using frozen broccoli not only saves time but also helps keep that lovely green color.

• Cream of chicken soup: Acts as your creamy binder and flavor base—go for the condensed kind for best results.
• Chicken broth (or water or milk): I usually opt for broth because it amps up the flavor, but you can switch it up depending on what you’ve got on hand.
• Uncooked long grain white rice: The perfect texture for baking—don’t substitute with instant or brown rice for this recipe.
• Boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs): Diced for even cooking; thighs add extra juiciness if you prefer.
• Frozen baby broccoli florets: Convenient and keep well; fresh broccoli works if chopped finely.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives that classic cheesy finish I can’t resist.
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Season to taste – don’t be shy! It really brings out the flavors.
• Optional herbs & seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, parsley—the list is yours to play with to make it your own.

Variations

One of the things I love most about this Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how flexible it is. Over time, I’ve started customizing it depending on what’s in my fridge, or what my family’s craving that week. Feel free to make it your own!

• Use cooked chicken: When I’m short on time, I swap in cooked, shredded chicken and reduce baking time accordingly. It speeds things up without losing flavor.
• Swap veggies: Sometimes I sneak in cauliflower or add diced carrots for a little extra color and crunch.
• Dairy-free option: Try substituting the cheddar with a plant-based cheese and use coconut milk instead of cream soup if you’re navigating allergies.
• Spice it up: Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne gives the casserole a subtle kick my family enjoys.

How to Make Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C)—getting that temperature right is key for everything to cook evenly. Then, grab a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. Trust me on this: it’ll make cleanup so much easier!

Step 2: Mix Your Base Ingredients

Whisk together the can of condensed cream of chicken soup with your chicken broth (or water/milk if you prefer). I love this part because it’s super simple and already smells comforting. Once smooth, stir in the uncooked rice, the diced raw chicken, and the frozen broccoli florets—all in the same dish. Season it well with about half a teaspoon of kosher salt and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. I usually throw in at least ¼ teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder because it layers the flavors beautifully, but feel free to toss in your favorite herbs.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Cover your casserole dish tightly with foil to trap steam inside—that’s how your rice will cook perfectly without drying out. Pop it into the oven for 55 to 60 minutes. When the timer dings, check your rice with a fork: it should be tender and the liquid mostly absorbed. If it’s still a bit firm, cover and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes, but keep a close eye because you don’t want mushy rice.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the rice and chicken are cooked through, sprinkle that grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly on top. Slide it back into the oven, uncovered, for just a few minutes until the cheese melts into a glorious gooey layer. If you want a little extra flair, sprinkle on some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or thyme before serving.

How to Serve Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish mine off with a little sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or thyme because it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the cheesy richness perfectly. If you have some lemon zest or a squeeze of lemon juice on hand, that’s a lovely brightener too!

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted carrots for some crunch and sweetness. Garlic bread is another favorite around here—because who can say no to soaking up all that creamy goodness?

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist when entertaining, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a tiny sprig of fresh herbs. It’s an easy way to look a little fancy without much extra effort. Plus, it’s perfect for portion control, especially if you’re feeding a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After dinner, I like to let leftover casserole cool to room temperature, then cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and I often find it tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded. Just reheat and enjoy!

Freezing

If you want to prep ahead, this casserole freezes beautifully. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, skip the cheese topping for now, and freeze before baking. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge, add cheese on top, and bake as usual, adding a bit more time if it’s still partially frozen.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through—usually about 20 minutes. This method helps prevent the rice from drying out like a microwave often will. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving in short bursts with a splash of broth works too but keep an eye on it.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is like a trusty friend in the kitchen—simple, satisfying, and always hits the spot. I truly recommend giving it a try next time you want a comforting home-cooked meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s also a smart crowd-pleaser for busy families or anyone craving cozy flavors in one dish. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family and I do—it’s just that kind of recipe you keep coming back to, again and again.

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