Name: Cheesy 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 (or cuts); 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; Garlic powder (about ¼ teaspoon); Onion powder (about ¼ teaspoon); Paprika; Thyme; Rosemary; Basil; Oregano; Chives; Parsley; Seasoned salt; Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme

If you’re looking for a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that just hits all the right notes, you’re going to love this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender chicken, fresh-ish broccoli, and creamy cheesy rice all in one baking dish — it’s like a warm hug on a plate. What’s even better? It’s a dump-and-bake meal, so you can basically throw everything together, pop it in the oven, and relax while it cooks. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to weeknight favorite in your house too.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pan Wonder: The chicken, broccoli, and rice cook together, saving you time and washing up.
Simply Delicious: The melty cheddar cheese and creamy sauce make every bite satisfying and rich.
Family Friendly: My whole family goes crazy for this — even picky eaters won’t be able to resist.
Customizable: You can easily swap herbs, add spices, or switch protein for your personal touch.

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 - Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, easy chicken broccoli casserole, creamy rice bake, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy baked chicken and rice

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe lies in simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. I always suggest fresh or good-quality frozen broccoli, and the chicken broth you choose really amps up the flavor.

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 - Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, easy chicken broccoli casserole, creamy rice bake, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy baked chicken and rice

Condensed cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy base and keeps everything moist — I never skip it.
Chicken broth, water, or milk: Broth adds savory depth, but water or milk work if needed; I prefer broth for flavor.
Uncooked long grain white rice: It absorbs all the goodness and cooks perfectly in the casserole.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Thighs stay juicier in my experience, but breasts work great too.
Frozen baby broccoli florets or cuts: Frozen saves time and stays crisp-tender, just what you want here.
Grated sharp cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar gives that signature cheesy punch that makes this dish pop.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Seasoning is key — I always taste and adjust to make flavors shine.
Optional herbs and spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, basil, and parsley are my go-to additions.
Optional fresh herbs for garnish: Chopped parsley or thyme adds a lovely fresh touch before serving.

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 love mixing things up with this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or seasonally available. Feel free to make it your own—it’s surprisingly forgiving!

Swap the protein: I once tried this recipe with shredded rotisserie chicken instead of raw—super quick and still delicious.
Make it vegetarian: Use vegetable broth and add mushrooms or extra broccoli in place of chicken for a tasty meatless version.
Change up the cheese: Monterey Jack or mozzarella melt beautifully if you want a milder flavor.
Spice it up: For some kick, toss in crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne—I started doing this and my family loves the extra zing.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Like a Pro

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and get a 9 x 13-inch baking dish ready by giving it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray. This really helps prevent sticking later on, which I learned the hard way after my first casserole disaster!

Step 2: Mix Everything Right in the Dish

In your prepared dish, whisk together the cream of chicken soup with your choice of chicken broth, water, or milk until smooth. Stir in the uncooked rice first, then add diced raw chicken and frozen broccoli on top. Season with kosher salt, black pepper, and your chosen extra herbs and spices. I like to add garlic powder and onion powder for that cozy, savory vibe. Mix everything gently but thoroughly to make sure rice is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake Covered and Wait Patiently

Cover tightly with foil and bake for 55-60 minutes. This step is crucial because it steams the rice and chicken to perfection. Around the 55-minute mark, check to see if the rice is tender and chicken cooked through—no pink bits! If needed, re-cover and bake another 5-10 minutes but be careful not to leave it too long or the rice will turn mushy, which I’ve learned is less appealing.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the rice and chicken are cooked, take the casserole out, sprinkle the sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top, and pop it back in the oven for a few more minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step is pure bliss—I mean, who doesn’t love a gooey cheesy topping?

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

For the final touch, I sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving. It adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up this hearty casserole. Serve hot and watch it disappear at the table!

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Use Fresh Herbs Wisely: Adding dried herbs into the baking mix works best; reserve fresh herbs for garnish to keep things bright.
Check Liquid Levels: Broth absorbs differently depending on brand and type, so keep an eye on the casserole towards the end and adjust baking time accordingly.
Chicken Cuts Matter: I prefer thighs as they stay juicy, but if you use breasts, make sure the pieces are diced small and even so they cook through uniformly.
Don’t Skip Foil Covering: This traps steam to cook the rice perfectly without drying out the chicken or cheese.

How to Serve Cheesy 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 - Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, easy chicken broccoli casserole, creamy rice bake, quick weeknight dinner, cheesy baked chicken and rice

Garnishes

I always top mine with chopped fresh parsley or thyme because it adds a lovely fresh crunch and color contrast that makes the dish inviting. Sometimes, I’ll throw on a little extra shredded cheddar or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a fun smoky twist.

Side Dishes

This casserole shines on its own, but if you want to round out dinner, I suggest something light and crisp like a simple green salad or roasted carrots. Garlic bread or crusty rolls also work great if you’re craving something to soak up any extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to bake individual portions in ramekins and top each with a little cheese and fresh herbs. It feels a bit fancier and makes serving so easy. Plus, it’s a fun way to personalize servings with extra seasonings or toppings per person.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I found that slightly undercooking the rice by a few minutes helps maintain texture when reheating.

Freezing

This casserole freezes well if you want to make it ahead. I usually bake it fully, then portion and freeze in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, pop them in the oven at 350°F covered with foil until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings, but I recommend adding a splash of broth or water to keep rice moist.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?

Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid than white rice, so it’s not ideal for this dump-and-bake method without some adjustments. If you want to use brown rice, I suggest pre-cooking it first or adapting the liquid amounts and bake time, but for simplicity, white rice works best.
Can I substitute fresh broccoli for frozen?

Absolutely! If using fresh broccoli, chop it into bite-sized florets and consider blanching it briefly before adding, since it may take longer to cook through. Frozen broccoli is convenient and gives a consistent texture for this recipe.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup or make your own. Always check labels on broths and seasoning blends if you have gluten sensitivities.
Can I make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe in advance?

You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate it covered for up to 24 hours before baking. Baking time might be slightly longer since the ingredients start cold, so keep an eye on the dish.

Final Thoughts

I’m genuinely excited for you to try this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe because it feels like a true kitchen win—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and a result that feels homemade and special. When I first made it, I was blown away by how the flavors melded and how comforting it was all in one dish. I hope it becomes a cozy staple in your home too and that you enjoy making it just as much as eating it. Don’t be afraid to make it your own with your favorite herbs or a little extra cheese—this recipe invites you to experiment and enjoy the process. Happy cooking!