Name: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion (chopped); 2 chicken breasts (cut into small cubes); ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 4 cloves garlic (minced); ¾ cup rice (uncooked, preferably long grain); 10 ounces cream of chicken soup (1 can); 2 cups chicken broth (low sodium); 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup cheddar cheese; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped)

Jump to Recipe·5 from 28 reviews

When I want a comforting, all-in-one meal that feels like a warm hug, my go-to is this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s wonderfully creamy, packed with protein and veggies, and, the best part? It all comes together in just one pot—less clean-up, more time to enjoy. I’m excited to walk you through exactly how I make it every time because trust me, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too.

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Why This Recipe Works

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes and less hassle.
Balanced Flavors: The creamy chicken soup base combines perfectly with sautéed garlic and tender broccoli for comforting taste.
Customization Friendly: You can easily swap veggies or cheese to fit your family’s preferences.
Perfect Texture: Using long grain rice keeps things fluffy rather than mushy, so every bite is satisfying.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli bake, creamy chicken rice casserole, one-pot chicken broccoli dinner, quick healthy casserole - The image shows a close-up of a dish in a white speckled pan filled with a cheesy mixture. The dish has two main layers: at the bottom, tender pieces of light brown chicken mixed with white rice; on top, bright green broccoli florets are scattered evenly. A thick layer of melted yellow cheese covers the whole dish, with some green herbs sprinkled on top. A metal spoon lifts a portion, showing the mix of chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese together. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe really comes down to the balance of simple, fresh ingredients. Each plays its part in building flavor and texture, so grabbing quality basics will set you up for success.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness to sauté the onions and chicken without overpowering.
Small onion: Provides a gentle sweetness to the base flavor.
Chicken breasts: Lean protein that tenderizes nicely when cubed and browned.
Salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance all flavors.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; use freshly minced for best results.
Rice: Long grain rice is ideal here for fluffy, separate grains.
Cream of chicken soup: The creamy binder that keeps everything luscious and flavorful.
Chicken broth: Liquid to cook the rice and layer extra savory notes.
Broccoli florets: Fresh, bright veggies that soften just right without getting mushy.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp and melty, it adds a gooey, irresistible finish.
Fresh parsley: A touch of freshness and color at the end.

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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.

Make It Your Way

I always encourage tweaking recipes to fit your tastes and pantry! With this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, I like to switch up the veggies or play with different types of cheese. It’s so adaptable.

Variation: Sometimes I add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra texture and color, and it always turns out fantastic.
Dairy-free option: If you want to skip cheese, try a blend of nutritional yeast and dairy-free cream soup for a similar savory vibe.
Rice swap: Brown rice works too but you’ll need to add extra cooking time and broth.
Spice it up: A pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne adds a subtle kick that wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Chicken to Build Flavor

I start by heating olive oil in a large oven-proof skillet over medium heat. Toss in the chopped onion and cubed chicken breasts. You’ll want to cook for about 5 minutes until the chicken is lightly browned and no longer pink—this step gets those lovely caramelized bits that add so much flavor. Season with salt and pepper now so the chicken is nicely seasoned through. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds more until it smells amazing. Be careful not to burn the garlic here—it goes from fragrant to bitter quickly!

Step 2: Add Rice, Soup, and Broth – Let the Magic Begin

Next up, stir in the uncooked long grain rice, cream of chicken soup, and chicken broth. I usually start with 2 cups of broth, but keep some extra handy—you might need a splash more depending on your rice and stove. Bring everything to a boil, then cover and reduce the heat to medium-low. This step is the heart of the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe: time to let the rice absorb all those comforting savory flavors while cooking tender.

Step 3: Cook Until Rice is Tender, Then Add Broccoli and Cheese

After about 15 minutes (stir occasionally so it doesn’t stick), check the rice—should be nice and tender but still a bit firm to the bite. Taste and adjust seasoning if you need to. Then, sprinkle the broccoli florets and half the shredded cheddar cheese over the creamy rice mixture. Cover again and cook another 2 minutes, just enough so the broccoli steams but stays vibrant green. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and pop the skillet under the broiler for a couple minutes until the cheese melts and gets those delightful golden brown spots.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve Warm

Right after broiling, I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh note that balances the cheese. Grab your fork, dig in, and enjoy that creamy, cheesy bliss!

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Adding it last during sautéing keeps the flavor fresh without burning.
Long Grain Rice is Your Friend: It gives you fluffy grains that soak up flavor without turning mushy.
Broil for That Perfect Cheese Crust: The final broiler step turns simple melted cheese into something irresistible.
Cover While Cooking Rice: Keeping a lid on traps steam, cooking rice evenly and keeping it moist.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I always finish with freshly chopped parsley – it adds that fresh, herbal note and brightens up the whole dish. Sometimes, if I’m feeling fancy, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a squeeze of lemon juice wakes up the flavors beautifully. It’s those little touches that make it feel special.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a meal on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple crisp side salad or garlic bread to round it out. Steamed green beans or a light cucumber salad adds a fresh crunch that balances the creamy richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or dinner parties, I’ve served this casserole family-style right in a rustic cast-iron skillet on the table. It creates such a cozy vibe. You can also try individual ramekins for a cute portioned presentation that’s perfect for guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they keep well for up to 3 days. I’ve found the casserole actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld even more. Just be sure to cover it tightly to keep the rice from drying out.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I usually make a double batch and portion it out in freezer-safe containers. When I want a quick dinner, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it gently the next day.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. This helps maintain the creamy texture and keeps the broccoli from getting mushy. You can also microwave single portions covered with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry very well so the casserole isn’t watery. Add it towards the end to prevent it from overcooking and turning mushy.
What type of rice works best for this casserole?

I recommend using long grain rice like Basmati because it stays fluffy and separate. Short grain rice tends to get creamier, which can change the texture. Brown rice can be used but requires longer cooking and more liquid.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep everything up to combining the rice with liquids, then cover and refrigerate overnight. When you’re ready, just cook it as usual and enjoy fresh comfort food.
Is this casserole suitable for kids?

Yes, it’s a kid-friendly dish—cheesy, mild, and packed with familiar flavors. You can adjust veggies or cheese types to suit picky eaters as needed.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap the chicken breasts for hearty vegetables like mushrooms and cauliflower, and use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken-based ones. The cheese and rice will keep it comforting and filling.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that I turn to when I want something simple, satisfying, and made with love. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a cozy meal that feeds the whole family without fuss. Plus, the cheesy, creamy texture mixed with tender chicken and fresh broccoli hits all the right notes. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, you’ll want to keep it in your dinner rotation!