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 (or cuts); 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese; Kosher salt, to taste; Ground black pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ¼ teaspoon onion powder; Herbs such as thyme, rosemary, basil, oregano, chives, parsley, or seasoned salt, as desired; Chopped fresh herbs such as parsley or thyme

If you’re craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious without spending hours in the kitchen, then this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how everything cooks together in one dish—chicken, broccoli, and rice all in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s one of those go-to meals that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Convenience: Everything cooks in a single dish, saving you from piles of dirty pots and pans.
Family-Friendly Flavors: Chicken, broccoli, and cheddar come together for a comforting, kid-approved meal.
Customizable and Flexible: You can swap in your favorite herbs or use chicken thighs if you like richer meat.
Foolproof and Easy: No pre-cooking required — just dump, bake, and enjoy!

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, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Healthy Chicken Broccoli Dinner

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients all work together so nicely that the casserole turns out creamy, flavorful, and filling without any fuss. When shopping, pick fresh broccoli or frozen baby broccoli florets (they cook quickly), and don’t worry if your chicken is a little thicker cut — it’ll cook just fine in the oven!

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, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Healthy Chicken Broccoli Dinner

Condensed cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy base; store-bought works perfectly to keep things simple.
Chicken broth, water, or milk: Broth adds extra flavor, but water or milk work in a pinch.
Uncooked long grain white rice: Absorbs all the cozy flavors while cooking completely in the casserole.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs: I prefer thighs for juicier results, but breasts work just as well.
Frozen baby broccoli florets: Frozen saves prep time and still taste fresh after baking.
Sharp cheddar cheese: Gives a melty, cheesy topping that your whole family will adore.
Kosher salt and ground black pepper: Seasoning is key to bringing everything together.
Optional herbs and seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add extra depth.

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 tweaking this Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what flavors I’m craving. Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own — it’s incredibly forgiving!

Swap the chicken cuts: Using chicken thighs adds richness and keeps the meat juicy; I discovered this trick after drying out breasts once!
Use brown rice: For a nuttier flavor and more fiber, you can swap brown rice but expect a longer baking time.
Add different veggies: Try cauliflower, chopped carrots, or bell peppers to boost color and nutrients.
Spice it up: A dash of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes works wonders if you like a little heat.

How to Make Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Mix Your Base in the Baking Dish

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray your 9 x 13-inch baking dish with some nonstick cooking spray—trust me, this helps with cleanup. Then, whisk together the cream of chicken soup and your chicken broth (or milk/water if you prefer). I like to really stir this until it’s smooth because it makes sure the rice cooks evenly and everything tastes luscious.

Step 2: Add Rice, Chicken, and Broccoli

Next, stir in your uncooked rice, diced chicken, and frozen broccoli florets. Season generously with salt and pepper—about ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper to start, plus any herbs or garlic/onion powders you love. Give it a good stir so everything is combined well. I always sneak in some garlic powder and onion powder because they lift the flavors beautifully.

Step 3: Cover and Bake

Now cover your dish tightly with foil so the moisture stays in and bake for about 55-60 minutes. This is where the magic happens — the chicken cooks through, the rice softens, and the broccoli steams perfectly. Halfway through, you’ll want to peek but try not to lift the foil too often because that lets heat escape. After an hour, check the rice with a fork; if it’s still too firm, pop it back in for another 5-10 minutes but watch carefully to avoid mush.

Step 4: Add Cheese and Finish Baking

Once the rice and chicken are tender, sprinkle sharp cheddar cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven uncovered for just a few minutes until the cheese melts into gooey goodness. This step makes all the difference in winning your family’s hearts!

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, chop some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme and sprinkle on top for a burst of color and freshness before serving. It’s these little touches that make the dish feel special without extra effort.

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Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Don’t Rush the Bake Time: The bake time is key for tender rice and cooked chicken—adding extra minutes is better than cutting it short.
Use Sharp Cheddar Cheese: It melts beautifully and adds a flavor punch that mild cheeses just don’t deliver.
Frozen Broccoli Saves Prep Time: I prefer frozen florets here because they bake nicely without turning mushy.
Cover Tightly With Foil: This traps steam that cooks everything evenly—don’t peek too often to keep the heat in.

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, One-Pot Chicken and Rice, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, Healthy Chicken Broccoli Dinner

Garnishes

I love adding freshly chopped parsley or thyme right before serving—these herbs brighten up the casserole with a fresh, vibrant kick. Sometimes I toss on a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes if I’m feeling adventurous.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I usually pair it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to round out the meal. Roasted carrots or a light cucumber salad also work beautifully if you want even more veggies.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve scoops in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled for a minute so they get that perfect golden crust. It feels fancy but is super easy to do!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they usually last well for 3-4 days. The casserole firms up a bit when chilled, so I recommend reheating it gently to bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes great — just portion it into freezer-safe containers before baking or freeze cooked leftovers. When you thaw and reheat, it still tastes fresh and delicious, making it perfect for meal prep days.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F wrapped with foil to keep moisture in until warm. Avoid microwaving too long or it can dry out—I learned this the hard way but now I stick to the oven method for best results.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use brown rice, but keep in mind it will need a longer baking time (closer to 1 hour and 15 minutes) and might require a bit more liquid to cook fully. I’d recommend testing it once and adjusting the moisture and time for your oven.
Do I have to cook the chicken or broccoli before baking?

Nope! This recipe is designed for uncooked chicken and frozen broccoli to cook right in the casserole. Just make sure the chicken is diced small enough to cook through within the baking time.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup substitute and a dairy-free cheese alternative or skip the cheese topping altogether. Using broth instead of milk keeps it light and allergy-friendly.
How can I add more veggies to the casserole?

You can mix in chopped carrots, celery, mushrooms, or bell peppers along with the broccoli. Just keep the veggie pieces small so they cook evenly within the baking time.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become one of my family’s absolute favorites because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something wholesome but don’t want to slave over the stove. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s one of those feel-good meals that always hits the spot and brings everyone back to the table with smiles. Give it a try, and I’d love to hear how you personalize it!