Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Classic

When it comes to wholesome comfort food, few dishes satisfy like a warm, creamy, and cheesy Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole. This recipe brings together all the ingredients we crave — tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese — all baked together in one dish for the perfect weeknight dinner.

It’s the kind of meal that warms you from the inside out, ideal for busy weeknights, chilly days, or potluck gatherings. Whether you’re using fresh chicken or convenient rotisserie, this dish is adaptable, satisfying, and family-approved.

Craving more comfort food classics? Check out this roundup of family-favorite casseroles or explore how to make creamier casseroles with these tips from The Kitchn.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is more than just a dinner — it’s a complete comfort experience in one baking dish. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your weekly rotation:

✅ Creamy and cheesy, with satisfying texture
✅ One-dish convenience – fewer dishes, more flavor
✅ Customizable with pantry staples
✅ Great for meal prep or freezing
✅ Kid-friendly and picky-eater approved

It’s also a wonderful way to use up leftover chicken or that bag of broccoli in your fridge.

What Is Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole?

This casserole is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors, combining cooked chicken, steamed rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese, all held together with a creamy base made from condensed soup, milk, and sour cream.

It’s often compared to classic church cookbook casseroles — nostalgic, dependable, and so good you’ll want seconds. The topping of buttery Ritz crackers adds a satisfying crunch that brings this comfort food over the top.

Ingredients Overview

Here’s everything you’ll need for the base recipe. You can tweak it with your own favorites (see substitutions below).

Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole

Main Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2½ cups chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1¼ cups uncooked white rice (long grain recommended)
2 cups broccoli florets, fresh and chopped
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Seasonings:

1 tsp dried thyme
½ tsp garlic powder

For the Topping:

1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tbsp melted

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through the process step-by-step so you get perfect results every time.

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Dice chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
In a large pot or skillet, melt butter and sauté chicken until browned on all sides (about 5 minutes).

Step 2: Cook Rice & Broccoli

In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover tightly, and simmer for 7 minutes.
Add broccoli, cover again, and simmer for 8 more minutes. Do not stir.
Turn off heat and let stand for 10 minutes, allowing any remaining moisture to absorb into the rice.

Step 3: Mix Casserole Ingredients

Add cooked chicken (or rotisserie), cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and optional seasonings to the pot.
Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
Mix until well combined.

Step 4: Assemble & Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
Spread the mixture evenly into the dish.
Top with remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.

Optional Topping:

Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
Sprinkle over the top of the casserole for a golden, buttery crunch.

Step 5: Bake

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes if topping is used, until golden and bubbly.

Optional Add-Ins & Substitutions

This casserole is super flexible. Try adding or swapping these ingredients for a twist:

Veggies: Add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or peas.
Cheese: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or parmesan for variation.
Protein: Use shredded turkey, cooked ground chicken, or leftover ham.
Cream Soup: Swap cream of chicken with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for different flavor notes.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Meal prep friendly! You can assemble this casserole ahead of time and bake it later.

Make Ahead:

Assemble the full casserole and cover tightly.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.

After Baking:

Let cool completely.
Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To Freeze:

Freeze the unbaked casserole (without topping) for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight and bake as directed, adding cracker topping just before baking.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is filling on its own, but here are some perfect pairings:

Simple green salad with vinaigrette
Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls
Pickled veggies or crunchy slaw
Applesauce for a kid-friendly twist

Serve with lemon wedges or a dash of hot sauce for extra brightness and zing!

Tips for Perfect Results

Use long grain rice – short grain can become too soft.
Don’t overcook the broccoli – it continues to cook in the oven.
Let the rice sit after cooking to soak up all the liquid.
Don’t skip the cheese topping — it’s what makes the casserole ooey-gooey and crave-worthy.
Double the batch and freeze one for later — future-you will thank you!

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole is a staple in so many homes. It’s warm, filling, comforting, and packed with flavor — everything a casserole should be. It’s also one of those dishes that tastes even better the next day, making it a meal-prep dream.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, planning a potluck dish, or just need something dependable and delicious, this casserole won’t disappoint. With minimal prep and major flavor payoff, it’s a keeper!

For more details, visit the full recipe

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