When the week feels especially long and the day has stretched just a bit too thin, this Cheesy Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole steps in like a warm hug. There’s something about the golden crust forming over the bubbling cheese that pulls you right into the kitchen. I can almost hear the soft crackling as I pull it from the oven, the scent of garlic and melted cheddar filling every corner of the house. Somehow, the broccoli stays crisp enough to remind you it’s there, nestled among tender chicken and fluffy rice, offering a little green surprise in each bite.

One evening, I remember getting a bit distracted by a phone call just as the timer went off. I barely managed to turn off the oven before it started to brown a little more than I planned. But honestly, that extra crust just made it feel even more homemade. The first spoonful was a bit too hot, and I burned my tongue—classic me—but it didn’t stop me from going back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love It:

Comfort food that feels like a homemade hug without hours in the kitchen.
Balances hearty protein and veggies in one satisfying dish.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fancy ingredients, just good flavors.
Perfect for leftovers, making next-day lunches a breeze.
Offers a cheesy crust that’s delightfully uneven, just like a real casserole should be.

Even if you’re not a seasoned cook, this casserole is forgiving. You can tweak it a bit here and there without losing what makes it so comforting.

Cheesy Chicken Rice Broccoli Casserole

Print Recipe

A comforting and hearty casserole combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, nutritious broccoli, and a rich cheesy sauce baked to perfection.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups cooked white rice
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
3 cups fresh broccoli florets
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Steam the broccoli florets until tender but still crisp, about 4-5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, sautéed onions and garlic, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until fully combined.
Stir in 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 3/4 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Kitchen Notes: I usually bake this in a standard casserole dish, but it works just as well in a slightly smaller or larger pan—just keep an eye on the bake time. Serving it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread turns it into a full meal without much extra effort. If you want to switch things up, try swapping the broccoli for cauliflower or adding a handful of sautéed mushrooms. I haven’t tested all these variations extensively, but they seem like good ideas to keep leftovers interesting. Sometimes I even add a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of a kick, though that’s definitely not for everyone.

FAQ:

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it’s great for prepping in advance and baking when you’re ready.

Can I freeze leftovers? Absolutely, just thaw overnight before reheating.

What’s the best way to reheat? Microwaving works fine for individual portions, but the oven helps keep the top nice and crispy.

When you’re ready for a meal that feels like a quiet moment of comfort, come back to this casserole. Save it, print it out, and make it your own little tradition.