Name: Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed; 3 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender; 2 cups cooked white or brown rice; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 1 cup milk; 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional); 2 tablespoons melted butter

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

If you’re craving the cozy comfort of a hearty casserole, look no further than this Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Packed with tender chunks of chicken, perfectly steamed broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blanket of gooey cheddar, this one-dish wonder is absolutely perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. Each bite brims with savory, creamy flavor and just the right hint of crunch on top—making it no surprise that this casserole frequently disappears before you can even think about leftovers!

Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is how it brings together simple, accessible ingredients in such a harmonious (and delicious) way. Each item in this lineup plays a crucial role—whether it’s giving structure, creaminess, or that irresistible cheesy pull. Here’s what you’ll need:

Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): Rotisserie or leftover chicken works beautifully for quick assembly and adds hearty protein.
Broccoli florets (3 cups, steamed until just tender): Adds color, nutrition, and a slight crunch to balance the creamy elements.
Cooked rice (2 cups, white or brown): Forms the base of the casserole and helps soak up all that dreamy sauce.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Delivers savory depth and rich, velvety texture to bind everything together.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt (½ cup): For creaminess with a gentle tang—choose whichever suits your preference.
Milk (1 cup): Loosens the mixture and keeps the casserole moist after baking.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups, divided): The hero of this dish, both inside and bubbling on top for that golden finish.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses extra savoriness without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Deepens the flavor and adds subtle, aromatic sweetness.
Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances and brings out all the other flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A touch of heat complements the creamy, cheesy mixture.
Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional topping): Gives an irresistible crunchy finish if you’re in the mood for some contrast.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Helps your crumb topping bake up gorgeously golden and crisp.

How to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—either with a quick spray or a swipe of butter—to ensure your casserole comes out easily and cleans up with minimal effort.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture serves as the luscious backbone of your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, making sure every ingredient gets enveloped in rich, savory goodness.

Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients

Add your cooked chicken, steamed broccoli florets, cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Gently fold everything together with a spatula to ensure chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed and the cheesy sauce gets into every nook and cranny.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Pour the well-mixed casserole base into your prepared baking dish. Use your spatula or the back of a spoon to smooth the top for even baking. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the surface, setting the stage for that irresistible melted-cheese layer.

Step 5: Add the Crunch (Optional)

If you love a bit of extra texture, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of your casserole; this golden crust will emerge beautifully crisp after baking.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the top is meltingly golden. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in—trust me, the wait is worth it!

How to Serve Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Garnishes

For a fresh touch and pop of color, try sprinkling chopped parsley, chives, or even a light dusting of paprika once your casserole comes out of the oven. These little finishing touches not only make your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole look even more inviting, but they add extra flavor and vibrancy to the dish.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a full meal in its own right, but if you’re in the mood to round out your table, pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or a batch of roasted carrots. A crisp, tangy slaw is also a fantastic contrast to the creamy texture of the casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd or want to impress guests, dish individual portions into ramekins or mini casserole dishes for a personalized feel. For easy entertaining, you can even bake your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole in a cast-iron skillet or a colorful ceramic dish—either way, it’ll be the centerpiece of any dinner table!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once everyone’s had their fill, simply cover the leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to four days, making lunches or second-night dinners a breeze.

Freezing

To make this casserole ahead or save any extras, assemble it (but hold off on the crunchy topping) and store, tightly wrapped, in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, add the cracker or breadcrumb topping and bake straight from the freezer, adding a little extra time as needed.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps preserve the texture and keeps the top slightly crisp. If time is short, the microwave works just fine—just cover loosely and heat in short intervals so it stays moist and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?

Absolutely! Just thaw and drain the frozen broccoli thoroughly before mixing it in, so your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole isn’t watery. It’s a great shortcut for busy weeknights.

Is there a gluten-free way to make this?

Yes, you can easily make this casserole gluten-free by using a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and skipping the cracker or breadcrumb topping—or using certified gluten-free alternatives. All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

What’s the best way to add extra flavor?

If you want a bolder punch, stir in a dash of hot sauce, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika before baking. These simple tweaks can elevate your Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole with minimal effort.

Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. When ready to bake, add the topping (if using), and extend the baking time by about 10 minutes to ensure it’s piping hot all the way through.

Is it possible to swap out the chicken for another protein?

You sure can! Cooked turkey works great, especially around the holidays, or try cubed ham for a delicious twist. For a vegetarian version, use sautéed mushrooms or extra broccoli and opt for a creamy vegetarian soup.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about scooping into a bubbling, golden-brown Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. It’s nourishing, crowd-pleasing, and incredibly easy to make your own. I hope you’ll give this family favorite a spot on your dinner table and find as much joy in every cheesy, comforting bite as I do!

Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family meal. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, broccoli, and rice, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
3 cups broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
2 tablespoons melted butter

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, broccoli, rice, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Mix well.
Transfer to Dish: Spread the mixture in the baking dish. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
Add Topping: Optional: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let cool slightly before serving.