Here’s a classic, creamy, comforting Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole—a true Southern-style favorite that’s easy to make and perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
🥦🍗 Broccoli Rice Chicken & Cheese Casserole
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, jasmine, or brown)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh steamed or frozen thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust as needed)
- Optional: 1/4 cup diced onions, 1/2 tsp paprika, crushed Ritz crackers for topping
Instructions
1. Preheat Oven:
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the Broccoli:
- If using fresh broccoli, steam it for 4–5 minutes until just tender.
- If using frozen, thaw and drain well.
3. Mix the Casserole Base:
- In a large bowl, combine:
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Stir until smooth.
4. Add the Main Ingredients:
- Fold in the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
- Mix until well combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly into your baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with extra cheddar cheese.
- Optional: Add a layer of crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs for a crunchy topping.
6. Bake:
- Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and cheese on top is melted and golden.
7. Serve:
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy as a full meal or serve with a side salad or rolls.
Tips & Variations:
- Extra creamy: Add 4 oz softened cream cheese to the mixture.
- More flavor: Mix in 1/2 cup sautéed onions, celery, or mushrooms.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of cayenne or use pepper jack cheese.
- Rotisserie chicken: Saves time and adds more flavor.
- One-pot shortcut: Cook broccoli, rice, and chicken together in one pot before mixing ingredients.
This Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole is cozy, creamy, cheesy, and guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Want a no-soup-from-a-can version or crockpot version? I can give you those too!
