Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Introduction

There’s a reason comfort food never goes out of style, and this Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole sits at the top of the list. Creamy, cheesy, and delightfully hearty, this classic dish combines juicy chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice, all enveloped in a rich cheese sauce. Its satisfying flavors and one-pan nature make it a reliable crowd-pleaser for busy weeknights, family potlucks, or when you just crave a cozy, home-cooked meal.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole

This casserole is the ultimate answer to “what’s for dinner?” It transforms simple ingredients into a bubbling, golden-topped dish that appeals to both kids and adults. The gooey cheese threads, the subtle bite of broccoli, and the perfectly seasoned chicken ensure there’s something irresistible in every forkful. Plus, it’s a make-ahead hero and reheats beautifully—ideal for meal prepping or no-fuss leftovers.

Making Your Prep Effortless

Efficiency is key when prepping a casserole with multiple components. For effortless dicing, speed up veg prep with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper, which makes quick work of chopping onions and mincing garlic. When ready to sauté ingredients, a sturdy nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet ensures even cooking with minimal cleanup. And to avoid sticking or burning when baking, line your casserole dish with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for an easy lift and quick cleanup.

Tips for a Perfect Bake

Ensure the chicken remains juicy by shredding or dicing it uniformly for even cooking—using a reliable Chicken Shredder Tool can save time and effort here. Blanch broccoli briefly before assembling the casserole to keep it vibrantly green and tender. Opt for freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded versions contain anti-caking agents that affect texture. Lastly, let the casserole rest for at least 10 minutes after baking; this helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve neat portions.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

This casserole makes a satisfying one-dish meal, but you can serve it with a crisp side salad and refreshing drink, kept cool in a Stanley Quencher ProTour Flip Straw Tumbler. Store leftovers in airtight containers like the Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, which keep your portions fresh and easy to reheat throughout the week.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe makes 6 generous servings, with each containing approximately 425–500 calories, depending on cheese and sauce choices. You’ll get a balanced mix of protein from chicken, fiber-rich veggies from broccoli, and carbs for energy—all working together to keep you satisfied.

Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Recap)

Rich, creamy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients, this casserole delivers ultimate comfort in every bite. The balance of chicken, broccoli, rice, and gooey cheese ensures this dish won’t last long at your table—perfect for feeding hungry families or meal-prepping for the week ahead.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or line it with a sheet from the Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll.
2. Heat olive oil in your SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft, about 3–4 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken (shredded in seconds with the Chicken Shredder Tool), broccoli, cooked rice, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Spread mixture evenly in your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and casserole is bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired. Enjoy warm with extra side salad or crusty bread.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

This Cheesy Baked Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole showcases how comforting and crave-worthy easy dinners can be, especially when you work smart and let the right tools do some heavy lifting.