Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy weeknight dinner that turns an often hated vegetable into one everyone loves!

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A cheesy chicken broccoli rice can be a pure comfort food for your whole family. Simplify making this dish with my recipe and enjoy an easy dinner on busy days.

Dinners can be simple and fun if your recipes don’t take too much prep work, and this casserole recipe ticks that box on weeknights. It’s one of those easy family dinners that are nutritious, fulfilling, and good for picky eaters too.

Feeding broccoli to little ones can be a task! Adding cheese usually helps, like I do in my Roasted Broccoli with Parmesan and these Cheesy Broccoli Bites. Those are side dishes, though.

What about getting the kids to love broccoli incorporated into the main dish? Try this casserole, and you must might be surprised that it becomes one of their favorite meals. There’s a creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and bite-sized pieces of broccoli and chicken to make it a complete meal. If you also want to make a delicious dinner that makes everyone ask for seconds, stick around and let’s this chicken broccoli casserole with a cheesy sauce and white rice.

What Makes This the Perfect Weeknight Casserole

If you have leftover chicken, rice, or veggies, a cheesy casserole is the best way to turn them into something delicious. Even if you don’t have any of those things leftover, this is a super easy and straightforward recipe. Also, a baked rice dish is a great way to feed your family some veggies. Let me share the reasons I count this dish among the best things to serve on busy evenings:

Simple Ingredients: I usually keep white rice, veggies, and some raw chicken on hand, so I don’t have to run to the store for extra items. This recipe uses basic staples, including onion powder and fresh garlic, which add extra aroma without extra effort. I sometimes include frozen broccoli for added convenience when I don’t have fresh broccoli florets around.

Quick Assembly: It doesn’t take longer cooking time if you plan well. You can use instant rice to speed things up even more, but white rice cooks quickly anyway. My family wants something tasty after work or school, and this casserole fits the bill. I rarely spend more than 15 minutes on prep, and then the oven does the rest. If you have leftover cooked chicken, it blends right in, which saves even more time.

Versatile Protein Choices: You can use skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or even the rotisserie chicken if you have some at home. I prefer to make this recipe with fresh chicken as I like browning my meat from scratch. I prefer chopping it into bite-sized pieces that stay juicy.

Handy for Leftovers: If I have leftover rice from last night, I toss it into the casserole. Leftover veggies, such as green beans, also work well. You can store any remaining servings in an airtight container for the next day’s lunch or dinner. Reheating it remains simple, and the flavors stay intact.

Great to Meal Prep or Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole, place it in the fridge, and finish baking it at dinner time. Alternatively, you can make the whole thing ahead of time and reheat at dinner time.

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

You only need some simple ingredients to make this broccoli casserole that’s loaded with flavors. And the best thing is, instead of using multiple pots, you can prepare this rice recipe in a single pot. Here’s what you need for this chicken casserole:

Broccoli florets: They keep the dish nutritious and add color.
Longgrain white rice: It gives a nice texture without becoming mushy.
Chicken stock: Adds flavor and moisture to the rice.
Garlic powder: For a mild kick without overpowering the casserole.
Paprika: It contributes a subtle smoky taste and color.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into small pieces: They cook quickly and stay tender.
Olive oil: For sautéing.
Butter: To get more richness in the sauce and works with to thicken it.
Flour: It thickens the sauce for a smooth finish.
Whole milk: To get a silky consistency and creaminess in the base.
Shredded white sharp cheddar cheese: It melts well and adds a tangy flavor. I recommend shredding your own cheese as it melts the best.
Grated parmesan cheese: For that savory boost on top of everything.

My Fail-Proof Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Find the full ingredient list with instructions in the recipe card below. This is a printable recipe card for your convenience. Here are the step-by-step instructions with photos.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Place the broccoli florets into a medium casserole dish that’s been sprayed with cooking oil. Set aside.
Put 1 1/2 cups white rice and 3 cups chicken stock in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the pan. Allow the rice to cook for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat and allow it to sit covered until ready to assemble the casserole.
Meanwhile, combine 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder. and 1/2 teaspoon paprika in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the chicken pieces and toss to evenly coat the chicken in the seasoning.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sauté until they are browned and just cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Add the cooked chicken to the casserole dish with the broccoli.
To the same pan where you sautéed the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Add the 2 tablespoons of flour and salt and whisk to form a paste. Cook the flour for about a minute.
Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk and then 1 cup chicken stock, and allow to cook, while whisking, about 2 minutes.
Add 1 3/4 cup shredded cheddar and stir until the cheese is melted. Turn off the heat.
Add the rice to the casserole dish with the broccoli and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over everything and stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Top with the remaining 3/4 cup shredded cheddar and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes, then serve.

I hope you love this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole and it becomes a dinnertime staple for your family! If you try it (or any of my healthy recipes), please leave a comment and star rating–it’s so helpful! Share a photo of these on Instagram so I can see and I’d love to feature you.

Variations–Ways to Customize Your Broccoli Casserole

If you have picky eaters at home or want to try different ingredients while making a cozy weeknight casserole, this one is the most forgiving recipe. Here are a few variations you can do with this easy casserole recipe and enjoy an easy dinner whenever you want something comforting:

Change the Protein

You can keep it traditional with diced chicken or go for a vegetarian twist. I have tried ground turkey in place of chicken, and the flavors still stand out. Some cooks prepare this as a crock pot chicken broccoli meal by layering everything in a slow cooker and letting it simmer. That way, you skip extra pans and let the pot handle the cooking. The casserole turns out moist, and each bite is still satisfying.

Boost the Vegetables

You can also swap the standard broccoli with cauliflower or add carrots for extra color. Adding peas or mushrooms also works well. If I feel like it, I also include bell peppers for a pop of flavor or mix in leftover veggies from another meal if you have some on hand. The casserole has enough sauce to coat most vegetables, so it never tastes dry. Such variety keeps the dish interesting and makes it healthier.

Try Different Grains

You can use quinoa or barley, but I stick to classic rice most of the time. If you want a slightly different texture, you can replace regular rice with brown rice. The dish may need a bit more liquid, but it will still cook nicely. Another hack is to pre cook your rice halfway if you worry about dryness—you can also stir in a little more broth if you notice the casserole getting too thick.

Spice Up the Sauce

I sometimes prepare a simple creamy cheese sauce by whisking milk, cheese, and a bit of butter in a separate pan. That sauce melts evenly into the casserole and gives it a smooth finish. You can add chili flakes, curry powder, or other seasonings for a different flavor profile. I also like to adjust the thickness by adding a small amount of broth if I want it thinner. The final dish tastes great either way.

Go for a Crunchy Topping

You can also top the casserole with breadcrumbs or extra cheese if you want a crispy layer. Or, sprinkle crushed crackers on top for a little more crunch. Some people add sliced almonds, while others bake the dish uncovered for a few extra minutes to brown the top. I keep it simple, but I do like the extra texture from a quick topping now and then. It gives the casserole a pleasing contrast in every bite.

FAQs

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes. For that, transfer leftover portions to a sturdy container once the casserole cools. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge before reheating in the oven. You may need to add a splash of stock to keep the rice from drying out.

Do I need to pre-cook the chicken?

Yes, you need to cook the chicken before adding to the casserole. If you want to save time, use leftover or store-bought cooked chicken. Both methods keep the meat moist when you mix in enough sauce or broth.

How do I avoid a dry casserole?

Make sure you have enough liquid and you don’t overcook the casserole. If it seems like it’s too dry, you can add some extra chicken broth before or during the baking time.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

What Makes This the Perfect Weeknight Casserole

Ingredients Needed for Chicken Broccoli Cheese Rice Casserole

My Fail-Proof Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe