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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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If you’re looking for the ultimate Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, this is the one your family will ask for again and again. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and plenty of melted cheese, this classic chicken broccoli rice casserole is creamy, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice on a plate

This easy chicken, broccoli, and rice casserole is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding picky eaters, or searching for a hearty family dinner casserole recipe, this cheesy chicken and rice bake checks every box. It’s creamy, flavorful, kid-friendly, and makes amazing leftovers — making it one of the best chicken and rice casserole recipes you’ll ever make.

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If you love cozy, family-friendly casseroles like this, be sure to check out My creamy Philly Cheesesteak Casserole, comforting Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Squash Casserole and viral-worthy Dumpling Bake are all easy, crowd-pleasing dinners made with simple ingredients. Whether you’re craving a cheesy beef bake, a creamy chicken casserole, or a quick weeknight one-dish meal, these casserole recipes are perfect for busy nights and guaranteed to become repeat favorites 🥘✨

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Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
  • 1 head broccoli, florets (approximately 2 cups)
  • 2 cloves of garlic
  • 10 oz can of cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 8 oz Cheddar Cheese
  • Ritz Topping:
  • 20 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking your chicken broccoli rice casserole.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  • Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add the uncooked rice, condensed cream soup, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  • Pour in the water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  • Once boiling, remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  • Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  • While the casserole bakes, prepare the buttery Ritz cracker topping by crushing the crackers and mixing them with melted butter until coated.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the Ritz topping evenly over the cheese layer, and return it to the oven.
  • Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  • Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
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Tips & Tricks

for the Best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

  • ✔ Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest texture
  • Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can prevent smooth melting. For the best ultra-creamy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, shred your cheese fresh from the block.
  • ✔ Swap water for chicken broth for extra flavor
  • Using chicken broth instead of water adds deeper flavor to your chicken broccoli rice bake without adding extra work.
  • ✔ Cut broccoli into small, even pieces
  • Smaller florets cook more evenly and blend perfectly into this chicken and rice casserole recipe, ensuring every bite has broccoli and cheese.
  • ✔ Don’t skip covering the casserole tightly
  • Sealing the dish with foil or a lid traps steam, which helps cook the rice properly. This is key for a perfectly tender broccoli rice casserole with chicken.
  • ✔ Let the casserole rest before serving
  • Allowing your easy chicken broccoli rice casserole to sit for 5 minutes after baking helps it thicken and set, making it easier to scoop and serve.
  • ✔ Make it ahead for busy weeknights
  • You can assemble this creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it before baking — perfect for meal prep and family dinners.
  • ✔ Add extra flavor variations
  • Stir in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or a sprinkle of paprika to customize your cheesy chicken and rice casserole.
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FAQs about chicken and rice casserole

Yes, you can substitute frozen broccoli for fresh broccoli in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the casserole.

Absolutely! While Cheddar cheese is commonly used in this recipe, you can experiment with other types of cheese such as mozzarella, Swiss, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.

The casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when properly covered or stored in an airtight container.

Yes, this casserole is freezer-friendly. Once baked, allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

This casserole pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls.

Yes, this casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Simply cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate until needed. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly if baking from cold.

Absolutely! Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas.

Instant rice can be used as a substitute for long-grain rice, but keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as instant rice cooks much faster than long-grain rice.

Yes, leftover cooked chicken can be used in this recipe. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken and add it to the casserole during the assembly step.

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cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice on a plate

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate easy weeknight dinner. Made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and plenty of melted cheese,

Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
  • 1 head broccoli, florets (approximately 2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 8 oz Cheddar Cheese
  • Ritz Topping:
  • 20 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking your chicken broccoli rice casserole.
  2. In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Add the uncooked rice, condensed cream soup, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  5. Pour in the water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
  6. Once boiling, remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
  7. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  8. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  9. While the casserole bakes, prepare the buttery Ritz cracker topping by crushing the crackers and mixing them with melted butter until coated.
  10. Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the Ritz topping evenly over the cheese layer, and return it to the oven.
  11. Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  12. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.

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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1 Amounts Per Serving: Calories: 7903Total Fat: 376gSaturated Fat: 94gUnsaturated Fat: 283gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 14104mgCarbohydrates: 991gFiber: 35gSugar: 123gProtein: 142g

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© Adventures of a Nurse
Cuisine: American / Category: Dinner

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Welcome to the place where my two passions—healthcare and culinary arts—merge. I’m Carla Bushey, and I’ve transitioned from a dedicated nursing career of over 25 years into the dynamic world of food blogging. This space is dedicated to bringing you a treasure trove of recipes, each a testament to the tastes and traditions that resonate with my soul. My home, the beautiful Upstate New York, serves as the backdrop to my culinary creations, often inspired by the rich cultural heritage and the classic Italian cuisine of my hometown, Utica. Dishes like the beloved Chicken Riggies and the comforting Utica Greens are more than just recipes—they are stories, shared from my kitchen to yours.

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