This chicken broccoli rice casserole is a super creamy, comfort food favorite with lots of wholesome ingredients and a cheesy breadcrumb topping that’ll make your family smile!
It’s one of those super simple chicken and rice recipes that please even the pickiest palates. It’s a warm, hearty, super creamy dish with a scrumptious cheesy topping.
If you like creamy chicken casseroles like this, try my poppy seed chicken, chicken divan, million dollar chicken casserole, and my Grandma’s chicken noodle casserole next! These are all delish! I promise!! ♥
Commonly Asked Questions:
- Best Type Of Rice To Use? I generally use cooked long-grain white rice. It adds a nice creaminess to the casserole. It’s my family’s favorite and I always have it on hand. You can make it fresh on the stovetop or use leftovers. I like to cook the rice in chicken broth, rather than plain water, so it adds a little extra flavor to the casserole dish. If you don’t want to use white rice, see below. I don’t like to use Minute rice in this recipe. It’s stickier and doesn’t have the same creaminess long grain has.
- Can I Use Brown Rice? Yes, you can! Since this recipe calls for the rice to be cooked you won’t have to make any other adjustments. Brown rice requires a longer cooking time so just consider that when you’re planning. Also, the brown rice will add a nice slightly nutty flavor and a bit more texture to the chicken rice broccoli casserole.
- Can I Use Frozen Broccoli? Yes. Frozen broccoli works well. It will need to be thawed and drained well. I like to wrap mine after it thaws in a clean dish towel and gently, but firmly, wring it to remove most of the water.
- Can I Use Fresh Broccoli? Yes. I like to parboil fresh broccoli until it’s just tender then drain it well before adding it to the casserole. If you add the broccoli without parboiling, it will have more crunch. I’d suggest cutting it into 1/2 inch pieces so it cooks enough as the casserole bakes.
- Best Type Of Chicken To Use? Either cooked chicken breasts or thigh meat work great. I generally use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes: You can substitute cream of chicken with either cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup, or a combination of 2 of these.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredients
- Campbells Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- Sour Cream
- Milk
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Lemon Juice
- Dried Poultry Seasoning
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Chicken
- Broccoli Florets
- Cooked Rice
Topping:
- Cheddar Cheese
- Panko Bread Crumbs
- Thyme Leaves
- Butter
TipsÂ
- Baking Dish – Use a 9×13 baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will make clean-up a breeze.
- Preheating Oven– Ovens preheat differently and some are designed to use both a top and bottom element to preheat quickly. If food is already in the oven, this quick blast of heat can char the outside while leaving the inside raw. So, you definitely want to preheat your oven before baking this to achieve the best results.
Storing + Freezing + Make-Ahead
- How Long Can You Keep This In The Fridge? This can stay in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Can You Freeze This? Yes, and I do this myself. I often make two casseroles and put one in the freezer for later. If you know you’re going to be freezing this, then prepare as directed without the cheesy breadcrumb topping.
- Wrap it up and toss it in the freezer instead of the oven. When you’re ready to pop it in the oven for dinner, that’s when you mix up your savory crunchy topping and cover your casserole.
- Make-Ahead Tips:Â This chicken broccoli casserole is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time the same way you prepare to freeze it.
- Combine your ingredients and spread them into a prepared baking dish. Then cover and toss into the fridge. On dinner night, add your cheesy breadcrumb topping and toss it in the oven. Voila – dinner!
- Reheat Leftover: Preheat oven to 350°F. Place leftovers in a small baking dish and cover with foil. Place in oven until heated through,
Recipe Variations
- Cauliflower: Try switching the broccoli with cauliflower or thawed mixed frozen veggies.
- Bacon: Add some cooked chopped bacon in step 2.
- Ritz: Switch the panko crumbs in the topping with crushed Ritz crackers.
Serving Recommendations
One thing I love about this casserole is it’s a complete meal all on its own. If you want to add a side dish, a simple green salad works nicely, dressed with my balsamic vinaigrette recipe (one of my all-time favorite dressings and it only takes 5 minutes to put together!), or add another vegetable.
Even the kids will love my super easy brown sugar carrots. No one ever says no to biscuits! My Bisquick biscuits are a snap to make and would be a delicious addition!
How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
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In a large mixing bowl, mix the first 8 ingredients until evenly combined.
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Add the chicken, broccoli, and rice and fold.
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Pour into prepared pan. Sprinkle the topping ingredients.
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Bake and serve.
**** See full instructions below.
More Chicken Casseroles Your Family Will Love ♥
- Crack Chicken Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Chicken And Rice CasseroleÂ
- Chicken Stuffing Casserole
- Chicken Tortilla Casserole
- Dorito Chicken CasseroleÂ
- Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
- Chicken and Dumpling Casserole
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken broccoli rice casserole is a hearty creamy favorite with lots of wholesome ingredients and a cheesy breadcrumb topping that’ll make grandma smile!
Servings: 6 Servings
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 cans Campbells condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon dried poultry seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt optional
- 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2-3 cups chicken cooked and cubed or shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets cut into 1/2 inch pieces
- 3 cups cooked rice
Topping:
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1/3 cup butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9X13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large mixing bowl, mix the first 8 ingredients until evenly combined. Add the chicken (2-3 cups), broccoli (3 cups), and rice (3 cups) and fold until evenly coated and ingredients are mixed. Pour into prepared pan.
- Sprinkle the top of the casserole evenly with grated cheese (2 cups). In a small bowl, mix together panko (1 1/2 cups), dried thyme (1 teaspoon), and melted butter (1/3 cup). Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer. Bake in preheated oven 30-35 minutes or until casserole is heated through and panko crumbs are golden brown.
Fans Also Made:
Notes
- Looking for a low carb chicken casserole recipe? The Little Pine has one!
- Baking Dish – Use a 9×13 baking dish and spray it with nonstick cooking spray. This will make clean-up a breeze.
- Preheating Oven– Ovens preheat differently and some are designed to use both a top and bottom element to preheat quickly. If food is already in the oven, this quick blast of heat can char the outside while leaving the inside raw. So, you definitely want to preheat your oven before baking this to achieve the best results.
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This looked so good I decided to try it. And of course I messed up and used a can of cream of chicken and a can of cream of mushroom. The blend tasted good before cooking, so we’ll see how it tastes cooked. I can’t see why it would be nasty, I have used this combo before. But it was a mistake in this instance. I have my fingers crossed.
I hope it turns great, Gordon! Keep us posted! đŸ™‚
When making this recipe do you make the cream of chicken soup by adding water to it or just use the can itself
Hi, Travis. No need to add water. I hope you enjoy! đŸ™‚
Hi,
Thanks so much for this delicious recipe! I also added corn & sauteed onions & garlic, yummy. My question is how would I reheat this without the topping getting soggy or the filling drying out?
Hi Markita, well to be honest there’s no way to avoid the top getting soggy with leftovers. You can heat it in a covered dish in a 350-degree oven. If you feel it’s a little dry, you can add a little bit of milk or even water to the filling. <3
Really delicious! I made sure to cut the broccoli into small pieces. I’ve made it twice in 2 weeks. Definitely a keeper.
Hello! Yay, that’s great! Thank you for letting us know! So happy you made it twice! đŸ™‚
Hi, if I substitute Ritz for topping do you still make the same as breadcrumbs with the butter and other ingredients?
Hi! Yes, I would make it the same way, just substituting the Ritz crumbs for bread crumbs.I hope you enjoy it <3
Delicious!! Must try for anyone considering this recipe. I tried to leave a more lengthy review but it keeps knocking me out twice. New spin on an old favorite. Thank you.
Thanks so much Tamra! Sorry about the system not allowing you to leave a longer review. Technology can be so frustrating sometimes!! I’m so happy you enjoyed the casserole <3
Can you just use normal breadcrumbs?
Hey Beza, Yes, you can đŸ™‚
I made this and it was a big hit with the whole family. I did not add the sour cream though. I also love that you added the nutritional information. Thank you so much for sharing!
Mayra, you’re so very welcome! Thanks for sharing that is was a hit for your family too! <3
Can I make it the night before to bake the next Day?
Yes!
Does it matter if the cooked rice is hot or cold when adding in?
Hi Deb. I generally add it when its at room temperature or straight out of the fridge. đŸ™‚
Hoping to make this for a birthday party this weekend. Just wondering, do you cover the casserole when you bake it?
Hi Judy. No I don’t cover it when I bake it <3
I hate to ask this question in case it is too obvious (well, not to me, I guess! Lol). When using a rotisserie chicken, do you lnclude the skin in the casserole or remove it? Thank you!
That’s a great question, Susan! I personally don’t add the skin to the casserole, but it’s personal preference. Feel free to add it if you like.
My family and I loved this dish. I replaced the cream of chicken soup with homemade cream sauce to reduce sodium and rotisserie chicken, bumped up the amount of thyme to add flavor. Loved it. It’s a go to!
I’m so happy to hear that Cindy <3 I love that you made it with homemade cream sauce!
I made this tonight it was delicious!
I used 1 can creamy chicken soup and 1 can of cream of broccoli soup!
Sound like a delicious combo, Courtney! So glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thanks so much for leaving a comment and a rating <3
Hello, if we use the rotisserie chicken should we still use the poultry seasoning since the chicken is already seasoned? Thanks
Hi Mark. I still use it. Just be really careful not to over salt with rotisserie chicken đŸ™‚
Made this last night and it was delicious! Cut the recipe in half for me and my daughter but followed recipe exactly. Was great for lunch today too!!
Thank you so much, Julie! I’m so happy you and your daughter enjoyed it. It’s some of my favorite comfort food <3
Kathleen it’s in the oven now. Like you I am a home cook to. I will let you know the results.
Hi Larry! Hope you loved the casserole. Its a favorite in our house because it has a lot of creamy sauce tying everything together.
I’ve made this twice now and it’s my husband’s favorite casserole! He hates casseroles usually.
Both times I used crushed cornflakes on the top and that adds a really yummy crunch. I’ve made with 1 can each of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken.
If you have an instapot try making the chicken in bulk in there first and then shredding using a hand mixer. I use the shredded chicken in recipes like this and it’s very good and so easy.
Thanks Christy! I’m so excited o hear that the Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has become your hubbys favorite! Yay! The cornflake topping is a really great idea and a yummy way to change things up. Love the Instant Pot tip <3
If I cut this recipe in half would a 9×9 pan be okay?
Hi Courtney! Yes that would work great <3
What are your tips for making this ahead of time? Can it be frozen?
Hey Joanne. I’m sorry but I haven’t made this one and frozen it. It should work out well though. I’d love to hear back from you if you try it! Sorry I can’t be of more help!
Can freeze but only for 1-2 weeks or chicken gets hard and freezer burnt, this is due to the dairy products in recipe, for we all know that dairy doesn’t freeze well.
Thanks so much Dave! đŸ™‚