Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that combines tender broccoli, creamy rice, juicy shredded chicken, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese—all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. This casserole is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a side dish for family meals, offering a delicious balance of flavors and textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This casserole is everything you love about comfort food. The creamy rice and chicken mix with fresh broccoli, making it a complete meal that’s filling yet light. The cheddar cheese adds the perfect amount of richness, while the creamy sauce brings it all together in the most satisfying way. It’s easy to make, comes together quickly, and is perfect for meal prepping.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the casserole:
cooked white rice
cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
broccoli florets, steamed
cream of chicken or mushroom soup
sour cream
milk
shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
garlic powder
onion powder
black pepper
paprika (for topping)
salt to taste
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken or mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, then dust lightly with paprika for color.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and golden.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 410 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken for a vegetarian option and add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Add Crunch: For added texture, top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a crunchy topping.
- Swap the Cheese: Use a combination of different cheeses like mozzarella or gouda for a unique twist.
- Low-Fat Version: Use low-fat sour cream and milk for a lighter version of this casserole.
- Spicy Kick: Add some diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for a bit of heat.
Storage and reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, frozen broccoli can be used in place of fresh broccoli. Just make sure to steam it and drain any excess water before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 day before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Can I omit the chicken?
Yes, this casserole is great as a vegetarian dish without the chicken. You can also use cooked turkey as a substitute for chicken.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of crusty bread, a light salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Can I make this gluten-free?
To make this casserole gluten-free, simply use gluten-free cream of chicken or mushroom soup and make sure that the cheese and other ingredients are gluten-free.
Conclusion
Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort food—easy to make, filling, and packed with flavor. The combination of creamy rice, tender chicken (if used), fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese makes for a dish that’s satisfying and wholesome. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight meal or a hearty side dish for a family gathering, this casserole will become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting casserole is packed with creamy rice, tender broccoli, juicy shredded chicken, and loads of gooey cheddar cheese—all baked to golden, bubbly perfection and perfect for an easy dinner or hearty side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (optional)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken or mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for topping)
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Mix well until evenly combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared casserole dish and smooth the top.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top and dust lightly with paprika.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of crispy fried onions on top before baking.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a lower-fat version or a homemade creamy base.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
