Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced; 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown); 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or lightly blanched); 2 tablespoons butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 1 cup milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk); 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food—a warm, bubbly, and satisfying dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, crisp broccoli, and a cheesy homemade sauce. It's hearty, wholesome, and incredibly easy to throw together, making it a regular on my weeknight dinner rotation.

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or lightly blanched)

2 tablespoons butter

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup milk (or unsweetened non-dairy milk)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional for flavor)

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon black pepper

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish.

In a large skillet, I melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing for 3–4 minutes until soft.

I stir in the flour to make a roux and let it cook for about a minute. Then I gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until the sauce is smooth.

I add Dijon mustard (when using), salt, and pepper, and let the sauce simmer for 3–5 minutes until it thickens.

I stir in 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese and let it melt completely into the sauce.

In a large bowl, I combine the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheese sauce, mixing until everything is coated evenly.

I transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top.

I bake it for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.

I let it cool slightly before serving it warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap the chicken for turkey, especially after the holidays.

For a vegetarian twist, I leave out the meat and add extra veggies like mushrooms or carrots.

I like using pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.

For extra creaminess, I mix in a dollop of sour cream or a few spoonfuls of cream cheese to the sauce.

When I want more crunch, I top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I use the microwave or warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. If it seems a little dry, I stir in a splash of milk or broth before reheating. This casserole also freezes well—I portion it into containers and freeze for up to 3 months. I just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as usual.

FAQs

How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

I make sure not to overbake it and use enough creamy sauce to keep everything moist. If I’m reheating leftovers, I add a little milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often assemble it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time since it's starting cold.

What’s the best chicken to use?

I like using leftover rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken breast or thighs. It saves time and adds flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Absolutely. I thaw and drain it well before mixing it into the casserole to avoid extra moisture.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

Yes, I’ve used unsweetened almond or oat milk and dairy-free cheese alternatives with good results. The flavor changes slightly but still turns out creamy and satisfying.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is a cozy, no-fuss meal that brings warmth to any table. I love how easy it is to prepare and how adaptable it is to whatever I have on hand. Whether I’m feeding a family or looking for simple leftovers, this recipe always delivers on flavor and comfort.

Recipe:

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is the ultimate comfort food, made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, crisp broccoli, and a cheesy homemade sauce. It's hearty, wholesome, and easy to prepare, ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk until the sauce is smooth.
Add Dijon mustard (if using), salt, and pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Stir in 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese and let it melt completely.
In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, and the cheese sauce. Mix well until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar cheese and Parmesan on top.
Bake for 20–25 minutes until the top is golden and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Let cool slightly before serving warm.