Description
A comforting, creamy chicken and broccoli rice casserole perfect for family dinners, with easy make-ahead and freezer options.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked white rice (or 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice)
2 cups cooked or raw boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen, thawed & drained)
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
3/4 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1/2 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
Cooking spray or butter for greasing baking dish
Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
If using uncooked rice, rinse it under cold water and cook according to package instructions, or set aside rinsed uncooked rice for baking with extra liquid. Prepare chicken by cutting into bite-sized cubes; if starting raw, season lightly with salt and pepper.
Steam or blanch broccoli florets briefly if using fresh, or thaw and drain thoroughly if using frozen.
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, 3/4 cup shredded cheddar, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
Add the cooked (or uncooked) rice, chicken, and broccoli to the bowl. Mix until evenly coated with the sauce.
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. If desired, lightly mix in the dish for even distribution.
In a small bowl, combine panko or cracker crumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the casserole. Top with remaining 1/4 cup cheddar.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes (or 40–50 minutes if using raw chicken and uncooked rice), until the casserole is bubbly, topping is golden, and chicken has reached 165°F internally.
Remove from oven and let sit 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Notes
This recipe was AI-assisted and has not been independently kitchen-tested. For best results, adjust liquid and bake time if using uncooked rice or chicken. Check internal temperature for food safety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 of casserole
Keywords: chicken casserole recipes, creamy chicken and broccoli casserole, easy chicken rice bake, weeknight casserole