Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

What makes this casserole irresistible is its balance of flavors and textures. The seasoned chicken provides a hearty base, while the steamed broccoli adds a fresh, nutritious touch. The creamy cheese sauce pulls everything together in a savory, smooth coating that is perfectly complemented by a generous cheesy topping. It’s an all-in-one meal that’s both satisfying and filling, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time—ideal for busy days when you need a comforting dish to feed a crowd.

Ingredients

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

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)

• 1 teaspoon seasoning salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Rice

• 2 cups water

• ¾ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 cup Long-grain rice (Basmati preferred)

Cheese Sauce

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• ¼ cup onions, finely diced

• ¼ cup celery, finely diced

• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced

• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups chicken broth (Better Than Bouillon recommended)

• 1 teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon celery salt

• 1½ cups whole milk

• 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (sharp cheddar preferred)

Mixed Cheese Topping

• 2½ cups freshly shredded mixed cheese (½ mozzarella and ½ sharp cheddar)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Dice the chicken into small pieces. In a small bowl, mix seasoning salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle the seasoning over the chicken and toss to coat. Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and cook the chicken until fully done. Remove the chicken and place it in a large bowl with the broccoli. Set aside.

2. Make the Rice: In a pot, bring water, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to a boil. Stir in the rice, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 10-12 minutes until the rice is tender and the water is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 10-12 minutes. Add the cooked rice to the bowl with the chicken and broccoli. Toss to combine and set aside.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter and set aside. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced onions and celery and cook until tender. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter and melt. Whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes until bubbling and golden.

4. Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the chicken broth, stirring constantly. Add black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Pour in the milk and let the mixture simmer until it thickens to a chowder-like consistency. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.

5. Combine and Bake: Pour the sauce into the bowl with the chicken, rice, and broccoli, and toss until evenly coated. Spread half of this mixture into the prepared casserole dish, then top with half of the shredded mixed cheese. Repeat the layers. Place the dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes, then broil on low until the cheese is golden and bubbly, watching carefully to prevent burning.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.

• Use Different Cheeses: While cheddar and mozzarella are standard, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, provolone, or parmesan for a unique flavor profile.

• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick to the dish.

• Gluten-Free: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: This casserole can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake at 350°F until heated through, about 25-30 minutes.

• Reheating: To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly in this casserole, adding a bit more moisture and flavor.

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen broccoli can be used. Just make sure to steam or microwave it before adding it to the casserole.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

The recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the flour in the cheese sauce. However, you can substitute gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes, you can substitute basmati with any long-grain rice or even short-grain rice, but the cooking time may vary.

What type of cheese should I use?

Cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but you can experiment with different varieties like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even gouda for different flavors.

Can I double the recipe for a larger group?

Yes, you can double the ingredients and bake it in a larger casserole dish, adjusting the baking time as needed.

How do I avoid the casserole from being too dry?

Make sure to add enough sauce to coat all the ingredients. If it looks dry, you can always add a little more milk or chicken broth to the mixture before baking.

Can I add cream cheese to the sauce?

Yes, adding a bit of cream cheese will make the sauce even creamier and richer. You can substitute part of the milk with cream cheese for extra creaminess.

Can I add some crunch on top?

Absolutely! Top the casserole with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for an extra crunchy texture.

Conclusion

This Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that brings together the best flavors in one easy-to-make meal. With tender chicken, savory cheese sauce, and a crispy cheese topping, it's the kind of dish that will satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a large family or meal prepping for the week, this casserole will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy!