When it comes to cozy, soul-warming dinners, nothing beats a classic casserole, right? Especially one that checks all the boxes: creamy, cheesy, hearty, and packed with good-for-you veggies. That’s exactly what this Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole delivers — and then some.
I remember the first time I made this dish. It was one of those frantic weekday evenings when the fridge was looking a little bare, and I needed something fast but filling. I had some pantry staples like canned chicken, instant rice, and a bag of frozen broccoli, and I figured, why not throw it all together? After a little tweaking (and a lot of cheese), this casserole became an instant family favorite. Now, it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to, whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner, a comforting potluck contribution, or a meal-prep hero for busy weeks.
Not only is this casserole simple to whip up, but it’s also incredibly forgiving. Swap ingredients, add toppings, or double the batch — it’s almost impossible to mess up. Plus, it freezes beautifully, which means you can have a warm, homemade meal ready in no time, even on your busiest days.
Let’s dive right in and get this deliciousness going!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 (10.1 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 small white onion, chopped
1 pound processed cheese food
STEPS: Starting Your Casserole
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, it’ll be ready and waiting when your casserole is assembled.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, stir in 2 cups of uncooked instant rice, cover the saucepan, and immediately remove it from the heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes, or until all the water is absorbed and the rice is nice and fluffy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Baking Dish
Now grab your 9×13 inch baking dish — no need to grease it — and start combining your ingredients right there. Add the prepared rice, drained chunk chicken, both cans of condensed soup (cream of mushroom and cream of chicken), 1/4 cup of butter, 1 cup of milk, frozen chopped broccoli (no need to thaw!), chopped onion, and your pound of processed cheese food cut into cubes. Give everything a really good stir so it’s all evenly mixed
How to Bake and Perfect Your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
Now that everything’s mixed and ready in your baking dish, it’s time to transform all those simple ingredients into a creamy, cheesy masterpiece. The great thing about this casserole is how little hands-on work it requires after assembly. Just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want some delicious leftovers for the week, this step is where all the goodness really comes together.
This is also the perfect time to get creative if you’re feeling it — a little extra cheese, some crunchy toppings, maybe even a few seasoning tweaks. I’ll share a few of my favorite add-ons and variations down below too!
STEPS: Baking Your Casserole to Perfection
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
Place your baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 36 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is completely melted, bubbly, and starting to get a little golden around the edges.
Step 5: Stir Halfway Through
About halfway through the baking time (around the 15-18 minute mark), pull the casserole out briefly and give it a good stir. This helps ensure that the cheese melts evenly and that everything stays perfectly combined. Trust me, it’s worth the quick extra step.
Step 6: Add Extra Toppings (Optional)
If you want to take your casserole to the next level, sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking. It’ll melt into a gorgeous cheesy layer that makes every bite even more irresistible.
Or, if you like a little crunch, sprinkle a handful of crushed buttery crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs on top before it goes into the oven. The crispy topping paired with the creamy filling is pure comfort food magic.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Casserole
Use Fresh Ingredients When Possible:
While frozen broccoli and canned chicken make this recipe super convenient, if you happen to have fresh broccoli or leftover rotisserie chicken, feel free to swap them in. Just chop the broccoli into small pieces and lightly steam it before adding.Don’t Skip the Stir:
Stirring halfway through baking isn’t just a suggestion — it really makes a difference. It helps distribute the heat and melt the cheese more evenly, so you don’t end up with clumps of unmelted cheese or unevenly cooked rice.Customize Your Cheeses:
Processed cheese food melts like a dream, but if you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, you can mix in some shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a little pepper jack for a bit of spice.Make it a Full Meal:
Want to pack even more nutrition into your casserole? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, diced red peppers, or even a handful of spinach. The basic recipe is super forgiving and can handle a few extra veggies without a problem.Freezing Instructions:
This casserole freezes beautifully. After baking, let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it, covered, in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
FAQs About Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
Before we wrap things up, let’s cover some of the most common questions people have about this recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions, storage, or how to tweak it to fit your family’s tastes, I’ve got you covered.
FAQ Section
1. Can I use regular rice instead of instant rice?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to cook the rice fully before adding it to the casserole. Instant rice cooks much faster, so regular rice needs to be prepared separately according to its package directions.
2. Can I substitute fresh broccoli for frozen?
Absolutely. Fresh broccoli works great here. Just cut it into small florets and lightly steam or blanch it before adding it to the mixture to make sure it’s tender in the finished dish.
3. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, just pop a portion in the microwave or warm the whole dish in a low oven until heated through.
4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You sure can. Assemble everything up to a day in advance, cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and store it in the fridge. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be starting from cold.
5. How can I make it a little healthier?
To lighten things up, you can use low-fat or fat-free versions of the cream soups, milk, and cheese. Swapping in brown rice for white instant rice (pre-cooked, of course) and adding more veggies like spinach or zucchini are also great ideas.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Definitely. While processed cheese melts beautifully, shredded cheddar, Colby Jack, or even mozzarella can be used depending on the flavor profile you like best. Mixing a few types of cheese can add great depth of flavor too.
7. What sides go well with this casserole?
Honestly, this casserole is a meal all by itself, but if you want a little extra on the plate, a simple green salad or some crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly.
Final Thoughts: Why This Casserole is a Must-Try
There’s just something so comforting about a hearty casserole bubbling away in the oven, filling the house with delicious smells. This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole has it all — creamy sauces, tender chunks of chicken, melty cheese, and wholesome veggies — all baked together in one easy dish. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on when you need something simple yet satisfying, and it’s endlessly adaptable to whatever you have on hand.
Whether you’re making it for a cozy weeknight dinner, prepping meals for the week, or bringing it to a potluck to share with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit. I hope you give it a try and love it as much as my family does.
If you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Feel free to leave a comment, share any tweaks you made, or tell me what delicious variations you came up with. Happy cooking!
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Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole
Description
This Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy soups, tender chicken, and melty cheese with hearty rice and vegetables. It’s a satisfying, all-in-one meal that’s easy to make and perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
2 cups water
2 cups uncooked instant rice
2 (10.1 ounce) cans chunk chicken, drained
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
1/4 cup butter
1 cup milk
1 (16 ounce) package frozen chopped broccoli
1 small white onion, chopped
1 pound processed cheese food
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
In a medium saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Add the instant rice, cover the saucepan, and remove it from the heat. Let the rice stand for 5 minutes until fully absorbed.
In a 9×13 inch baking dish, combine the prepared rice, chunk chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, butter, milk, frozen broccoli, chopped onion, and processed cheese. Mix everything together thoroughly.
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 36 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Stir the casserole halfway through the baking time to help the cheese melt evenly and ensure everything is well combined.
Notes
If you want a little extra flavor, you can sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 10 minutes of baking. For a crunchier texture, add a topping of crushed crackers or buttery breadcrumbs before baking. This casserole also freezes well, making it a great option for meal prep.
