If you’re anything like me, you love recipes that combine simplicity, flavor, and a little bit of that nostalgic comfort food charm. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is all of that—and then some. It’s one of those dishes that comes together with ease, satisfies even the pickiest eaters, and works perfectly for everything from busy weeknight dinners to potluck showstoppers.

I’ll admit, casseroles hold a special place in my heart. There’s just something magical about a meal baked to bubbly, golden perfection in one dish. Growing up, casseroles meant family, warmth, and the undeniable smell of dinner being made with love. This recipe takes me right back to those moments, and I’m thrilled to share it with you!

Let’s dive into what makes this casserole irresistible and start putting it all together.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the ultimate trifecta: creamy, cheesy, and crunchy! You’ll love how the tender chicken pairs with the slight bite of broccoli, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce. The topping of buttery, golden cornflakes adds the perfect crispy contrast. Best of all? It’s quick, easy, and makes cleanup a breeze—hello, one-dish wonder!

Getting Started: Ingredients for Success

Before we start cooking, here’s what you’ll need to gather for this recipe:

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken: A great way to use up leftovers.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Keep them bite-sized for easy serving.
• 1 can cream of chicken soup: Go for low-sodium or Healthy Request for a lighter option.
• 2 cups cooked rice: Jasmine, basmati, or plain white rice works beautifully.
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese: Cheddar is a classic choice, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite melty cheese.
• ½ cup mayonnaise: It adds creaminess without overwhelming the flavor.
• Seasonings: A pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder bring everything together.

For the Topping:

• ½–¾ cup crushed cornflakes: The secret to that crave-worthy crunch.
• 2 tbsp melted butter: Because buttery cornflakes are always a good idea.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, let’s preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures those crispy edges we all fight over!

Step 2: Build the Base

In your prepared dish, start building the casserole base. Combine the diced chicken, broccoli florets, cooked rice, shredded cheese, and mayonnaise. Pour in the cream of chicken soup, and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This is where you can customize to your heart’s content—love a kick of spice? Add a dash of cayenne. Prefer extra herby vibes? Sprinkle in some dried thyme or parsley.

Once everything is in the dish, mix it all together until the ingredients are evenly coated in that creamy sauce. It’s starting to look delicious already, isn’t it?

this recipe

Step 3: The Crunch Factor

Now for the topping! Crush the cornflakes in a small bowl (you can use a rolling pin if you need some stress relief) and mix them with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery, crunchy goodness evenly over the casserole. Trust me, this step is what takes the dish from good to unforgettable.

Now that your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is prepped and ready to go, it’s time to pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. In this part, we’ll cover baking instructions, helpful tips, and some fun variations to make this dish uniquely yours.

Step 4: Into the Oven

With your casserole topped with buttery cornflake crunch, place the dish into your preheated oven at 350°F (175°C). Bake it for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown.

Pro tip: If the topping is browning too quickly while the casserole still needs more time to heat through, simply tent the dish with aluminum foil. This prevents the top from overcooking while ensuring the inside gets nice and warm.

While the casserole bakes, your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of cheese and toasted goodness. It’s the kind of smell that brings everyone to the table—no need to call twice!

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once the casserole is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This short resting period allows the creamy filling to settle, making it easier to serve without losing that perfect texture. After all, you want every serving to include a little bit of everything—cheesy rice, tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a crispy topping.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time:

1. Use Fresh Broccoli: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh broccoli florets. If you’re in a pinch and only have frozen broccoli, thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. This prevents excess moisture from making the casserole watery.
2. Cook Your Rice Just Right: Slightly undercooking your rice can help it absorb some of the casserole’s sauce without getting mushy. For most rice varieties, reduce the cooking time by a minute or two.
3. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability. For the creamiest results, shred a block of cheddar or your favorite cheese yourself.
4. Experiment with Seasonings: While garlic powder and onion powder are classic choices, don’t be afraid to play around. Paprika, smoked paprika, or even a hint of chili powder can add a new layer of flavor.

Creative Variations

This casserole is versatile and can be easily adapted to suit your family’s preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

• Swap the Protein: If you don’t have rotisserie chicken, use cooked turkey, shredded pork, or even browned ground beef.
• Try a New Cheese: While cheddar is classic, consider mixing in mozzarella, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a gooey twist.
• Add Extra Veggies: Want more greens? Toss in sautéed spinach, diced bell peppers, or even some mushrooms for added nutrients and flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or rice cereal, and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free as well.
• Make It Spicy: Add a can of diced green chilies or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a casserole with a little heat.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This casserole is perfect for meal prepping or saving leftovers for later. Here’s how to make it work for you:

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely (including the topping) and cover it tightly with foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to cook, bake it directly from the fridge but add an extra 10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freeze It: Prepare the casserole without the topping, cover it tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight, add the topping, and bake as directed.
• Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or larger portions in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty and filling on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple side dishes. Here are some serving ideas to round out your meal:

• A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls for scooping up every cheesy bite.
• A light vegetable side, like roasted carrots or steamed green beans.

FAQs and Conclusion

By now, your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole should be golden brown, bubbly, and ready to serve. Before we wrap things up, let’s tackle some common questions and provide a few final thoughts to make this dish your new go-to family favorite.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use a different type of soup?

Absolutely! While cream of chicken soup works beautifully in this recipe, you can easily substitute it with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even a homemade creamy sauce. Each variation brings a slightly different flavor to the casserole.

2. Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the chicken for chickpeas, tofu, or extra broccoli, and use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken. The result will be just as creamy and satisfying.

3. What’s the best way to crush cornflakes for the topping?

The easiest method is to place the cornflakes in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. This keeps things tidy and allows you to control the level of crunch. For finer crumbs, a food processor works well.

4. Can I use quinoa instead of rice?

Of course! Quinoa is a great alternative for a higher protein, slightly nutty-flavored base. Just cook it beforehand as you would the rice, and proceed with the recipe.

5. How do I avoid a soggy casserole?

To prevent a watery casserole, make sure your broccoli is well-drained if you’re using frozen. Similarly, ensure your cooked rice isn’t overly wet. A quick pat with a paper towel can help absorb excess moisture.

6. How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

To reheat, cover the casserole loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Adding a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating can help maintain its creamy texture.

7. Can I add breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes?

Definitely! Panko breadcrumbs or even crushed Ritz crackers make excellent substitutes. Mix them with the melted butter as you would the cornflakes for that same crispy topping.

Conclusion

There you have it—Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, a dish that delivers creamy comfort, a satisfying crunch, and a little nostalgia in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or looking to impress at a potluck, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can make it your own.

Now it’s your turn! Try this casserole out and let the cheesy, bubbly magic work its way into your household favorites. Don’t forget to share your variations, tips, or tweaks in the comments below—we’d love to hear how you make it your own.

And hey, if you find yourself sneaking a second helping straight from the dish, don’t worry—I won’t tell. 😉

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

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• Author: Christophe
• Total Time: 50 minutes

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Description

A hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights! This casserole combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy sauce, and gooey cheese into one deliciously baked meal. The crispy cornflake topping adds the perfect crunch.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Casserole:

• 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or any cooked chicken)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, broken into bite-sized pieces
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (low-sodium or Healthy Request works well)
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar works best)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• Seasonings to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)

For the Topping:

• ½–¾ cup crushed cornflakes
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

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Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2️⃣ Prepare the casserole base: In the baking dish, combine diced chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and your chosen seasonings. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.

3️⃣ Add the topping: Evenly sprinkle the crushed cornflakes over the casserole mixture. Drizzle the melted butter on top to ensure the topping bakes to a golden, crispy perfection.

4️⃣ Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

5️⃣ Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, and crunchy deliciousness!

Notes

• Vegetable Variation: Feel free to swap broccoli for cauliflower, peas, or a medley of mixed vegetables.
• Cheese Choice: Sharp cheddar works great, but you can also experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day. Bake when ready, adding an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6