Welcome to the ultimate guide to the perfect Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. This isn’t just any recipe; it’s a promise of a creamy, cheesy, and deeply comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. We’re ditching the canned soup to create a rich, homemade cheese sauce from scratch, ensuring every bite is packed with incredible flavor. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a potluck, this recipe is your new go-to.
This easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is designed for busy home cooks who crave wholesome, delicious meals without complicated steps. It’s a complete meal-in-one, combining tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce, all baked to golden-brown perfection. Let’s dive in and create some comfort food magic.
Combining all the delicious ingredients for our from-scratch cheese sauce.
Why This is the Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
You’re going to absolutely love this recipe, and here’s why. It’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners.
Made From Scratch, Tastes Better: We skip the canned cream of chicken soup. Instead, we create a simple, luscious cheese sauce that delivers superior flavor and a wonderfully creamy texture.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of sharp cheddar, savory chicken, fresh broccoli, and perfectly cooked rice is a classic for a reason. It’s comfort food at its finest.
Completely Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. I’ll share tips on how to switch up the cheese, add different veggies, or even give it a spicy kick.
Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: It’s the perfect recipe for meal prep. You can assemble it ahead of time or freeze it for a future meal, making your life that much easier. For another great make-ahead meal, check out this delicious ground turkey and sweet potato bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this from-scratch Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole lies in its simple, accessible ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Casserole:
Chicken: Cooked and shredded or cubed. Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver here.
Broccoli: Fresh florets, lightly steamed or blanched. You can use frozen, but be sure to thaw and drain it well.
Rice: Long-grain white rice, cooked and cooled slightly.
Butter: The base of our rich, homemade sauce.
Flour: All-purpose flour to thicken the sauce into a perfect roux.
Milk: Whole milk provides the creamiest results, but 2% works too.
Chicken Broth: Adds a layer of savory depth to the sauce.
Cheese: Freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese is key. It melts smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper are all you need.
For the Topping (Optional):
Ritz Crackers or Panko Breadcrumbs: For that irresistible crunchy topping.
Melted Butter: To toast the topping to golden-brown perfection.
Look at that cheesy, creamy goodness in every bite!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
Preheat and Prep: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and set it aside.
Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until the mixture is smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Melt the Cheese: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Gently stir everything together until it’s evenly coated.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or panko with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese.
Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows it to set up perfectly.
Tips for Success and Variations
Here are a few expert tips and fun variations to make this cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe your own.
Expert Tips
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of cheese yourself makes a huge difference in the creaminess of your sauce.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Lightly steam or blanch your broccoli so it’s bright green and crisp-tender. It will finish cooking in the oven, preventing it from becoming mushy.
Use Cooled Rice: Using freshly cooked, hot rice can sometimes make the casserole gummy. Letting the rice cool slightly helps it maintain its texture.
Easy Variations
Different Cheeses: Try a mix of Monterey Jack, Colby, or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or carrots would be delicious additions.
Spice it Up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the cheese sauce can add a nice, subtle heat.
Serving Suggestion: This casserole is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or some warm 30-minute dinner rolls.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as delicious the next day. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly.
To Store: Let the casserole cool completely. Cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil, or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
To Reheat: For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes. Cover it with foil to prevent the topping from burning.
To Freeze: Assemble the casserole but do not bake. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
For another recipe that freezes beautifully, try these cream cheese sausage balls—perfect for holiday gatherings!
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole without the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the topping and increase the baking time by 10-15 minutes.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry with a paper towel before adding them to the casserole. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
This recipe is designed to be made without canned soup! We create a simple and flavorful homemade cream sauce using butter, flour, milk, chicken broth, and cheese. It’s much creamier and tastier.
The key to a creamy casserole is the sauce-to-filling ratio. Our recipe has a generous amount of homemade cheese sauce to ensure every bite is moist and delicious. Also, be sure not to overbake it.
The Perfect Comfort Meal
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm, cheesy hug in a dish. It’s a reliable, delicious meal that brings everyone to the table. We know you’ll love it as much as we do. If you make this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy & Cheesy Recipe
This from-scratch Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with a creamy homemade cheese sauce (no canned soup!), tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it's a guaranteed family favorite.
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for one minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
Remove from heat. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add 2 cups of shredded cheddar, stirring until completely melted.
Add the cooked chicken, rice, and steamed broccoli to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to combine.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers/panko with 2 tbsp melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 485kcalProtein: 30gFat: 28gFiber: 2g
Notes
Grate Your Own Cheese: For the creamiest sauce, avoid pre-shredded cheese. Don't Overcook Broccoli: Steam it until it's just crisp-tender; it will finish cooking in the oven. Make-Ahead Tip: Assemble the casserole without the topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Keyword casserole from scratch,cheesy chicken and rice,chicken broccoli rice casserole
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
