What I love about casseroles is that you cook everything together and serve it! Casseroles are some of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table. And, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is one of our favorites! Its cheesy, hearty, and delicious.

I have fond memories of my mom and grandma making this exact casserole when I was younger. I remember that I loved chicken broccoli rice casserole night and I thought that there was never enough of my plate. I would have probably tried to eat the whole casserole dish if they let me!

Now I get to make it for my family and it’s definitely a favorite quick and easy dinner.

What is a Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

A casserole is a cohesive, one dish meal that is baked. Typically, a casserole is baked with three main components: meat, vegetables, and a starchy binder.

This chicken. broccoli rice casserole combines your protein, vegetables, dairy, and a starchy vegetable all in one dish.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredients

• 1 cup rice, uncooked
• 4 cups broccoli, cut into florets
• 1 1/2 cups chicken
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Nature’s Seasoning
• 2 cups cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of milk
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Can I Use Instant Rice?

I personally like to use boil in a bag rice. It’s an instant rice that you can boil right in the bag. It’s mess free, quick and super easy. But, yes you can use instant rice or any rice you would like in this recipe.

Can I Use Cauliflower Instead of Broccoli?

If you have some picky eaters that consider those florets of broccoli trees, switch out the broccoli for another veggie everyone will enjoy. You could use cauliflower, carrots, or some other veggie that you like to eat with cheese.

Chicken – You can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts, whatever you prefer or have on hand. You can even use pre-cooked or leftover chicken here as well.

Cream of chicken soup – You need 2 cups of cream of chicken soup. You can find it in the soup section of most grocery stores. You can also try your hand at homemade cream of chicken soup as well!

Breadcrumbs – You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned ones for this recipe. I like to use the Italian ones to give it a little extra flavor. You can also use crushed up saltines or any other cracker.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This recipe is super easy to make, and you will have dinner on the table in about 30-minutes. Here’s what you do:

Step 1 Prep

Grease a 9” x 13” casserole dish and set aside. Preheat the oven 350 degrees F. Dice your chicken into cubes and season.

Step 2 Cook the Rice

Cook the rice according to package directions.

Step 3 Layer your Casserole

Layer the casserole ingredients in the casserole dish: rice, followed by the cream of chicken soup and chicken, then the broccoli. Stir to combine.

Step 4 Top with Goodies

Top with the shredded cheese and breadcrumbs.

Step 5 Bake It

Bake for 25 minutes until the cheese is melted and cream of chicken soup appears to be thickened.

How to make in the Instant Pot

I love being able to use my Instant Pot to get dinner on the table fast. If you are looking to use yours for this recipe, check out how to make this cheesy chicken broccoli rice in your Instant Pot.

1. Season the chicken and place on a trivet.
2. Add water and cook for 9 minutes.
3. Cook the onion and garlic in the inner pot.
4. Add the broth, sauce and rice.
5. Cook for 7 minutes.
6. Manually release.
7. Add the broccoli, close the lid and allow to steam.
8. Stir everything together and enjoy.

How to make in the Crock Pot

On the slower side, you can make this dish in your crock pot as well. Follow these instructions –

1. Place your rice on the bottom of the crock pot.
2. Season your chicken with the spices.
3. Add your broccoli, chicken, cream of chicken and broth.
4. Cook on low for 2-4 hours, until the chicken is cooked through and the rice is fluffy.
5. Stir in the cheese and milk.
6. Put the lid on to allow it to melt.
7. Top with bread crumbs, if desired.

This crock pot cheesy chicken broccoli rice is similar but uses a few different ingredients.

Sides that Go with Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Sometimes, I just make casseroles for dinner without any sides, but sometimes I like to add a little more variety to our dinner. So, it kind of depends on how I feel and how big of eaters I have eating dinner that night. For this delicious chicken casserole, I have made the following sides:

• Honey Skillet Cornbread
• Homemade French Bread
• Oven Roasted Carrots
• Cheesy Baked Asparagus
• Creamy Pea Salad
• Avocado Wedge Salad

How to Store Your Chicken Casserole

When I make casseroles, I like to bake them in a baking dish that has its own lock-on plastic lid. It makes for easy storing. To store your casserole, place it in a dish with a lid or place tin foil or plastic wrap over it. You can store it in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Can I Freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, you can freeze your chicken broccoli rice casserole! In fact, this casserole makes for a fabulous freezer meal.

Before freezing your casserole, allow the casserole to cool before placing it in the freezer. I like to wrap my casserole dish in plastic wrap then place the lid over the top. However, you can freeze your casserole in any freezer safe container or freezer bag. It can then be kept in the freezer for up to 6-months.

Other Chicken Recipes to Try

If you are a chicken fan, we have a ton of chicken recipes we think you would love. Try some of these other recipes, below!

• Chicken Taco Rice Casserole
• Chicken Carnitas Bowl
• King Ranch Chicken Soup
• One Pan Chicken Teriyaki
• Instant Pot Italian Chicken
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken
• Chicken Lo Mein in the Instant Pot
• Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken

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