If you’re looking for the perfect blend of cozy comfort and effortless practicality, Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is an absolute gem. This dish is everything weeknight dinners were meant to be: creamy, cheesy, nourishing, and loved by everyone at the table. You get tender chicken, fluffy rice, and broccoli florets in every bite, all swirled together in a creamy, savory sauce. It’s a recipe I come back to time and again, for both family gatherings and quiet nights in, and I promise it’s about to become a new favorite in your kitchen too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses a short, classic list of ingredients, but each one adds an essential layer to the taste, texture, or color. When combined, they create that signature depth we all crave in Chicken, Rice and Broccoli.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless pieces ensure the chicken stays juicy and soaks up all the wonderful flavors.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon helps brown the chicken and keeps everything moist and tender.
- Salt: A simple seasoning that enhances every other ingredient in the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick that complements the creamy layers.
- Broccoli florets: These bring color, freshness, and a slight crunch that balances the whole casserole.
- Cooked white or brown rice: Use whichever you prefer; it’s the hearty base that ties chicken, rice and broccoli together beautifully.
- Cream of chicken soup: This delivers the creamy, savory backbone that makes each bite irresistible.
- Sour cream: Adds richness and silkiness, along with a lovely tang.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: For that melty, gooey, golden topping that everyone fights over.
- Garlic powder: A touch of garlicky warmth to round out the flavors.
- Onion powder: Subtle, savory depth without the fuss of chopping onions.
- Optional extra shredded cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, piling more on top before baking sends this dish over the top.
How to Make Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a spritz of nonstick spray or a little extra olive oil. This step keeps the finished casserole easy to serve and guarantees you won’t miss a single cheesy scoop later on.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil, then scatter in your bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them sizzle, turning occasionally, until they’re browned and completely cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder while they cook, infusing the pieces with savory flavor from the get-go.
Step 3: Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, fluffy rice, steamed broccoli florets (par-steam until bright green if they’re raw), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and that generous helping of shredded cheddar cheese. Give it all a good stir so everything gets evenly coated and intertwined—this is the homestyle heart of Chicken, Rice and Broccoli.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Spread your creamy, chicken-packed mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. If you’re like me and can’t resist a little extra cheese, scatter another layer of shredded cheddar right over the top. This simple step ensures an ooey-gooey, bubbling finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 20 to 25 minutes, or until everything is hot and wonderfully bubbly with golden cheese flecks across the top. Let it sit for about 5 minutes after baking—this helps it set and makes serving those neat squares a breeze.
How to Serve Chicken, Rice and Broccoli
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or chives, brightens up the dish and adds a fresh finishing touch. If you’re craving a little zing, try a dash of red pepper flakes on top right at serving time. The beautiful green of the broccoli pops against the golden cheese, so you can keep garnishes simple or let your creativity shine.
Side Dishes
Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is a complete meal on its own, but you can round it out with a crisp side salad, warm dinner rolls, or even some roasted carrots for extra color and crunch. If you want something lighter, a simple cucumber-tomato salad is a refreshing contrast to the casserole’s creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party-worthy presentation. If you’re serving a crowd, you can even set up a toppings bar with sliced green onions, bacon bits, or different cheese varieties for guests to personalize their serving of Chicken, Rice and Broccoli.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors continue to mingle and deepen overnight, making Chicken, Rice and Broccoli just as delightful the next day for lunch or a quick dinner.
Freezing
This casserole is freezer-friendly! Simply wrap the baked (or unbaked) dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then pop it in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking as needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover your portion with foil and pop it into a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. You can also use the microwave for individual servings—just be sure to stir halfway so the cheese melts evenly throughout your Chicken, Rice and Broccoli.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fabulous time-saver that works beautifully in this recipe. Just shred or chop the meat and fold it in with the rice and broccoli, skipping the sauté step entirely.
How do I make this recipe lighter?
To lighten things up, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use reduced-fat cheddar. You can also opt for brown rice and cut back on cheese if you prefer. The flavors remain deliciously satisfying either way!
What’s the best way to steam broccoli for this casserole?
Steam broccoli just until it’s crisp-tender and a vibrant green—about 3 to 4 minutes for fresh florets. If you like your broccoli extra soft, give it an extra minute or two, but don’t overdo it since it will finish cooking in the oven.
Can I prepare Chicken, Rice and Broccoli ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole in advance, cover, and refrigerate it for up to a day. When you’re ready to eat, simply bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time if needed since it’s coming straight from the fridge.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes—just be sure to use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and double-check that all seasonings and ingredients are gluten-free. The rest of the components in Chicken, Rice and Broccoli are naturally gluten-free!
Final Thoughts
There’s just something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together so easily and makes everyone at the table smile. Chicken, Rice and Broccoli is that ultimate family favorite, ready to warm your heart and fill your kitchen with happy aromas. If you haven’t given this crowd-pleaser a try yet, there’s no better time than now!
Print
Chicken, Rice and Broccoli Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli casserole that is perfect for a family dinner. This cheesy one-pan meal is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli in a creamy sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese for a satisfying finish.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Optional: extra shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Chicken: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken in olive oil until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish, top with extra cheese if desired, and bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken and microwaveable rice to save time.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of dish
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
