This Easy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Introduction

Satisfying, comforting, and endlessly adaptable, this easy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is a family favorite that transforms simple ingredients into a weeknight wonder. Creamy cheddar cheese wraps around tender chicken, broccoli florets, and fluffy rice, all baked together for a bubbling, golden casserole. Bursting with flavor and texture, this dish tastes like home, feeds a crowd, and offers a hearty all-in-one meal with minimal prep.

What Makes This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Special?

This casserole brings together everything you love in classic comfort food—the sharp richness of cheddar, the savory flavor of well-seasoned chicken, comforting rice, and the fresh bite of broccoli. Baked under a melty cheese layer for a golden finish, it’s perfect for pleasing picky eaters and satisfying big appetites alike. Plus, it’s an ideal dish to prep ahead or freeze for later—making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Perfect Prep: Tips and Tricks

Getting your casserole ingredients prepped efficiently sets you up for oven-baked success. For perfectly chopped broccoli, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of trimming florets to uniform size, ensuring even cooking. Sauté your chicken in a large nonstick skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for easy cleanup and excellent browning.

Shredding cooked chicken is a breeze with a dedicated Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen, ensuring just the right consistency for this cheesy casserole. For fast rice prep, feel free to use leftover steamed rice or prep a fresh batch in advance.

Simple Steps for Cheesy Perfection

Once your chicken is cooked, broccoli chopped, and rice prepped, assembly is a snap. Combine the cooked components with a creamy, lightly seasoned cheddar sauce. Transfer everything into a baking dish lined with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup and swift casserole serving.

Generous handfuls of shredded cheese both inside and on top guarantee gooey cheesiness in every bite. Bake until golden, bubbly, and irresistible.

Serving Ideas and Storage Solutions

Serve this casserole piping hot, topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or extra cheese for a beautiful presentation. For easy, mess-free leftovers, portion servings into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—perfect for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a complete spread. This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it a brilliant make-ahead dish for busy schedules or meal trains.

Nutritional Information and Yield

This recipe serves 6–8, depending on serving size. Each portion packs plenty of satisfying protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and calcium from the cheddar cheese. While it’s a heartier meal, it balances comfort and wholesome ingredients for a dinner everyone can feel good about—especially when served with a side of fresh greens.

Easy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole (Recap)

For a comforting, family-friendly dinner with classic flavors and minimal fuss, this casserole checks every box. From its creamy, cheesy texture to its hearty combo of chicken, broccoli, and rice, it’s a crowd-pleaser you’ll make again and again.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with a sheet of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for fuss-free cleanup.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and sauté 2–3 minutes, until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more.
3. Steam or microwave the broccoli until just crisp-tender, about 2–3 minutes. Chop into small, uniform pieces with the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for even distribution.
4. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken (use the Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen for perfect shreds), sautéed onion and garlic, broccoli florets, 1 1/2 cups cheddar, milk, soup, sour cream, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fold together until well mixed.
5. Spread mixture into the prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
6. Bake for 25–30 minutes, until casserole is bubbling and cheese is golden. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
7. Store any leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers for easy reheating.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes

This easy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is your go-to for weeknight comfort, crowd-pleasing flavor, and fuss-free cleanup—enjoy every cheesy bite!