There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting flavors of Broccoli Chicken Casserole to bring the whole family together. Tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and crisp-tender broccoli all come together in a creamy, cheesy sauce that will have everyone scraping their plates clean.

I first made this casserole when I was searching for a way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken and some broccoli that was just on the edge of too wilted. To my surprise, this easy dinner became an instant family favorite, and now, it's a regular on our busy weeknight meal rotation.

Get ready to dig into a dish that's wholesome, flavorful, and delightfully easy to throw together.

Why You’ll Love This Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This recipe will win your heart, and your taste buds, for so many reasons. It’s a perfect solution for busy weeknights, especially when you’re juggling work, kids, or simply don’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen.

First, this casserole is amazingly quick to prepare. With just 10 minutes of hands-on time, it’s a lifesaver when you're pressed for time but still want something homemade and delicious. The rest of the work is done by your trusty oven, baking everything to creamy, cheesy perfection.

You'll also love how budget-friendly this meal is. Using everyday ingredients, like leftover chicken and affordable broccoli, this casserole feeds a hungry family without stretching your grocery budget. Bonus points if you use rice you already have in your pantry!

And let's not forget that it's crowd-pleasing and kid-approved. Even picky eaters will devour this dish, thanks to the cheesy sauce that coats every bite. Broccoli becomes a veggie hero in this casserole, adding texture and a pop of green that’s both healthy and tasty.

Finally, this dish is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer swapping in cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or experimenting with different cheeses, the possibilities are endless.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Broccoli Chicken Casserole is in its simplicity. Every ingredient has its place, making the casserole flavorful yet incredibly easy to make.

Chicken: I love using leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s already cooked and packed with flavor. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded chicken, but feel free to use any cooked chicken you have on hand. If you have raw chicken, just sauté or bake it first.

Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best here, as it holds up well in the oven and has a nice crisp-tender texture. If you’re short on time, frozen broccoli is a great alternative. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture in your casserole.

Rice: White rice or brown rice both work beautifully. If you have leftover rice from takeout, this is the perfect recipe to use it up! Want to keep it low-carb? You can even substitute cauliflower rice, though the texture will be slightly different.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This is where the creaminess comes in! You can use store-bought cream of chicken soup, or if you’re feeling fancy, make your own from scratch. For a lighter version, opt for a reduced-fat variety.

Cheese: Cheddar cheese melts into creamy, gooey perfection, but feel free to experiment. Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses will also do the trick. You'll need about 2 cups of shredded cheese, divided for mixing and topping.

You'll also need some sour cream for extra tanginess, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to season the dish just right. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs on top adds the perfect crispy finish.

Equipment Tip: A 9x13-inch baking dish is perfect for this recipe. Also, having a large skillet or pan for mixing everything together makes the assembly process easier.

How To Make This Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Creating this delicious casserole is so simple, you’ll be making it on repeat. Here’s how to put it all together.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This ensures your casserole doesn’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Next, cook your rice if you haven't already. You’ll want it fluffy and ready to go. If you’re using leftover rice, make sure to break up any clumps before adding it to the mix. While the rice cooks, chop your broccoli into bite-sized florets and set them aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli. Add in your can of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of shredded cheese, and 1 cup of sour cream. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients.

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and smooth it out into an even layer. Top with the remaining shredded cheese, and for an extra crunch, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top.

Total Time Tip: With 10 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of baking, this dish is ready to eat in just 40 minutes!

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This casserole keeps well and makes for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

Refrigerator: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it just as delicious the next day.
Freezer: This casserole is freezer-friendly! To freeze, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, but the oven method keeps the texture best.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts about this recipe is how adaptable it is! Here are some ways to switch things up:

1. Low-Carb Option: Swap out the rice for cauliflower rice to make it keto-friendly. You may need to reduce the baking time slightly, as cauliflower rice cooks faster.

2. Dairy-Free Version: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream, and replace the cream of chicken soup with a dairy-free alternative. The casserole will still be creamy and satisfying!

3. Vegetarian Twist: Leave out the chicken and double the broccoli, or add extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. For a heartier feel, throw in some cooked lentils or chickpeas.

4. Spice It Up: If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture. A little heat pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.

5. Different Cheeses: Get creative with your cheese selection. Try a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a more Italian-inspired flavor, or use pepper jack for a spicy kick.

The beauty of this recipe is that you can customize it to fit your family's tastes. Don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own!

Enjoy this comforting Broccoli Chicken Casserole, and watch it become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!