Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole (2024)

Published: September 21, 2023Author: Amy

This Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole features seasoned chicken, broccoli and rice, mixed together with a creamy dressing, then topped with two kinds of cheese and buttery breadcrumbs. Cooked up all in one pan, so clean up is a breeze! Easy and delicious weeknight dinner.

Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe with Broccoli

The only thing that beats an easy and delicious dinner is an easy and delicious dinner that’s all made in one pan, cutting down on the clean up afterward. This Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe is that kind of dish, and it’s definitely a family favorite!

Made with seasoned chicken, rice, fresh broccoli, all coated in a flavorful dressing, then topped with buttery breadcrumbs and cheese, and baked. It’s perfect comfort food.

More chicken and rice recipes to try include our Chicken and Rice Soup and Instant Pot Chicken and Rice.

Ingredients Needed

Here is a quick summary of ingredients you will need to make this casserole.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)

• Broccoli – Cut into bite-sized florets. I use fresh broccoli for this recipe. (See variations below regarding frozen broccoli.)
• Chicken – You’ll need cooked chicken, either rotisserie or oven roasted works great.
• Converted rice – Using converted rice eliminates a step in the cooking process and also the need for chicken broth. (See variations below for using other types of rice.)
• Sharp cheddar cheese – Buy a block and shred it yourself if you can, for best results.
• Parmesan cheese – Grated, not the powdered kind.
• Sour cream, Mayonnaise, and Spicy Brown Mustard – This mixture replaces the canned cream of soup that most chicken and rice casserole recipes call for.
• Worcestershire sauce and Sriracha hot sauce – These both add a nice savory, spicy, tangy depth of flavor.
• Panko bread crumbs, lightly toasted – These Asian breadcrumbs have a light, airy texture and are more crispy than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Seasonings – kosher salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder season the dish.
• Butter – Mixed with the breadcrumbs.

How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

It’s so simple to make this chicken and rice casserole. Here’s a brief rundown.
(Scroll to the bottom for our easy printable recipe with the complete directions, and don’t miss the video below.)

1. Cook the broccoli. Steam the broccoli with water in a skillet for a few minutes until crisp-tender. Drain and wipe the skillet dry.
2. Make the sauce. Whisk all of the sauce ingredients together until combined.
3. Stir in the other ingredients. Add in the cooked broccoli, chicken, cooked rice, and 1/2 the cheddar cheese.
4. Add filling to the skillet. Spoon the mixture into the skillet you used to cook the broccoli.
5. Bake. Loosely cover with foil and bake until bubbly.
6. Top with breadcrumbs and cheeses. Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole, along with the remaining cheddar cheese and Parmesan.
7. Bake again and enjoy. Place back in the oven uncovered, until cheeses have melted and everything is warmed through. Let stand for a few minutes, eat, and enjoy!

Recipe Variations

• Swap out the converted white rice. You can use long grain white rice or brown rice in this recipe, but you’ll need to cook it first/separately. I recommend cooking it with vegetable or chicken broth for added flavor.
• Frozen broccoli can be used instead of fresh. You can use frozen broccoli in this recipe instead of fresh, eliminating a cooking step. Just make sure it is thawed first.
• Use a baking dish instead of a skillet. This recipe calls for a 10-inch cast iron skillet, but you can make it in a 9×9 baking dish instead, the only difference if using fresh broccoli, you’ll need to cook it separately first.

Video: Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers

• Make ahead. You can assemble, cover, and refrigerate this casserole 1 day in advance (reserving the buttered breadcrumbs until the end of baking.) Allow it to sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to putting in the oven and also add an additional 10 minutes onto the baking time.
• Storing leftovers. Once baked, any leftovers should be kept in a tightly sealed container in the fridge and eaten within 2 days.
• Can you freeze chicken broccoli rice casserole? Yep! Assemble (without the buttered breadcrumbs), wrap in foil, and cover tightly, removing any excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then allow it to sit out at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to putting in the oven and also add an additional 10 minutes onto the baking time. Add the breadcrumbs toward the end of cooking time, as instructed in the recipe.

More One-Pot Rice Dishes:

• Sausage and Rice with Broccoli
• Mexican Rice Skillet
• Turkey and Rice Skillet
• Skillet Beans and Rice with Kielbasa

Ihope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full onTikTok,Facebook,Instagram,Pinterest, andYouTube!