The BEST Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the EASIEST meal you’ll make all week and is sure to become a new family favorite! Made with rotisserie chicken, this time-saving recipe is perfect for weeknights and is a hit with kids and adults alike! Don’t forget the dinner rolls to serve alongside this delicious dinner! 

Looking for more easy casserole recipes? Make sure to try my Cheeseburger Casserole, Cheesy Green Chile Rice Casserole and Rotisserie Chicken and Rice Casserole!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Casseroles are the perfect weeknight meal and we just happen to LOVE them around here. Our very favorite casserole recipe is this Chicken and Rice Casserole and it’s one of the most-requested meals from both the boys and Chris – they just can’t get enough of it!

I decided to mix it up a bit last night and after spotting the gigantic bag of broccoli in the fridge that I  had picked up at Costco over the weekend. I knew a cheesy broccoli version was the way to go – and I was right!

Easy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

I love this casserole recipe because it’s about as easy as dinner can be. You guys, I don’t even use a bowl. I mix it right up in the baking dish. I’m lazy, what can I say?

I’m using mostly store bought ingredients here so dinner comes together super fast. You will need cooked rice but leftover rice works too so use it if you have it.

What Size Baking Dish Do I Need?

Tis casserole recipe would totally fit in a 9×9 or even an 8×8 baking dish but one of our favorite parts of this recipe is the corn flake topping.

We like as much topping as we can get so we use a 9×13 baking dish. It’s amazing! I drizzle a little bit of melted butter right over the cornflakes before throwing it in the oven – heavenly!

Broccoli Rice Casserole Ingredients

Quickly mix the ingredients together, minus the topping ingredients (corn flakes and butter), add the topping and all you need is 30 minutes in the oven for casserole perfection.

• rotisserie chicken – or any other cooked chicken
• broccoli – see notes in recipe for using frozen broccoli
• minutes in the oven is all you need for casserole perfection.
• cream of chicken soup – any cream soup will work: mushroom, celery, etc. I use the “healthy” version and/or low sodium if I can find it.
• cooked rice – brown or white rice works, just make sure you cook it beforehand
• shredded cheese
• mayonnaise –  lots of readers sub in greek yogurt or sour cream or a combination. Just make sure you have a total of half a cup. The greek yogurt is a great way to make this a healthy chicken casserole.
• seasoning – salt and pepper to taste and any other seasoning you like. Garlic powder and onion powder are reader favorites.
• corn flakes
• butter

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Customizations

One of the most delicious ways to customize this casserole is with the topping. Here are some to consider:

1. Ritz Crackers – treat this ingredient the same way you would the cornflakes (other crackers works as well). Chicken broccoli rice casserole with ritz crackers is a favorite around here!
2. Breadcrumbs – you could use plain or flavored bread crumbs. Mix with 3 tablespoons of butter before sprinkling over the top.
3. Cornflakes + Shredded Cheese – use any kind of cheese you like.
4. Potato Chips –  use your favorite to add flavor and crunch
5. French Fried Onions – a reader favorite, this adds both crunch and flavor to the casserole – so good!
6. Panko – just make to toss this with plenty of butter and seasoning. Paprika and garlic powder and delicious!

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

This yummy, cheesy casserole is pure comfort food that is perfect for busy weeknights. I used rotisserie chicken in my recipe, but any cooked chicken will work perfectly. It’s a great way to use up leftovers!

I think the broccoli and cheese version of this casserole was a huge success with my family and a great variation to our go-to recipe.

I’m looking forward to trying out some new flavor combinations soon!

Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead?

Yes! It sure can!

1. Complete the first two steps in the instructions and then add the topping just before you’re ready to bake.
2. Let the casserole dish come to room temperature while the oven is preheating and add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

This delicious and easy casserole recipe is one of several that inspired my new book 100 Creative Ways to Use Rotisserie Chicken in Everyday Meals. I love using rotisserie chicken to create meals that my family will love. You’ll find casseroles, bakes, comfort food, soups, sandwiches and more!

I have an entire chapter devoted to meals you can can create in 20 minutes or less and another devoted to recipes with 5 ingredients or less. This cookbook is filled with simple and fast recipes that your whole family will love.  Check it out!

Can This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Be Frozen

Yes! This casserole makes a great dish to bring over to new mamas or friends recovering from illness too.

• Since this casserole takes just as long to reheat as it does to cook, I would recommend preparing through the second step in a freezer safe, oven safe baking dish.
• Defrost the casserole for 24 hours in the fridge.
• Then, when you’re ready to bake, let the casserole dish come to room temperature while the oven is preheating and add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.

More Easy Casseroles To Try

1. Tater Tot Casserole
2. Tuna Casserole with Noodles
3. Twice Baked Potato Casserole
4. Loaded BBQ Pork Potato Casserole
5. Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole

How To Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

 

Originally published August 21, 2014.