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:
- 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!
- Breadcrumbs – you could use plain or flavored bread crumbs. Mix with 3 tablespoons of butter before sprinkling over the top.
- Cornflakes + Shredded Cheese – use any kind of cheese you like.
- Potato Chips – use your favorite to add flavor and crunch
- French Fried Onions – a reader favorite, this adds both crunch and flavor to the casserole – so good!
- 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!
- Complete the first two steps in the instructions and then add the topping just before 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.
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
- Tater Tot Casserole
- Tuna Casserole with Noodles
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Loaded BBQ Pork Potato Casserole
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
How To Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken}
- 2 cups broccoli florets broken down into bite-sized pieces
- 1 can cream of chicken soup can use low-sodium or Healthy Request
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2-3/4 cup crushed corn flakes
- 2 tbsp butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350‡F. Combine all ingredients into a greased 9×13 baking dish. I use a 9×13 because we like extra room for our corn flakes {more crunch!} but this recipe will fit into an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.
- Mix up all the ingredients except corn flakes and butter right in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the crushed corn flakes over the top of the casserole.
- Drizzle melted butter over the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until casserole is heated through.
Notes
Using Frozen Broccoli?
I used fresh broccoli but frozen broccoli but can be substituted as long as you thaw it first.Nutrition
Originally published August 21, 2014.
Jules says
I was searching online for a new chicken casserole recipe and came across this. It seemed easy enough and sounded delicious. Well it turned out fantastic! Warm, creamy, cheesy, filling, and delicious. I used Panko crumbs on top instead of cornflakes and they gave it a nice crunch. The casserole reheated well in the oven and surprisingly the topping stayed crunchy the second time around. This recipe is a keeper and will become a staple of mine. Thanks so much!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s awesome Jules! So glad you found me 🙂 Feel free to play around with it too. Adding in different veggies, mushrooms, onions, etc to change up the flavor. We sometimes make it with a Ritz cracker topping too – super good!
Stacey says
Nutritional values? Sorry if I missed it but I didn’t see any. Thank you
M Chase says
This is a good dish! I always like to tweak things to make me feel like I am cooking so I exchanged half of the rice for a wild rice, forgot the mayo and had so many ingredients mine needed two cans of soup. I also used one sleeve of ritz crackers and real butter that I had already bought. Anyway, it is a flexible recipe and just delicious. Thanks for the inspiring photo!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I’m so glad you made it your own and I love all your tweaks!
Vanda says
sounds yummy. would this work without the cornflakes tho?
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Sure! You can pick any topping you’d like or just omit it entirely.
Emma says
Hello! I’m hoping to make this at the weekend, but just wondered if you could clarify the size of the can of soup, please? Is it Campbell’s condensed, which here in the UK comes in at 295g, or a bigger size, like our 400g Heinz? Thank you!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Hi Emma! It’s the Campbell’s condensed and ours is 305g but 295g is just fine 🙂
Emma says
Thank you so much for the reply! It’s in the oven as I type this, and it smells lovely. Five minutes to go!
Amber says
I made this for dinner this week and it was AWESOME!! It was soooo easy to make and was absolutely delicious. Everyone in my family loved it, which is rare since we all have different tastes. I accidentally picked up a rotisserie turkey breast at the grocery instead of chicken, and it still turned out great. I can’t wait to try it with chicken next time. I followed the recipe exactly otherwise. I always shred my own cheese as opposed to buying a bag of pre-shredded cheese. It melts better and makes casseroles like this extra creamy. Thanks for an awesome, easy weeknight recipe! This is going in rotation for sure.
rochelle says
I don’t like mayo you think the canned cream of chicken will be enough moisture?
Sara says
I’ve made this recipe twice now and I absolutely love it. The only change I make is the topping. I don’t like corn Flakes in any savory dish. I use stuffing instead. It’s wonderful and crispy and adds a lot of flavor.
Paige says
i’m curious what you usually serve with this in terms of sides, etc?
Ellie says
I was thinking about adding some ranch seasoning to the recipe. Do you think that would go well together?
Rachel says
I made this with diced turkey instead of chicken, and otherwise followed the recipe and it was great! I’m going to try it tonight with tuna and cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. I will likely put in some peas-love peas with tuna. The cornflake topping is awesome! I made it with gluten-free cornflakes, and it was yummy! Thanks for the recipe!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Oh yes! Love your changes Rachel! So glad you enjoyed the recipe 🙂
Diana says
Very Good! Thank you! I used meat from chicken leg quarters, homemade cream of chicken soup, 12 oz of previously frozen broccoli, and 1/4 cup of milk instead of mayo. Also brown rice and reduced the cheese a bit. I added salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
Kristi says
I added cauliflower along with the brocolli. It was amazing! I too used whole wheat club crackers instead of cornflakes once when I was out of corn flakes, and brown rice once instead of white. For cheese I have used all different kinds depending on what I had. Most chicken casseroles are somewhat dry, but this one is very moist and delicious. I like that I can make substitutions and fake like I have a new dish to try. They come back for seconds every time. Next time I think I’ll try it with zucunni!
Gilly says
Thank you for this. I’m usually not adventurous with recipes but after reading comments and hearing how forgiving it was, I made some substitutions. I used cream of mushroom and panko breadcrumbs because that’s what we had. I saw a couple comments stating it was a little bland so I used a box of Uncle Bens long grain and wild rice. I also used sour cream as hubby isn’t a big fan of mayo and used extra sharp cheddar. It was delicious! We both went for seconds. Not too fancy, super quick, and easy. ..a perfect working day meal. Thanks!
Kim says
What about cream of mushroom soup as sub for cream of chicken. I don’t have any cream of chicken!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That’s perfect Kim!
Paula says
I had leftover chicken and rice and came across your recipe. I omitted the cheese but added a can of creamed corn. I was very hesitant at first, but it was amazing! I had extra chicken and rice so as I mixed everything together I knew I needed more moisture. But I didn’t want to add more fat/sodium of mayo or a can of condensed soup. I try not using those to begin with, but hey…anyway, thank you 🙂
Paula says
Oh! Almost forgot! I added thyme and a fair amount of pepper as well
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Nice additions Paula!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
I love all your changes Paula! I’m glad it worked out so well!