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.
Patti J Shay says
Am going to try doing this recipe in the crock pot as our 115 degree weather (AZ) and using the oven is not a great idea. Wish me luck!!!!
Molly says
I make this all the time and I thought I’d just share that we make it with brown rice and I also always put those crispy fried onions (crushed) on the top. We love it.
Erika says
Easy & delicious! My husband and picky 5 year old ask for this at least 2x a month (minimum!). Great recipe!
Christine says
Love this recipe! My husband loves cheesy broccoli and rice dishes so I’ll definitely be trying this recipe. Thanks for the post!
Kim says
Made this for dinner last night with a few modifications. First, I didn’t have pre-cooked chicken, so I cubed two chicken breasts and cooked them in some olive oil. When the chicken was nearly done, I added 1/2 a diced onion and 3 cloves of minced garlic. I also added salt, pepper, thyme, and fresh parsley. Was very yummy. Although, next time, I think I’ll use super-thin potato chips instead of the corn flakes to see how that is. I think it’ll be even better. This is going into our regular meal rotation!
Courtney says
This is awesome and I can’t wait to try it!! We have celiacs in the house…instead of cornflakes, do you think I could substitute for gluten free bread crumbs or a potato chip topping?? I’m going to try this tonight 🙂
Blair @ The Seasoned Mom says
Making this for dinner tonight, Trish! I know that it will be a big hit with my family! 🙂
Hope you’re having a great New Year. xo
jamie says
Hi, Shared your broccoli and rice casserole in a post yesterday! See it here: http://www.buzzfeed.com/jmsndrs4/29-ways-to-make-dinner-with-a-rotisserie-chicken-1s1gh
~Jamie
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
That”s awesome! Thanks Jamie!
Krystal says
This is one of my favorite recipes it is so good and so easy to make, my whole family loves it!
Amy says
I don’t usually comment on these things, but dang this was good. I used sour cream instead of mayonnaise because husband hates it. And I didn’t have corn flakes and don’t usually keep that in the cereal cabinet, so I used bread crumbs, panko, and crushed frenches fried onion for the top. I also added about a tsp celery salt, and poultry seasoning, and probably half a tsp garlic salt and onion powder to the recipe. Oh and I used sharp cheddar cheese, and also sprinkled a little on top. We loved it! Excited to make it again!
Maria says
This has became a family favorite! This recipe is so delicous, the kids keep asking when we’re going to have it again. I made it last night for the second time this month, and the kids are already asking when we are going to have it again. We have a family of 7, so I had to double the recipe. I omitted the corn flakes though because I’ve never really been big on crunchy foods and I added extra brocolli since our family is full of brocolli lovers. It turned out amazing. Thank you for this fantastic recipe, it’s definitely staying on our list of favorite regulars.
Kim says
I have been making this as a freezer meal. Put all ingredients except soup and mayo (adding one cup of frozen mixed veggies) in separate zip loc bags and freeze…then defrost, mix, and bake. Turned out perfectly and I have four more batches in my freezer.
Alexis says
I just made this tonight. It’s in the oven as I type lol. Unfortunately I have a bad case of mommy brain right now due to being 7 months pregnant. I totally spaced and forgot to add the half cup of mayo 🙁 do you think it will still be okay? I did add a lot more cheese than the recipe called for but I’m so disappointed I forgot something the recipe called for. What are your thoughts
Trish says
Wow…that was delicious! I subbed Roasted Vegetable Ritz for the corn flakes (as another commenter suggested), and I couldn’t stop eating it. 3 bowls later, I had to put it away just to make myself stop 🙂 Thanks for a great recipe!!
Trish - Mom On Timeout says
Seriously, that’s a genius idea! So glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Amy says
Do you think this can be used as a freezer meal?