Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Creamy & Family-Friendly)

If you’re looking for a cozy, no-fuss dinner that checks all the right boxes, this chicken broccoli rice casserole is it. It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and just enough broccoli to make everyone feel good about what’s on their plate.

This is one of those dependable casseroles you can turn to on busy weeknights for simple ingredients, easy prep, and comforting flavor that the whole family actually wants to eat.

Casseroles are what my entire childhood were made of except for when my mom made tuna casserole. I think she only did it once or twice and I’m pretty sure my soul died in the process. OK not to be dramatic but truly I was that picky of a kid that I hated it with all of my heart and soul.

Nowadays, I see the comfort and the ease of throwing everything into a casserole and this chicken, broccoli and rice casserole is exactly what your family is craving for dinner this week.

Why You’ll Love This Casserole Recipe

Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy flavors everyone loves

One-Dish Dinner: Protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pan

Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients

Great for Leftovers: Reheats really well

Perfect for Busy Nights: Comfort food without extra work

Ingredients You’ll Need

This chicken rice casserole with broccoli comes together with simple, everyday ingredients you likely already have on hand. Nothing fancy, just classic comfort food staples that work really well together.

Olive Oil: Helps sauté and lightly coat the pan while adding subtle flavor.

White Long Grain Rice: Cooks up fluffy and absorbs all the creamy, savory flavors.

Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and depth while cooking the rice.

Italian Seasoning: Brings a simple blend of herbs that ties everything together.

Garlic Powder: Adds savory garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps everything from tasting flat.

Fresh Broccoli Florets: Adds freshness, color, and a little bite to balance the creaminess.

Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that bakes up tender in the casserole.

Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy base that makes this casserole cozy and comforting.

Milk: Thins the sauce just enough to keep it creamy and not heavy.

Sour Cream: Adds richness and a slight tang that boosts flavor.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the casserole for cheesy goodness in every bite.

Cracker Topping

Unsalted Butter: Helps the topping turn golden and rich.

Ritz Crackers: Buttery and crisp, they make the perfect crunchy topping.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken?

Yes! In fact, I recommend it to make this easy casserole recipe even easier!

Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli

I prefer fresh broccoli florets in this recipe but you can use frozen if you need to. The texture will just be mushier.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Don’t let the cozy, from-scratch flavor fool you! This casserole is easy to make and comes together in just a few simple steps. Here’s how to get it in the oven and on the table fast.

Prep: Preheat the oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13″ pan with nonstick spray.

Sauté: Add some olive oil to a large pot over medium heat and then add the rice. Let it cook for 1 minute stirring constantly.

Cook the Rice: Add the broth and seasonings and bring it to a boil then reduce the heat and cover with a lid. Let it simmer for 6 minutes.

Cook the Broccoli: Add the broccoli and stir it in. Place the lid back on the pot and cook for another 9 minutes then remove from the heat.

Finish the Casserole: Add the remaining ingredients for the casserole including half the cheese and stir to combine.

Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Prepare the Topping: Combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Then sprinkle it over the casserole and baked uncovered for another 10 minutes.

What to Serve with Chicken Broccoli Casserole

I like to keep it really light and fresh with side dishes when we eat this casserole. A simple green salad is always a great option or our tasty tomato cucumber salad. A side of roasted carrots or sauteed snap peas is also a great idea. And fresh fruit salad is always a winner at our house!

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead?

This easy chicken broccoli rice casserole is perfect for prepping in advance. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready, let it sit on the counter for about 20–30 minutes, then bake as directed. It’s a lifesaver on busy days when dinner needs to happen with minimal effort.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze this one! Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. If baking from frozen, cover with foil and add extra bake time, removing the foil near the end so the top can get nice and bubbly.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to 5 days.

Baked leftovers reheat beautifully. Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole dish in the oven, covered, until heated through. The flavors only get better, making this one of those meals you’ll actually look forward to eating again.

This chicken broccoli rice casserole is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. It reheats so well, makes great leftovers, and can even be prepped ahead when life gets hectic. Whether you’re serving it fresh from the oven or enjoying it the next day, it’s warm, filling, comforting and exactly what a good casserole should be.

More Easy Casserole Recipes:

Watch This Video to See How It’s Made…