There’s just something irresistibly cozy about a big dish of Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender roasted chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice all wrapped up in a luscious cheddar cream sauce—baked until golden and bubbly. If you love comfort food that sticks to your ribs, you’re going to adore this one!

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a layered broccoli casserole. The bottom layer consists of small pieces of light-colored cooked chicken mixed with broccoli florets that are bright green and slightly tender. Above this is a melted layer of yellow-orange cheddar cheese scattered unevenly across the broccoli. The top layer is a crumbly, golden-brown topping made of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs, giving the dish a crunchy texture. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this casserole has quickly become a weeknight staple in my home. It’s comforting, easy to make, and everyone always asks for seconds. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in veggies without anyone batting an eye.

Perfectly balanced flavors: The creamy cheddar sauce pairs beautifully with the tender chicken and fresh broccoli for a satisfying bite every time.
Crunchy, buttery topping: Those crushed butter crackers on top add the best little crunch that contrasts the creamy filling.
Meal prep friendly: Makes 8 servings, so you can enjoy leftovers or pack lunches with ease.
Versatile and customizable: You can tweak seasonings or add extra veggies while sautéing onions to make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, let’s chat about the ingredients—simple, fresh, and familiar is the name of the game here. I recommend grabbing quality chicken breasts and a good block of cheddar for melting. Also, fresh broccoli florets bring that vibrant color and texture that make this casserole a standout.

Flat lay of fresh raw chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a handful of mixed dried Italian herbs scattered naturally, two whole uncracked brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy softened cream cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with bright yellow shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl containing smooth pale yellow Dijon mustard, a whole large onion with papery skin and some outer layers peeled to show white fleshy interior, five fresh garlic bulbs with individual cloves separated, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow melted butter, a pile of fresh green broccoli florets with tight buds and firm stems, a small white ceramic bowl of white rice grains, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed golden butter crackers scattered loosely nearby, a few sprigs of freshly ground black peppercorns and pink Himalayan salt crystals artistically arranged, all ingredients spaced with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken breasts: Tender, lean protein that roasts beautifully and shreds easily to blend with the rice and sauce.
Olive oil: Helps in roasting the chicken to juicy perfection with a nice golden crust.
Italian seasoning: Adds fragrant herbs to elevate the flavor without overpowering.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the natural flavors.
White rice: The perfect starchy base—just cooked al dente so it holds its shape and texture in the casserole.
Fresh broccoli florets: Blanched to keep their bright green color and a satisfying bite.
Butter: Used in sauce and topping for richness and luscious mouthfeel.
Onion: Slowly sautéed to bring natural sweetness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Adds a warm aromatic note to complement the creamy cheddar.
All-purpose flour: To make a roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
Milk (2% or whole): Room temperature for smooth incorporation into the sauce without lumps.
Dijon mustard: Just a touch to brighten and add subtle complexity to the creamy sauce.
Cream cheese: Softened to keep the sauce silky and indulgent without curdling.
Cheddar cheese: Freshly shredded for the best melt and that classic sharp flavor.
Butter crackers (such as Ritz): Crushed for a salty, buttery crunchy topping that’s irresistible.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes and pantry. Whether you want to amp up the spices or swap in some different veggies, this casserole is a perfect base for creativity!

Vegetable Swap: I’ve swapped broccoli with cauliflower or a mix of broccoli and asparagus for a seasonal twist. It works wonderfully and adds a different texture to the dish.
Protein Variation: Using rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver on busy days. It keeps the casserole flavorful and tender while cutting prep time significantly, making dinner stress-free.
Spicy Kick: For a little zing, I add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning during the onion sauté. The smoky heat contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Cheese Choices: While cheddar is classic, I sometimes blend in smoked gouda or pepper jack for extra depth and a touch of spice.
Gluten-Free Version: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry for the roux, and make sure your crackers are gluten-free. The casserole is just as comforting!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate holds a layered dish with bright green broccoli florets as the bottom layer, topped with white rice mixed with small pieces of white chicken. The top layer is melted orange cheddar cheese sprinkled with golden brown breadcrumbs. The whole dish is covered with a creamy white sauce dripping slightly over the sides, and black pepper flakes are scattered on top. Two silver forks rest on the side of the plate, which sits on a white marbled textured surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Roast the Chicken to Juicy Perfection

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss 1½ pounds of chicken breasts with olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the chicken evenly on the sheet and roast for about 22 minutes, or until the internal temperature hits 155-165°F. Rest the chicken for 5-10 minutes after roasting—that’s crucial to keep it juicy—then chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces. Using a meat thermometer here really helps ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time!

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli for Vibrant Color and Crispness

While the chicken is roasting, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the broccoli florets and cook for exactly 3 minutes—any longer and they might lose their bright green color and crisp bite. Drain and immediately plunge the broccoli into an ice water bath to stop the cooking process. This step is key; it locks in the vibrant color and crisp texture you want in your casserole. After chilling, pat the broccoli dry thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your final dish.

Step 3: Cook Rice Al Dente and Ready to Go

Rinse 1½ cups white rice in cold water a few times until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. Place the rice in a saucepan with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover it by 1-2 inches. Bring to a boil, then immediately cover and reduce heat to low. Check the rice every 2-3 minutes by tasting or pressing a few grains between your fingers—it’s done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain any excess water and rinse with cool water to stop cooking. Set aside, drained, until it’s time to combine in the casserole.

Step 4: Sauté Onions and Garlic to Build Flavor

Lower your oven temperature to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish. In a large pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add one finely chopped large onion and cook for 6-7 minutes or until soft and translucent—this slow cook brings out a sweet, mellow flavor. Stir in minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, cooking for an additional 30-60 seconds until fragrant. This flavor base really elevates the cream sauce.

Step 5: Whisk Together the Creamy, Cheesy Sauce

Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan and sprinkle with 4 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create a roux. Whisk constantly to combine and cook the flour a bit—this sets the foundation for a silky sauce. Gradually pour in 2 cups room-temperature milk while whisking non-stop, thickening until bubbly but not boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 4 tablespoons softened cream cheese, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. A tip: use cream cheese at room temperature to avoid curdling, and shred cheddar freshly rather than using pre-shredded for the best melt and texture.

Step 6: Combine and Assemble the Casserole

Mix the roasted chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice right into the creamy cheese sauce in your pan. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top, followed by 1 cup of crushed buttery butter crackers for that satisfying crunch.

Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Bake the casserole at 350°F for 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the cheese and cracker topping turn a beautiful golden brown. If the topping is browning too quickly, tent the dish loosely with foil to prevent burning while the rest finishes baking.

Step 8: Let It Rest for Perfect Serveability

Once out of the oven, allow your Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting time helps the sauce settle and makes serving easier, ensuring every scoop stays together beautifully. Then, dig in and enjoy the comforting flavors you created!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe takes a few tricks I’ve picked up over time. These tips will help ensure your casserole turns out beautifully comforting every time.

Blanch the Broccoli: I always blanch the broccoli for exactly 3 minutes and then plunge it into an ice bath to keep its vibrant green color and a lovely crisp texture instead of mushy pieces in the casserole.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Adding cold cream cheese straight into the sauce caused curdling when I first tried making this dish—bringing it to room temp first makes the sauce silky smooth.
Shred Cheese from a Block: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting nicely. I shred cheddar myself to get that gooey and luscious texture in the sauce.
Rest Before Serving: Don’t rush! Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking so it sets and is easier to serve without falling apart.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

A white baking dish filled with a layered casserole. The bottom layer consists of evenly spread pieces of cooked white chicken meat with light seasoning. Above that are bright green broccoli florets scattered throughout. On top of the broccoli is a creamy white sauce mixed with melted shredded cheese. The final top layer features a generous amount of shredded orange cheddar cheese mixed with crumbly golden brown breadcrumbs, giving a crunchy texture look. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation and added flavor contrast, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives on top right before serving. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a few red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick. If you like extra crunch beyond the buttery cracker topping, toasted sliced almonds or sunflower seeds work beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This casserole stands wonderfully on its own, but can be paired with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to brighten the plate. Roasted or steamed carrots, a crisp coleslaw, or sautéed green beans also complement the creamy richness nicely without overpowering the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole leftovers will keep well stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Be sure to cool the casserole completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Just cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps keep the sauce creamy and luscious.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of rice?

Yes! While white rice works best to achieve the right texture, you can substitute brown rice or even cauliflower rice. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—brown rice takes longer to cook, so make sure it's al dente before assembling.

Is it okay to use leftover cooked chicken?

Absolutely. Using pre-cooked shredded or chopped chicken, like rotisserie or leftovers, is a great shortcut and won't affect the flavor. You’ll still need about 3 cups of cooked chicken for this recipe.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free or low lactose?

To keep this dish lower in lactose, use lactose-free milk and cream cheese alternatives, and choose dairy-free cheddar-style shreds. Keep in mind this may slightly change the flavor and creaminess, but it’s still delicious!

What if my topping starts to burn while baking?

If you notice the cracker and cheese topping browning too quickly, gently tent the casserole with foil to prevent burning while allowing the casserole to continue baking thoroughly and become bubbly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into a cozy, satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting make-ahead meal, you’ll love how the tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and rich, cheesy sauce come together under that buttery, crunchy topping. Thanks for cooking along with me—here’s to many happy, delicious bites ahead!