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Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Featured in: Easy Weeknight Meals

This baked dish combines tender chicken breast, fresh broccoli florets, and long-grain rice in a creamy, flavorful sauce. The mixture is baked until bubbly and golden, creating a comforting and hearty meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Onions, garlic, cheddar cheese, and subtle seasonings like thyme enhance the flavor, while optional breadcrumbs and melted butter add a crispy topping. Variations include swapping brown rice for a nuttier texture or adding extra vegetables like mushrooms. This comforting casserole is simple to prepare, making it a great choice for family-friendly meals that deliver on warmth and satisfaction.

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Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:37:00 GMT
Warm, bubbly Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, a comforting weeknight meal with golden cheese topping. Save
Warm, bubbly Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, a comforting weeknight meal with golden cheese topping. | ovenharmony.com

A creamy comforting casserole featuring tender chicken fresh broccoli and fluffy rice all baked together in a simple homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights and budget-friendly family meals.

I first made this casserole on a chilly evening after coming home late from work. The simple prep and all-in-one meal made it a lifesaver—my family always asks for seconds!

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups diced or shredded (about 300 g)
  • Broccoli florets: 2 cups (fresh or frozen about 200 g)
  • Onion: 1 small finely chopped
  • Garlic: 2 cloves minced
  • Long-grain white rice: 1 cup uncooked
  • Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups or vegetable broth
  • Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) or homemade equivalent
  • Milk: 1 cup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup plus extra for topping
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
  • Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon optional
  • Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup optional
  • Melted butter: 2 tablespoons optional for topping

Instructions

Prep the Oven:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
Sauté Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat sauté the onion in a splash of oil until soft about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
Combine Ingredients:
In a large bowl combine the cooked chicken broccoli florets sautéed onion and garlic uncooked rice chicken broth condensed soup milk cheddar cheese salt pepper and thyme. Mix until well combined.
Assemble:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Add Topping:
If using mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
Bake:
Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake an additional 10 minutes or until the rice is tender the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
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This casserole quickly became a tradition in our house especially on cold Sunday evenings when we gather as a family to enjoy a warm dinner together.

Required Tools

You will need a 9x13-inch baking dish a large bowl a skillet measuring cups and spoons and aluminum foil for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This dish contains milk wheat and chicken. Check ingredient labels for gluten-free and allergy-friendly options before cooking.

Nutritional Information

Each serving has about 470 calories 19 g fat 43 g carbohydrates and 29 g protein.

A close-up of a creamy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, showing tender chicken and fluffy rice. Save
A close-up of a creamy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole, showing tender chicken and fluffy rice. | ovenharmony.com

This casserole is perfect for meal prep and makes the best leftovers. Enjoy every comforting bite and share with loved ones!

Recipe FAQ

→ Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this dish. Just ensure it is thawed and drained before mixing to avoid extra moisture.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free condensed soup and substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or omit them entirely.

→ Is it possible to use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, but increase the liquid and extend the baking time by about 20 minutes to ensure the rice cooks thoroughly.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can assemble it the day before and refrigerate. Bake fresh when ready to serve for best results.

→ What can I substitute for cheddar cheese?

Cheddar can be replaced with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella depending on your preference.

→ How do I get a crispy topping?

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking to achieve a golden, crunchy crust.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Tender chicken, broccoli, and rice combined with a rich creamy sauce baked to perfection.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
40 min
Complete duration
60 min
Created by Claire Johnson

Classification Easy Weeknight Meals

Complexity Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations None specified

Components

Proteins

01 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 10.5 oz)

Vegetables

01 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (about 7 oz)
02 1 small onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced

Grains

01 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
02 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth)

Simple Sauce

01 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup, or homemade equivalent
02 1 cup milk
03 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping

Seasonings

01 1/2 teaspoon salt
02 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
03 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional

Topping

01 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, optional
02 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional for topping

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Phase 02

Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the finely chopped onion in a little oil until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.

Phase 03

Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, broccoli florets, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, chicken broth, condensed soup, milk, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and dried thyme until thoroughly combined.

Phase 04

Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading to level the surface.

Phase 05

Add topping: If desired, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese if preferred.

Phase 06

Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.

Phase 07

Bake uncovered: Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 10 to 15 minutes, until rice is tender, casserole is bubbling, and the top is golden brown.

Phase 08

Rest before serving: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to set.

Necessary tools

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Aluminum foil

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult healthcare professionals if you're unsure about ingredients.
  • Contains milk (cheese, milk, soup), wheat (condensed soup and breadcrumbs if used), and chicken. Verify ingredients for gluten-free compliance.

Nutritional information (each portion)

These values are approximate guidelines only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 470
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Proteins: 29 g