Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food
Looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal the whole family will love? This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, creamy cheese, and crispy corn flakes, this dish delivers all the comfort and flavor you crave in a one-pan meal.
Not only is this recipe simple to prepare, but it’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or rice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just need a stress-free dinner, this casserole will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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One-pan meal – Everything bakes together in a single dish.
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Quick and easy – Just mix, bake, and serve!
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Great for leftovers – Perfect for meal prepping or next-day lunches.
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Kid-friendly – Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness.
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Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients to fit your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
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2 cups diced rotisserie chicken (or any other cooked chicken)
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2 cups broccoli florets, broken into bite-sized pieces
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1 can cream of chicken soup (can use low-sodium or Healthy Request)
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2 cups cooked rice
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1 ½ cups shredded cheese (cheddar works best, but feel free to mix!)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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Seasoning to taste (salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder)
For the Topping:
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½ – ¾ cup crushed corn flakes
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2 tbsp butter, melted
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Mixing bowls – For combining ingredients.
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9×13 inch baking dish – The perfect size for this casserole.
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Wooden spoon or spatula – To mix everything evenly.
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Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient measurements.
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Oven mitts – To safely remove the hot casserole from the oven.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
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In the baking dish, combine the diced chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, shredded cheese, mayonnaise, and seasonings.
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Stir everything together until well mixed and evenly coated.
Step 3: Add the Crunchy Topping
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Sprinkle the crushed corn flakes evenly over the top of the casserole.
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Drizzle the melted butter over the corn flakes to help them turn golden and crispy.
Step 4: Bake the Casserole
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Place the dish in the preheated oven.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
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Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.
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Scoop onto plates and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
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Make it healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.
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Try a different cheese – Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses work great.
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Add extra veggies – Mushrooms, bell peppers, or carrots would be delicious additions.
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Spice it up – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a little heat.
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Gluten-free option – Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and replace the corn flakes with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
How to Store Leftovers
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freeze: Allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
What to Serve with Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This casserole is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round out your dinner, here are some great pairings:
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Garlic Bread – A crispy side to soak up the creamy sauce.
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Side Salad – A fresh, light contrast to the richness of the casserole.
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Steamed Green Beans – Adds more veggies to your plate.
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Fruit Salad – A sweet and refreshing finish to the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?
No, the chicken needs to be fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. If you’re using raw chicken, cook it separately before mixing it in.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Bake it when ready.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, or a homemade white sauce.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just let it thaw and pat it dry before mixing it in.
How do I make this casserole extra cheesy?
Add ½ cup more shredded cheese to the mixture and an extra sprinkle on top before baking.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, incredibly delicious, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
If you tried this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family, and subscribe to the blog for more delicious, easy-to-make meals. Happy cooking!
