This Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is the kind of dish you’ll crave after a long day—simple to prepare, deeply comforting, and so incredibly satisfying. Just ten minutes of prep, one baking dish, and a handful of pantry staples are all you need to bring this family favorite to your dinner table. The creamy, cheesy blend of chicken, broccoli, and rice is pure cozy bliss. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, packing up leftovers for lunch, or just need an easy win on a busy weeknight, this casserole delivers every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk ingredients. Every single one brings something special, whether it’s flavor, creaminess, that signature cheesy pull, or pops of color and nutrients. Best of all, everything is easy to find and comes together in perfect harmony for your Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole.
- Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice Sides (2 packages, 5.7 ounces each): These packets give instant flavor and creamy rice in one swoop—no extra seasoning blends needed!
- Chicken broth (14.5 ounces): Adds depth and ensures the rice cooks up fluffy and rich.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces): A classic shortcut for ultra-creamy texture and a familiar, savory taste.
- Water (1/2 cup): Keeps everything moist so your rice cooks perfectly—don’t skip it!
- Frozen chopped broccoli (10 ounce box, thawed): Adds wholesome green veg, color, and a tender bite to balance the richness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups, divided): That melty, gooey, stretch-everywhere cheese moment—need I say more?
- Boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts (2 1/2-3 pounds, 1/2-inch pieces): Juicy, tender bites of chicken make this meal a protein-packed hit.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential for boosting all the savory flavors.
- Black pepper (1 teaspoon): Brings just a hint of warmth without overwhelming the casserole.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers just the right amount of garlicky depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
How to Make Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Step 1: Get Prepped
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 13″x9″ baking dish—it’s the only one you’ll need for this entire recipe! Getting everything ready and organized at the start makes the cooking process a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Base
In your baking dish, whisk together the Knorr rice packets, chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, water, thawed broccoli, and half a cup of the shredded cheddar. This mixture should look creamy, speckled with green, and already quite inviting. Mixing everything in the baking dish also saves you an extra bowl to clean!
Step 3: Season and Add the Chicken
Season your chicken pieces on both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Then nestle them gently into the rice mixture, pushing down a bit so they’re cozy and coated all around. This step ensures every bite of chicken soaks up all the flavorful sauce as it bakes.
Step 4: Cheese, Please!
Take the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it heartily across the top of everything. This will melt into a golden, bubbling blanket that’s absolutely irresistible when the casserole comes out of the oven.
Step 5: Bake and Finish
Cover the baking dish TIGHTLY with foil—steam is key for perfectly cooked rice. Pop it in the oven and bake for 1 hour. Then remove the foil and bake another 10 to 15 minutes. You’re looking for that bubbling, slightly browned, cheese-topped finish that just begs to be scooped out and devoured.
How to Serve Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole
Garnishes
Brighten things up with a shower of freshly chopped parsley or scallions right before serving—these add color and a fresh pop that lifts all those creamy, cheesy flavors. For a little crunch, try sprinkling some fried onions or toasted breadcrumbs on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own, but a crisp garden salad or a tray of roasted carrots add balance and color to your plate. If you want to indulge even further, serve it with some warm, crusty bread to soak up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
The Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it straight from the oven in the baking dish for a cozy family-style dinner, or portion it into individual ramekins for dinner parties. Leftovers also make tasty fillings for stuffed bell peppers or wraps the next day—turning extra into entirely new meals!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature first, then transfer them to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, your casserole will stay fresh for up to 3 to 4 days. It reheats beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch even if you’re just feeding a few.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole. Just be sure it’s completely cooled, then wrap it well in heavy-duty foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Label everything for easy grab-and-go future dinners!
Reheating
When ready to serve again, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 to 30 minutes, or until everything is heated through and bubbly. The microwave also works well for smaller portions—just heat until perfectly hot and melty.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just chop the broccoli into small florets and add them directly with the rice. Fresh broccoli may have a bit more bite after baking, which some people love!
What if I only have chicken breasts or tenders?
No problem at all—either cut works for the Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. Just make sure the chicken is cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces so it cooks evenly along with the rice.
Is it possible to make this ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover tightly, and store in the fridge until ready to bake. This is a lifesaver for busy days or if you want to prep for a special gathering without any last-minute fuss.
Can I substitute the Knorr rice packets with regular rice?
Yes, you can use 1 1/4 cups of rinsed long-grain white rice and add a touch more seasoning and cheese to mimic the flavor of the packets. Brown rice also works, but you may need to extend the baking time so everything gets tender.
What cheeses work best if I want to switch things up?
Besides classic cheddar, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for extra richness. Use what you love or what’s in your fridge—the Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is wonderfully adaptable!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, fuss-free meal that always hits the spot, you have to try this Easy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole. It’s soul-warming, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable to fit your family’s tastes. Gather your ingredients, share with someone you love, and savor just how simple and delicious comfort food can be!
PrintEasy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
With just 10 minutes to prep and 1 dish to clean, this quick Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy dinner using just 8 simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for a busy weeknight all year round.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice Sides:
2 x 5.7 oz packages
Chicken Broth:
14.5 oz
Cream of Chicken Soup:
10.5 oz
Water:
1/2 cup
Frozen Chopped Broccoli:
10 oz box, thawed
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups, divided
Chicken Thighs or Breasts:
2 1/2-3 pounds, boneless skinless, 1/2-inch thick pieces
Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1 teaspoon
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F:
- Whisk together the Knorr rice packets, broth, soup, water, broccoli, and 1/2 cup cheese in a baking dish.
- Season chicken and place into the rice mixture, then top with cheese.
- Cover tightly with foil, bake for 1 hour, then remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
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Notes
- Lock in the Steam: Ensure the pan is securely covered with foil to capture steam for proper rice cooking.
- Par-Cooked Chicken: Searing the meat briefly before baking is optional.
- Pre-Cooked Chicken: Use cooked chicken with adjustments to cooking time and ingredients.
- Chicken Cut Success: Ensure chicken pieces are not too thick for proper cooking.
- Don’t Prepare The Rice Beforehand: Rice will cook in a minimum of 30 minutes.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken: Substitute Campbell’s soup with homemade version.
- Knorr Rice Substitute: Use long-grain white or brown rice as an alternative.
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Protein: 29g
