Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re in search of the ultimate weeknight comfort food that brings big flavor with minimal effort, look no further than Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. This creamy, cozy classic is a perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey cheese all nestled beneath a crunchy, buttery cornflake topping. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, a hungry partner, or simply treating yourself, this one-pan wonder is sure to become your new dinnertime favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of familiar, fuss-free ingredients come together to create such a crowd-pleasing meal. Each component adds its own pop of flavor, creamy texture, or irresistible crunch—so don’t skip a thing!

• Rotisserie Chicken: Use about 2 cups of diced, pre-cooked chicken for ultimate convenience and juicy flavor.
• Broccoli Florets: Around 2 cups, broken into bite-sized pieces for perfect forkfuls—fresh or thawed frozen broccoli works!
• Cream of Chicken Soup: One can brings that classic casserole creaminess; low-sodium or lighter versions are fine substitutes.
• Cooked Rice: Two cups of fluffy rice help soak up all that rich sauce—white or brown, both are delicious!
• Shredded Cheese: 1½ cups of your favorite melty cheese, like cheddar or Colby Jack, adds that dreamy gooeyness.
• Mayonnaise: A half-cup keeps everything creamy without overpowering other flavors.
• Crushed Corn Flakes: Sprinkle generously on top (½ to ¾ cup), for unbeatable golden crunch in every bite.
• Butter: Two tablespoons, melted and drizzled over the cornflakes to create that irresistible crisp topping.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish—the classic size for Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Give it a light coating of cooking spray or a thin swipe of butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

Dump the diced chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, cooked rice, shredded cheese, and mayonnaise right into your prepared baking dish. You don’t even need a separate bowl! Use a big spoon to swirl and mix until everything is well combined and looks creamy.

Step 3: Top with Crunchy Goodness

Sprinkle those crushed corn flakes in an even layer over the entire surface of your casserole. They’ll add a crave-worthy crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft, cheesy interior.

Step 4: Add the Buttery Finish

Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the cornflakes. This step is crucial—it helps those flakes toast up into golden, crackly perfection!

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbly and Gorgeous

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’re looking for the edges to bubble and the top to turn a lovely golden brown. Once you smell that cheesy, buttery aroma wafting through the house, you’ll know it’s ready!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Garnishes

Give your Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole a little extra flair by showering it with fresh chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions just before serving. The pop of green isn’t just beautiful—it adds a fresh flavor contrast to the cheesy richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but if you’d like a little something on the side, try a simple mixed greens salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some roasted carrots. The brightness and crunch of fresh veggies pair wonderfully with the creamy, cheesy comfort of the main dish.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole into individual ramekins for a personalized presentation, perfect for dinner parties or picky kids. Or, serve it as the star of a potluck by bringing it right in the baking dish alongside a serving spoon for that irresistible “scoop and serve” moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors get even cozier after some time together, making for an excellent next-day lunch or easy dinner.

Freezing

To freeze, simply let the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months. For the best crunch, consider adding the cornflake topping right before reheating rather than before freezing.

Reheating

To reheat from the fridge, pop individual portions (or the whole casserole) into a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly, about 20 minutes. If reheating from frozen, let it thaw overnight before baking, or add extra bake time if going straight from freezer to oven. A quick zap in the microwave works too, but the oven keeps that topping crisp.

FAQs

Can I use leftover grilled or baked chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken—from grilled breasts to leftover baked thighs—will work perfectly in Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Just make sure it’s diced or shredded for easy mixing.

What’s the best type of cheese to use?

Cheddar is a classic choice, but you can use Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend for extra flavor. The key is choosing a cheese that melts well to create that gooey, dreamy texture this casserole is known for.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble everything except the cornflake topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, sprinkle the topping and drizzle with butter, then bake as directed.

Is there a substitute for cornflakes as the topping?

You can swap cornflakes for crushed Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips for a different twist on the classic crunchy topping.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Definitely! Brown rice brings extra fiber and a slightly nuttier flavor to the Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. Just make sure the rice is fully cooked before mixing it in.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised when this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole becomes a regular request at your family table! It’s the kind of meal that feels like a cozy hug in a pan—so easy, so comforting, and so satisfying. Go ahead, gather those simple ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a guaranteed weeknight crowd-pleaser!

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