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Cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole baked with golden melted cheddar cheese, tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli in a creamy sauce.

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Creamy, cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli baked in a rich homemade cheese sauce — an easy, comforting family dinner perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest time 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 626 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large baking dish (9x13 inch recommended) or individual cooking safe bowls
  • 1 Large mixing bowl (for combining all ingredients)
  • 1 Medium saucepan (for making the creamy sauce)
  • 1 Wooden spoon or silicone spatula (for stirring sauce and mixing)
  • 1 Cutting board (for prepping chicken, broccoli, and garlic)
  • 1 Sharp knife (for chopping ingredients)
  • 1 Measuring cups (for rice, liquids, cheese)
  • 1 Measuring spoons (for spices and seasonings)
  • 1 Cheese grater (if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded)
  • 1 Aluminum foil (optional, for covering while baking if needed)
  • 1 Oven mitts (for safely handling hot dish)
  • 1 Colander or steamer basket (if steaming broccoli fresh)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups white rice cooked, jasmine or long grain
  • 2 cups chicken breast cooked, chopped or shredded
  • 2 cups broccoli florets fresh & lightly steamed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded & divided - can also use marble cheese

Creamy Flavor Base - Hidden Flavor Boosters

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup milk whole milk recommended
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese softened
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dried parsley
  • ½ tsp dried thyme adds depth

Optional Topping - Highly Recommended

  • ½ cup mozzarella or marble cheese, shredded, for extra melt
  • 1 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tbsp parsley fresh, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat Oven
    Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
  • Prepare Creamy Sauce
    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine: chicken, broth, milk, cream cheese, sour cream
    Stir until smooth and creamy.
  • Add Flavor Boosters
    Stir in: garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt and pepper
    Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Combine Ingredients
    In a large bowl, mix: cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, 1½ cups cheddar cheese
    Pour the sauce over and stir until fully coated.
  • Bake
    Transfer mixture to baking dish.
    Top with remaining cheese and mozzarella.
  • Bake Until Golden
    Bake 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
  • Finish & Serve
    Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
    • Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep
    No need to pre-cook the broccoli
    Add a pinch of mustard powder for extra cheesy flavor
    Let sit 5 minutes before serving for best texture

Notes

  • This cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake is the ultimate creamy comfort food casserole, perfect for busy weeknights and cozy family dinners.
  • For best texture, use freshly cooked rice (or day-old rice for a firmer, non-mushy result).
  • Rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut that makes this an easy, high-protein one-pan dinner recipe.
  • Lightly steaming the broccoli helps it stay bright, tender-crisp, and nutrient-rich after baking.
  • The blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar creates a rich, velvety, restaurant-style cheese sauce.
  • Add a pinch of mustard powder or extra smoked paprika to boost the deep, savory cheesy flavor.
  • Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so it sets and holds its shape beautifully.
  • For an elevated presentation, serve in individual oven-safe ramekins or bowls—perfect for restaurant-style plating, dinner parties, or meal prep portions.
  • This recipe is ideal for freezer-friendly meals, make-ahead dinners, and family meal planning.
  • Easily customize with bacon, mushrooms, or spicy pepper jack cheese for extra flavor variations.
  • A true comfort food casserole recipe that delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction with minimal effort.

Nutrition

Serving: 1300 gramsCalories: 626kcalCarbohydrates: 57gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 17gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 812mgPotassium: 524mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1285IUVitamin C: 29mgCalcium: 443mgIron: 1mg
Keyword broccoli cheddar chicken casserole, cheesy chicken broccoli rice bake, chicken broccoli rice casserole, comfort food casserole, creamy chicken rice bake, easy chicken casserole recipe, oven baked chicken and rice, recipe
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