Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole (No Fuss)

Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the casserole that has saved dinner more times than I can count.

This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is the ultimate comfort food—tender chicken, bright green broccoli, and fluffy rice all bound together in the most luscious, creamy sauce and topped with golden melted cheese. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table sigh with contentment after the first bite.

I created this recipe during one of those weeks when I was juggling too much and needed something foolproof. I had leftover chicken, a bag of frozen broccoli, and some rice in the pantry. Instead of making three separate components, I thought—why not throw it all together in one casserole and let the oven do the work?

The result was magic. My kids, who usually pick at their vegetables, devoured the broccoli mixed into this creamy, cheesy goodness. My husband declared it “restaurant-quality comfort food,” and I loved that it took me less than 15 minutes to prep.

What makes this easy chicken recipe so brilliant is how it’s truly a complete meal in one dish. You’ve got protein, vegetables, and carbs all baked together in a creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully. There’s no need for complicated sides—this casserole IS dinner.

This is one of those recipes for dinner that works for absolutely everything—busy weeknights, Sunday meal prep, potlucks, feeding a crowd, or comforting someone who needs a warm meal. It’s versatile, forgiving, and always delicious. Plus, it makes amazing leftovers that somehow taste even better the next day.

The best part? You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken, frozen or fresh broccoli, and even swap ingredients based on what you have. It’s one of those rare recipes that welcomes improvisation.

For more comforting casserole inspiration, check out Six Sisters’ Stuff collection of easy family casseroles, or explore Real Food by Dad’s guide to simple, crowd-pleasing dinner casseroles.

Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole (No Fuss)

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole combines tender chicken, broccoli, and rice in a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheese. Everything bakes together in one dish for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family loves.

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Servings: 8

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups cooked chicken diced or shredded
• 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• 2 cups cooked white rice
• 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• For topping: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Optional: ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• – Large mixing bowl
• – Medium saucepan
• – Whisk
• – Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• – Wooden spoon
• Aluminum foil (optional)

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
2. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well. If using fresh, cut into bite-sized florets.
3. In large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk until smooth.
4. Add cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese to sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
5. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Spread into even layer, pressing down gently.
6. Sprinkle remaining 1 cup cheese over top. If using, sprinkle buttered cracker crumbs over cheese.
7. Bake uncovered 30-35 minutes until hot, bubbly, and cheese is melted and golden. If browning too quickly, cover loosely with foil.
8. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving. Scoop onto plates and enjoy!

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for easy prep. Drain broccoli very well to prevent watery casserole. Day-old rice works best. Can assemble 24 hours ahead and refrigerate—add 10 minutes to baking time. Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Stores 3-4 days in fridge. Can substitute Greek yogurt for mayo.

CALORIES:
485

PROTEIN:
28g

RECIPEYIELD:
8 servings

Summary

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole combines tender chicken, broccoli, and rice in a rich, creamy sauce topped with melted cheese.

Everything bakes together in one dish for an easy, satisfying meal that the whole family loves. This is one of the best easy dinner recipes for busy families who want comfort food without the fuss.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly

Equipment

You’ll need these basic kitchen tools:

• 9×13-inch baking dish – Standard casserole dish
• Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients
• Medium saucepan – For making the sauce
• Whisk – For smooth sauce
• Measuring cups and spoons – For accuracy
• Sharp knife and cutting board – For prep
• Wooden spoon – For stirring
• Aluminum foil – Optional, for covering

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly
• 3 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets – About 12 oz
• 2 cups cooked white rice – Day-old rice works great
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup – Or cream of mushroom
• 1 cup sour cream – Adds tanginess and richness
• 1 cup mayonnaise – Makes it extra creamy
• 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese – Divided
• ½ cup chicken broth – For moisture
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Essential flavor
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – Adds depth
• ½ teaspoon salt – Plus more to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground
• ½ teaspoon paprika – Adds color and mild flavor

For Topping

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – For the golden top
• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers – Optional, adds crunch
• 2 tablespoons melted butter – Mixed with crackers

Optional Add-ins

• Diced onions (sautéed)
• Sliced mushrooms
• Diced bell peppers
• Crispy fried onions for topping
• Fresh herbs for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare Broccoli

If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well—excess water will make the casserole watery.

If using fresh broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets. You can blanch fresh broccoli for 2 minutes in boiling water, or use it raw—it will cook in the casserole.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture.

Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Spread it into an even layer, pressing down gently to eliminate air pockets.

Step 6: Add Cheese Topping

Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.

If using, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake

Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.

If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover with aluminum foil.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

This allows it to set slightly and makes serving easier. Scoop onto plates and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Chef Emma’s Pro Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken: This is the ultimate time-saver! One rotisserie chicken gives you about 3 cups of cooked, seasoned meat.
• Don’t skip draining broccoli: Excess water is the enemy of casseroles. Drain frozen broccoli very well, and pat fresh broccoli dry after blanching.
• Day-old rice is best: Freshly cooked rice can be too moist. Day-old refrigerated rice has the perfect texture for casseroles.
• Make it ahead: Assemble completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Add 10 minutes to baking time if starting cold.
• Customize the sauce: Don’t like mayonnaise? Use all sour cream or Greek yogurt instead. The consistency will be slightly different but still delicious.
• Check seasoning: The canned soup adds saltiness, so taste before adding more salt. Adjust seasonings to your preference.

Delicious Variations

• Lightened-Up Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese
• Cheesy Supreme: Double the cheese and add cream cheese for ultra-richness
• Wild Rice Casserole: Use wild rice blend instead of white rice for nutty flavor and more nutrients
• Mushroom Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup
• Ranch Style: Add ranch seasoning mix to the sauce for tangy flavor
• Cauliflower Rice: Substitute cauliflower rice for a low-carb version

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is a complete meal, but pairs wonderfully with:

• Simple green salad with vinaigrette
• Dinner rolls or garlic bread
• Roasted carrots or green beans
• Fresh fruit salad
• Sliced tomatoes with balsamic
• Cranberry sauce on the side
• Sweet potato wedges
• Corn on the cob

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store covered in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge.

Freezer: This casserole freezes beautifully! Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can also freeze in individual portions for easy lunches.

Reheating: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition information is approximate and based on 8 servings without optional cracker topping. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Nutritional Highlights

This chicken and broccoli casserole delivers an impressive 28 grams of protein per serving, making it excellent for maintaining muscle mass and keeping you satisfied.

The chicken provides lean protein along with essential B vitamins that support energy metabolism. The broccoli is a nutritional superstar, packed with vitamin C, vitamin K, fiber, and powerful antioxidants that support overall health.

The combination of protein, vegetables, and whole grains (the rice) makes this a surprisingly balanced meal despite being comfort food. The cheese adds calcium for strong bones, and the broccoli contributes iron and folate.

While this is a rich, creamy casserole, you can lighten it up significantly by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo and reducing the cheese—it will still be delicious!

Dietitian Tips

• Boost vegetables: Double the broccoli or add other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers
• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to cut calories significantly
• Increase fiber: Use brown rice or wild rice instead of white rice for more fiber and nutrients
• Add more protein: Increase chicken to 4 cups for an even more protein-rich meal
• Reduce sodium: Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce added salt
• Make it colorful: Add diced red bell peppers or carrots for extra vitamins and visual appeal

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking method. Cut raw chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and increase baking time to 50-60 minutes, covering with foil. Make sure chicken reaches 165°F internally.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

Make your own! Mix 1 cup chicken broth with ⅓ cup flour, ⅓ cup cream or milk, and seasonings. Cook until thickened. You can also use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.

Do I have to cook the rice first?

Yes, the rice needs to be fully cooked before adding to the casserole. Uncooked rice won’t have enough liquid or time to cook properly in this dish.

Can I make this dairy-free?

It’s challenging since the creaminess comes from dairy, but you can try using dairy-free cream cheese, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese alternatives. The flavor and texture will differ but can still be tasty.

Why is my casserole watery?

Usually from not draining the broccoli well enough or using too-fresh rice that’s still steaming. Make sure frozen broccoli is completely thawed and drained, and use day-old rice when possible.

Can I prepare this the night before?

Absolutely! This is perfect for make-ahead meals. Assemble completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding 10 minutes since it’s starting cold.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is proof that comfort food can be easy, delicious, and nutritious all at the same time.

With minimal prep and one dish to wash, you get a complete meal that satisfies everyone at the table. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a family staple—the one you turn to again and again when you need dinner handled.

What I love most about this casserole is how it brings my family together around food that feels special but doesn’t stress me out to make. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and that irresistibly creamy, cheesy sauce is pure comfort in every bite.

This easy chicken recipe has saved countless weeknights at my house. It’s become my go-to for meal prep Sundays, potluck contributions, and those evenings when I just need dinner to handle itself. I make it, pop it in the oven, and have 35 minutes to do whatever else needs doing.

I encourage you to make this recipe your own—add your favorite vegetables, try different cheeses, experiment with rice varieties. This casserole is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creativity. Just keep the creamy base and the basic technique, and you can’t go wrong.

So grab that rotisserie chicken, some broccoli, and get ready for the easiest, most comforting dinner of the week. Your family is going to request this one on repeat!

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