Save to Pinterest A creamy, comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked together in a simple homemade sauce. Perfect for weeknights and budget-friendly family meals.
The first time I made this casserole, my kids asked for seconds and we had zero leftovers. It quickly became one of our most requested weeknight dinners, especially because it only needs one baking dish.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breast: 2 cups, diced or shredded (about 300 g)
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups (fresh or frozen, about 200 g)
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Long-grain white rice: 1 cup, uncooked
- Low-sodium chicken broth: 2 cups (or vegetable broth)
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz/300 g) or homemade equivalent
- Milk: 1 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup (plus extra for topping)
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
- Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Breadcrumbs: 1/2 cup (optional)
- Melted butter: 2 tablespoons (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prep the oven and baking dish:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Cook the vegetables:
- Sauté onion in a skillet with oil until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Mix everything:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, sautéed onion and garlic, uncooked rice, chicken broth, condensed soup, milk, cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and thyme (if using). Mix until well combined.
- Assemble:
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Topping:
- If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole. Top with extra cheddar cheese if desired.
- Bake:
- Cover tightly with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake another 10–15 minutes, or until rice is tender and top is golden.
- Rest and serve:
- Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
Save to Pinterest My mother-in-law brings this casserole to every holiday dinner, and our whole family expects it now. Even picky eaters love it, especially with extra cheese on top.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, large bowl, skillet, measuring cups, measuring spoons, aluminum foil
Allergen Information
Contains milk (cheese, milk, soup), wheat (condensed soup, breadcrumbs if used), and chicken (poultry). Always check ingredient labels for allergies. For gluten-free, use soup and breadcrumbs certified gluten-free.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: 470 calories, 19 g total fat, 43 g carbohydrates, 29 g protein
Save to Pinterest This casserole makes easy leftovers and reheats perfectly. Enjoy warm comfort food any night of the week.