Welcome to a comforting world of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken, a hearty casserole that combines juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar. With minimal prep and straightforward steps, this recipe is tailor-made for busy weeknights or whenever your family craves a warm, satisfying meal.

Final Cheesy Broccoli Chicken with cracker topping — Ready to serve

I vividly recall the evening I first whipped up this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken dish. We wanted something cozy and simple, so I layered chicken, broccoli, and plenty of cheddar into a single casserole. As soon as it emerged from the oven—bubbly and golden—my husband and little one raced over, drawn in by the irresistible aroma. When they polished off their plates and went for seconds, I knew this recipe was a keeper. Now, it’s a go-to comfort meal that brings everyone around the table in an instant.

Why This Broccoli Chicken Bake

Family-Friendly: Kid-approved flavors and a cheesy finish ensure empty plates.
Flexible & Easy: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or swap veggies to suit your fridge and taste buds.
Comfort Food Classic: Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and bright broccoli—perfect for a cozy night in.
One-Pan Convenience: Fewer dishes, more time to relax and enjoy your meal.

Quick Prep: Short, simple steps get dinner on the table without stress.
Cheesy Goodness: Rich cheddar pairs brilliantly with mild chicken and crisp broccoli.
Nutritious Components: Protein-packed chicken, fibrous broccoli, and a balanced sauce.
Adaptable Recipe: Season it your way or add more veggies for a personal twist.

Mixing Chicken Broccoli Casserole — Combining creamy ingredients

What You Need To Make This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken (Serves 6)

Butter (2 tbsp)
- Adds richness while sautéing or warming chicken.
Chicken (about 2 cups, cubed or shredded)
- Use fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
- Infuses the dish with a blend of dried herbs.
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
Chicken Broth (2½ cups)
- Cooks the rice and brings savory depth.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
- Prevents rice from sticking and contributes a slight richness.
White Long-Grain Rice (1¼ cups, uncooked)
- Absorbs the tasty liquids, forming a hearty base.
Broccoli Florets (2 cups, fresh)
- Provides a pop of color and nutrients.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can)
- The creamy, comforting core of the casserole.
Milk (½ cup)
- Adds smoothness to the sauce.
Sour Cream (½ cup)
- Contributes a slight tang, balancing the richness.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided)
- Melts into a gooey topping and flavors the interior.
Optional: Thyme (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
- Sprinkle for extra herbal or garlicky nuance.

Topping

Crushed Ritz Crackers (1 cup)
Melted Butter (2 tbsp)

How to Make this Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Preheat & Prep
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh chicken, cube it and toss with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken (If Fresh)
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Start Rice
- In the same pot, bring chicken broth and olive oil to a boil.
- Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer 6 minutes.
Add Broccoli
- Lift the lid, add broccoli florets, cover again.
- Cook about 9 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Assemble the Casserole
- Turn off heat. Gently stir in cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken), condensed soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese.
- Spoon into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top.
Bake & Top
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Uncover, add cracker topping, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve & Savor
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Dish up and enjoy the creamy, cheesy harmony of chicken and broccoli.

Cubed chicken cooking in butter — Season and brown chicken

Tip

Use Sharp Cheddar
For extra bold flavor, opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It cuts through the creamy sauce, amplifying that signature cheesy taste while balancing the mild chicken and broccoli.

In essence, Cheesy Broccoli Chicken is the perfect go-to casserole for busy nights, potlucks, or simple family dinners. It’s the comforting blend of chicken, broccoli, and melty cheese that warms you from the inside out. Once you try this dish, you’ll see why it quickly becomes a household favorite—guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, omit chicken and replace broth with vegetable stock. Add more veggies like carrots or peas for extra bulk.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

3. Is it freezer-friendly?

Yes! Assemble fully, wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake when ready.

4. Can I use brown rice?

Certainly. Adjust liquid and cook time according to package directions, as brown rice takes longer.

5. What pairs well with this dish?

Try a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake

Welcome to a comforting world of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken, a hearty casserole that combines juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar.

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 50

Total Time 1

Serving Size 6

Ingredients

Butter (2 tbsp)

Adds richness while sautéing or warming chicken.

Chicken (about 2 cups, cubed or shredded)

Use fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)

Infuses the dish with a blend of dried herbs.

Salt & Pepper (to taste)

Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.

Chicken Broth (2½ cups)

Cooks the rice and brings savory depth.

Olive Oil (1 tbsp)

Prevents rice from sticking and contributes a slight richness.

White Long-Grain Rice (1¼ cups, uncooked)

Absorbs the tasty liquids forming a hearty base.

Broccoli Florets (2 cups, fresh)

Provides a pop of color and nutrients.

Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can)

The creamy comforting core of the casserole.

Milk (½ cup)

Adds smoothness to the sauce.

Sour Cream (½ cup)

Contributes a slight tang balancing the richness.

Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided)

Melts into a gooey topping and flavors the interior.

Optional: Thyme (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (½ tsp)

Sprinkle for extra herbal or garlicky nuance.

Topping

Crushed Ritz Crackers 1 cup
Melted Butter 2 tbsp

Instructions

Preheat & Prep

Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
If using fresh chicken, cube it and toss with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Cook Chicken (If Fresh)

Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Start Rice

In the same pot, bring chicken broth and olive oil to a boil.
Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer 6 minutes.

Add Broccoli

Lift the lid, add broccoli florets, cover again.
Cook about 9 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.

Assemble the Casserole

Turn off heat. Gently stir in cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken), condensed soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese.
Spoon into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top.

Bake & Top

Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
Uncover, add cracker topping, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Serve & Savor

Let it rest for 5 minutes. Dish up and enjoy the creamy, cheesy harmony of chicken and broccoli.

Notes

Use Sharp Cheddar
For extra bold flavor, opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It cuts through the creamy sauce, amplifying that signature cheesy taste while balancing the mild chicken and broccoli.