Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice

This Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice casserole is loaded with flavorful yellow rice, tender broccoli florets, juicy rotisserie chicken, and plenty of sharp cheddar cheese. The aromatic, seasoned rice brings an extra depth of flavor to this creamy, one-pan comfort food dish.

Ingredients to Make Broccoli and Cheese Chicken and Rice Recipe

This Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice Casserole is pure cheesy comfort—though honestly, anything with broccoli and cheese is always a hit in our house. I don’t usually cook with creamed soups, but in this recipe, which reminds me of the chicken and rice my mom used to make, it just works, and totally hits the spot. As with everything, moderation is key! To make it a full meal, pair it with a fresh spinach salad and some warm yeast rolls, or enjoy it on its own, it’s hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Ingredients you’ll need to make Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Yellow Rice Casserole: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card.)

• Chicken – Rotisserie chicken keeps things simple.
• Rice – Yellow rice forms the base of the rice casserole.
• Broccoli – Steamed broccoli florets add bulk and flavor.
• Cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar cheese for a cheesy flavor.
• Soup – One can broccoli cheese soup and one can cream of celery soup.
• Liquid – Mayonnaise, melted butter and evaporated milk add moisture. You could use whole milk instead.
• Vegetables – Diced pimentos and sliced green onions. Pimentos expand the flavor but they are optional.
• Seasonings – Rotisserie chicken seasoning, garlic salt and lemon pepper (or black pepper.)

How to Make the Best Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice Recipe

• Heat Oven and Prepare Dish – Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray a deep 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
• Boil the Yellow Rice – Cook the rice per the package instructions just until tender then drain and cool.
• Make the Cheese Sauce – Whisk together the broccoli cheese soup, cream of celery soup, mayonnaise, evaporated milk, pimientos, butter, rotisserie chicken seasoning, garlic salt and lemon pepper. 
• Combine – To the sauce mixture add the rice, chicken, cheese, steamed broccoli and green onions. Stir to combine.
• Transfer Rice Mixture to Dish – Pour into the prepared dish, then sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
• Bake – Bake per the cook time in the recipe until heated through and bubbly around the edge. 
• Serve – Let stand for 5 minutes then scoop and serve.  

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need to Make Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• One 13×9-inch casserole dish or baking dish.
• One medium bowl for combining the rice, chicken and ingredients together.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Cheese grater for freshly shredded cheddar cheese.
• Sharp knife and chopping board to prep the chicken and onions.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

• Chicken: You can use any cooked chicken in this recipe. Leftover roasted chicken, grilled chicken, poached chicken whatever works best for you and what you have on hand. You could also use leftover Thanksgiving turkey or chicken thighs.
• Canned Soup: I don’t often cook with creamed soups, but in the case of this casserole it just works. You could use cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup or cream of broccoli soup in place of broccoli cheese soup.
• Broccoli: You can use frozen broccoli or fresh broccoli for this recipe.
• Seasonings: Rotisserie chicken seasoning is readily available on the spice aisle of most grocery stores. You could easily adapt using a different chicken seasoning like Poultry Magic or similar.
• Salt: In place of garlic salt you could use 1 teaspoon plain table salt and 1 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder.
• Rice: If you prefer to adapt this recipe using long grain white rice or chicken seasoned rice you can! You’ll need around 4-5 cups of cooked rice. When making this change, you may need to increase the amount of evaporated milk to accommodate. See how to make Oven Baked Rice here.
• Bread Crumbs: You could top this casserole with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a crispy topping.
• What to Serve with Broccoli Cheese Chicken and Rice: To round out the meal, add a Seven Layer Salad and perhaps some freshly baked Homestyle Garlic Bread.

Storage and Leftovers

• Make-Ahead Tip: You can fully assemble this chicken broccoli casserole one day in advance, then cover and chill in the refrigerator until baking. When doing so, allow 15-20 minutes or so on the counter to take the chill off and increase the baking time as needed.
• Leftovers: Store chicken and rice casserole covered with aluminum foil or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in single servings in the microwave.
• Freezer: Store leftovers in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat just before serving.

More Easy Casseroles Using Broccoli to Make

• Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole a stellar side dish option.
• This Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pot Pie is a fan favorite!
• Broccoli Cheese Cornbread will have the kiddos eating their veggies and loving it.
• Easy Broccoli Casserole is a comfort food classic that never gets old.
• Roasted Panko Parmesan Broccoli will make a delicious addition to your side dish menu.
• Broccoli Cheese Quiche with Bacon forms its own crust.
• Broccoli Mac and Cheese is made entirely on the stovetop!
• Sheet Pan Garlic Chicken and Broccoli from Pinch of Yum.

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Helpful Kitchen Items: 

• 13×9-inch Baking Dish
• Cheese Grater
• Spatula
• Chopping Board and Knives