Name: Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut into cubes; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 1 yellow onion, chopped; 3 carrots, chopped; 2 tbsp salted butter; 1 ½ cups basmati or jasmine rice; ½ cup dry orzo pasta (gluten-free, if needed); 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, plus more for topping; 3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth; 3 cups broccoli florets, roughly chopped; 2 bay leaves; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp cayenne pepper, to taste; Zest of 1/2 a lemon; ½ cup whole milk or canned coconut milk; 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 7 reviews

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole is the answer to every cozy weeknight dilemma—hearty, soul-warming, and all wrapped up in gooey cheddar comfort. Imagine everything you want in a comforting dinner, from tender chicken and vibrant broccoli to bubbling cheese and fluffy rice, coming together in just one pot. This isn’t just a casserole; it’s the kind of meal where everyone asks for seconds and you’re still excited to have leftovers. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, healthy-ish, and ready in under an hour. Trust me, this casserole will quickly become a weeknight family favorite!

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering just a handful of fresh, simple ingredients is what makes this dish truly shine. Each one brings a unique flavor, texture, or color—when combined, they create pure dinnertime magic!

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds a rich, flavorful base for sautéing and keeps everything beautifully moist.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the savory notes in every bite.
Yellow Onion, Chopped: Brings a mellow sweetness and depth to the casserole’s flavor foundation.
Carrots, Chopped: Introduces subtle sweetness and gorgeous pops of color.
Boneless Chicken Breasts, Cubed: The star protein—choose fresh and let them soak up those savory flavors.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps everything toast up for maximum flavor.
Basmati or Jasmine Rice: Picks up all the flavors in the pot and turns delightfully fluffy as it cooks.
Dry Orzo Pasta: A little pasta makes the texture extra comforting (gluten-free works, too!).
Fresh Thyme Leaves: A burst of herby brightness that keeps every bite interesting.
Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Lets you control the salt level and infuses every grain with savory goodness.
Broccoli Florets, Roughly Chopped: The famous duo—cheddar and broccoli—adds vibrant color and nutrients.
Bay Leaves: Aromatic extras that take the flavor to the next level (don’t forget to fish them out before serving!).
Garlic Powder: Adds that subtle garlicky kick without overpowering the dish.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a little for gentle heat—add more if you like a little zing.
Lemon Zest: An unexpected twist that brightens and freshens the whole dish.
Whole Milk or Canned Coconut Milk: Adds creaminess; use coconut milk for a unique, dairy-free spin.
Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: The heart of the casserole, making every bite irresistibly cheesy.

How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Sauté the Veggies

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees F to get ready for that bubbly, golden finish. Heat up the olive oil in a large, oven-safe pot over medium heat. When the oil is shimmering and hot, add in the chopped onion and carrots. Sauté them for about five minutes—just until everything is fragrant and the onions are translucent, bringing tons of flavor into your base.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken & Toast the Grains

Toss in the cubed chicken and a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper. Let it cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until it starts to sear. Next, melt in the butter and add both the rice and orzo along with fresh thyme. Stir everything well, letting the grains and pasta toast for another couple of minutes. This step deepens the flavors and makes the casserole extra tasty.

Step 3: Build the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Base

Pour in the chicken broth, then raise the heat to bring it to a boil. Add the broccoli, bay leaves, garlic powder, cayenne, and another healthy pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a good stir, cover the pot tightly, and turn the heat down to low. Cook, covered, for 20 to 25 minutes, until the rice is mostly tender and everything smells amazing.

Step 4: Add Dairy and Finish with Cheese

Once the rice is nearly cooked, take off the lid and stir in the lemon zest, milk (or coconut milk), and half a cup of the cheddar. If your pot isn’t oven-safe, transfer everything to a large casserole dish now. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar all over the top—don’t be shy!

Step 5: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden

Transfer your casserole to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for that beautiful, golden cheesy crust and bubbling edges. Once it’s out, top with even more thyme and a sprinkle of fresh basil if you like. Serve it hot and watch everyone dig in!

How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole

Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A casserole this comforting only needs a little freshening up before serving. Sprinkle on extra thyme leaves or fresh chopped basil for a pop of color and flavor. Sometimes a few cracks of black pepper or a scattering of crispy fried onions makes every serving feel a little more special.

Side Dishes

Pair your Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or even a warm loaf of crusty bread for soaking up every cheesy drop. If you want to keep things light, a citrusy slaw or marinated tomatoes work beautifully on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

Give your casserole a bistro-style upgrade by serving it in individual ramekins, or make it the heart of a family-style dinner with everyone scooping straight from the baking dish. For potlucks, divide into smaller baking pans and tag with handwritten labels—so irresistible and always the first dish to disappear!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors seem to get even better overnight, making lunch or next-day dinner a real treat.

Freezing

This casserole freezes like a champ! Cool it completely, then wrap tightly with foil or transfer into freezer-safe containers. Label and freeze for up to three months, so you’re always just a quick reheat away from ultimate comfort food.

Reheating

To reheat, let the casserole thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen. Warm in a 350 degree F oven (covered) for about 20 minutes, or zap individual servings in the microwave until piping hot. Add a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy and moist.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Absolutely! Just shred or dice rotisserie chicken and stir it in after the rice is done cooking, right before you add the cheese. This is a fantastic shortcut on busy nights and keeps things ultra flavorful.

Is there a way to make this casserole vegetarian?

Yes, you can swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and you’ve got a delicious vegetarian Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole twist.

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can! Just keep in mind that brown rice needs more liquid and a longer cooking time. Add an extra half cup of broth and cook the covered casserole until the rice is tender—about 15 minutes more should do the trick.

What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and has incredible flavor, but you can play around by adding smoked gouda, Gruyère, or even a pinch of parmesan for extra oomph. Just steer clear of pre-shredded cheeses if possible for the creamiest results.

Can I make this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole gluten-free?

Definitely! Simply use a gluten-free orzo (or skip the orzo altogether) and double-check that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free. The result is just as creamy and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something comforting and incredibly flavorful, give Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole a try. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing dish that brings everyone to the table—and keeps them coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to experience just how delicious and easy homemade comfort food can be!