Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: Quick & Easy Canned Chicken Recipe for Busy Nights

Introduction

A bubbling, golden Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—especially on chaotic weeknights. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, this casserole turns pantry staples into a hearty, satisfying meal for the whole family. No complicated steps or long ingredient lists just classic flavors that everyone loves, ready in under an hour.

Why This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Is Your Busy Night Hero

This recipe makes the most of canned chicken for convenience, without sacrificing taste. Creamy cheese sauce melds perfectly with fluffy rice and tender broccoli, delivering a crowd-pleasing balance of textures and flavors. It’s a reliable go-to for nights when you need something nourishing, quick, and satisfying—plus, it’s easily adaptable with what you have on hand.

The Best Shortcut: Using Canned Chicken

Canned chicken saves time without compromising on protein. Simply drain, fluff, and fold into your casserole mixture—no need to pre-cook or dice uncooked chicken. This not only streamlines meal preparation but also reduces cleanup, all while creating a deliciously filling dinner.

Cheesy, Creamy, and Family-Friendly

The combination of sharp cheddar cheese and creamy soup makes the casserole luxuriously gooey and comforting. Broccoli adds freshness and nutrition, while rice soaks up all the savory flavors. Top with extra cheese or a crispy breadcrumb layer for an irresistible finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad or crusty bread for a well-rounded meal. Want extra veggies or a flavor twist? Toss in sautéed mushrooms, swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, or sprinkle with paprika before baking. Make it gluten-free by using a GF condensed soup and cooked wild rice.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 6 and offers a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and veggies. Each serving contains approximately 400 calories (will vary with cheese and soup variety). It’s comfort food you can feel good about, perfect for filling up hungry bellies on busy weeknights.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate a sorted shopping list, making your grocery trips more organized and meal planning a breeze.

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish or similar baking pan.
2. If using frozen broccoli, microwave for 2-3 minutes to thaw slightly and drain any excess water. If using fresh, chop into small florets.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, canned chicken (fluffed with a fork), broccoli, condensed soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Add milk for a creamier texture, if desired.
4. Mix everything together until well combined, then spoon into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese (and optional breadcrumbs) over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted and golden brown. For an extra-crispy top, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
7. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Weekly Meal Planning

This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead and reheats beautifully for next-day lunches or another quick weeknight dinner. Save and schedule this recipe in your weekly meal plan with CookifyAI. It will automatically consolidate all the casserole ingredients and any other planned recipes into one organized grocery list, preventing duplicate purchases and forgotten items.

Planning Benefits:

• Seamlessly calculates total amounts needed across every weekly recipe
• Organizes your list by store section for efficient shopping
• Helps you use up pantry staples like canned chicken or rice before they expire
• Avoids overbuying and wasted food

Pro tip: When planning for busy weeks, schedule casseroles and one-pot recipes—they tend to share common ingredients, which CookifyAI automatically detects and combines. Try integrating this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with similar make-ahead meals for streamlined prep all week long!

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

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Make this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole your new go-to for fuss-free, family-friendly dinners—and enjoy effortless meal planning and shopping with CookifyAI!