Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Name: Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded; 2 cups broccoli florets; 1 cup uncooked rice (preferably long grain or jasmine); 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup fried onions (optional, for topping)

Highlighted under: Everyday Comfort Meals

I love whipping up this Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole when I want a comforting meal that’s quick and satisfying. It saves time, especially when I’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken on hand. The combination of tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce makes it a family favorite. Plus, it’s an easy one-pan dish that comes together in just a few minutes. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a go-to for busy weeknights!

Created by

Summer Blake

Last updated on 2026-02-28T00:53:35.210Z

When I was experimenting with quick dinner ideas, this casserole recipe quickly became a beloved dish in my home. Using rotisserie chicken not only cuts down on prep time but also adds tons of flavor. My favorite part? The creamy texture paired with crunchy broccoli creates a fantastic contrast that everyone loves.

One tip I’ve learned is to use extra cheese on top before baking for that glorious golden crust. It really elevates the dish and keeps the casserole moist and delicious. This is one recipe that always gets rave reviews!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Convenient use of rotisserie chicken for a hearty meal in no time
Creamy sauce with a crunchy broccoli topping adds wonderful texture
A one-pan wonder that makes clean-up a breeze

Casserole Assembly Insights

As you prepare this casserole, ensure the rice is uncooked when adding it to the mixture. This not only helps it absorb the flavors of the creamy sauce but allows it to cook perfectly in the oven. If you prefer a firmer texture, consider using parboiled rice, which will maintain its definition better than traditional long grain during the baking process.

When mixing the ingredients together, I recommend using a large, sturdy bowl. This makes it easier to incorporate the broccoli and chicken evenly. Make sure the cream of chicken soup is well combined, as this will help distribute the sauce's rich flavors throughout the casserole while keeping the rice moist and tender.

Serving and Storing Tips

This casserole is best served hot and fresh from the oven, with the cheese on top becoming gooey and inviting. However, if you have leftovers, let the dish cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, I suggest warming it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.

For a delightful serving twist, you can garnish individual portions with fresh herbs like parsley or chives right before serving. This not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of freshness that balances the richness of the cheese and sauce.

Variations and Customizations

Feel free to mix in other vegetables according to your preferences. Cauliflower, peas, or even sliced carrots can be great additions. Just be sure to pre-cook any denser vegetables slightly before incorporating them to ensure everything cooks evenly. This recipe is versatile enough to adapt to what's in your fridge!

If you're looking to make this dish lighter or vegetarian, you can substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked quinoa or canned chickpeas. The key is to maintain the flavor base with the cream of chicken soup; consider using a plant-based alternative to keep it vegetarian but still creamy and satisfying.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients for your casserole:

Casserole Ingredients

2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup uncooked rice (preferably long grain or jasmine)
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup fried onions (optional, for topping)

Make sure all ingredients are prepared before starting the cooking process!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9x13 inch baking dish is also recommended.

Mix the Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the shredded rotisserie chicken, broccoli florets, uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Season the mix with salt and pepper to taste.

Transfer the Mixture

Spread the chicken and rice mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and fried onions if using.

Bake

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne to the cheese topping before baking.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your casserole is too dry after baking, it's possible that the rice absorbed more moisture than expected. To counter this, add a bit more milk or broth before baking. Make sure that the mixture is sufficiently wet, as it will continue to absorb moisture during the baking process.

For a dish that’s bubbly and golden on top, be sure to remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. If the top isn’t browning to your liking, you can place it under the broiler for a couple of minutes—but watch it closely to avoid burning!

Freezing for Convenience

If you’re planning to make this casserole ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Assemble the casserole without baking it, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and then foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaws overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the cooler temperature.

When storing leftovers in the freezer, portion them into smaller containers. This allows for quicker reheating and makes it easy to enjoy a comforting serving whenever you need a quick meal. Just remember to label your containers with the date to keep track of freshness!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to make the casserole gluten-free, you can replace the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free variant or make a quick homemade version using cornstarch or gluten-free flour as a thickener. This keeps the dish creamy without compromising on taste.

For dairy-free adaptations, use a plant-based cream of chicken soup and swap the cheddar cheese for a non-dairy cheese alternative. Nutritional yeast is also a great option—it lends a cheesy flavor without the dairy while enhancing the dish's richness.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to thaw it and drain any excess water before mixing.

→ Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! You can use cream of mushroom soup or any homemade cream sauce as a substitute.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and bake it the next day. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator.