• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Yummy Bowl
  • Home
  • RECIPES
    • Seasonal Recipes
    • Popular Recipes
    • 30-Minute Meals
    • Appetizers
    • Dinner
      • Vegan Dinner
      • Chicken
      • Beef
      • Fish
    • Soups
    • Breakfast
    • One-Pot & Casseroles
    • Sides
      • Salads
      • Potato
    • Pasta
    • Desserts
    • Other Categories
      • Sandwiches & Wraps
      • Dairy Free
      • Vegetarian
      • Drinks
      • Sauces, Condiments, Dips
  • About
    • About TYB
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Disclaimer
    • Privacy Policy
  • START A BLOG
  • SHOP
    • PRINTABLES
    • LIGHTROOM PRESETS
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
    • Shop
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Chicken

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Oct 24, 2022 · Modified: Mar 19, 2023 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · This post contains affiliate links · 11 Comments

    230 shares
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    Skip To Recipe
    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    This Gluten Free Chicken Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is healthy comfort food at its finest! The best part of this casserole is that it reheats beautifully, can be made in advance, and freezes great in individual portions.

    To complete the meal, we like to serve this broccoli casserole with a simple side dish such as garden salad, plain caesar salad, or chopped cucumber tomato salad.

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Crusty bread or toast would be a great addition too if you love baking gluten-free bread. 

    There is a skip-to-recipe button in the top left corner along with a clickable table of contents list (just below) that will quickly take you to the part you are more interested in. Enjoy!

    Jump to:
    • Why It's Yummy
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips
    • Freezing And Storing Instructions
    • FAQ
    • Easy Gluten Free Rice Recipes
    • Easy Gluten Free Casserole Recipes
    • Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Why It's Yummy

    • This casserole has it all - the convenience of making everything in one dish, healthy veggies, tender chicken, and healthy grains. To top up, the Cheese and creamy sauce make the dish complete.
    • This casserole is a great candidate for making ahead too. Cook the chicken and rice a day or two before and prepare the rest of the ingredients as well. On the day just throw everything in a casserole dish, make the sauce, and bake.
    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Ingredients

    My few comments on the ingredients + don't forget to read the Tips section!

    The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole iNGREDIENTS
    • Cooked chicken - we are going to use fresh chicken and sear it lightly in a skillet. But for convenience and time saving, any leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken can be used.
    • Rice - I cook the rice upfront and never in a casserole. Uncooked rice texture is not the same and it can easily be overcooked and become mushy while baking. Unless you are an expert in rice casserole recipes, don't risk it. I like to use long-grain rice for skillet dinners and casseroles as it holds up its shape well.
    • Fresh broccoli florets - fresh or frozen cut into small florets. No need to cook the broccoli before adding to the casserole.
    • Cheese - the key ingredient that I wouldn’t make this casserole. Any melty cheese will do, cheddar, Colby Gouda, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Monterey Jack and even Pepper Jack.
    • Topping - optional but many like a little crunch added on top. You could make your own breadcrumbs from gluten-free bread, panko breadcrumbs, ritz crackers, or cornflakes as I did in this breakfast casserole. Fried crispy onions are one of our favorites too. I add these right before serving.
    • Flour - regular all purpose flour or GF. Any gluten-free flour all-purpose flour blend will do. It can be without xanthan gum which is essential in baking recipes.

    Instructions

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare an 8x11 casserole dish by greasing lightly with olive oil or butter.

    chicken cooked in skillet

    In a large skillet, over medium-high heat add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes. Set aside. 

    In the same skillet, add the remaining cooking oil. And once hot, saute the onion until it starts to get brown.

    Add in the gluten-free flour and whisk quickly for about a minute or so.

    In batches, stir in milk, continuously whisking. When all the milk is added, add in the spices and season with salt and black pepper.

    creamy sauce in skillet with cheddar

    Simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens. Stir every once in a while. Remove from the heat and add 1-½ cup of cheddar cheese.

    Stir until cheese is melted and incorporated into the mixture.

    broccoli in strainer

    In a large bowl or right in the prepared casserole dish, mix rice, broccoli, chicken, and sauce. 

    creamy sauce, broccoli and chicken in a bowl before adding in baking dish

    Sprinkle the remaining ½ cups cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes. 

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole before baking

    Serve while the casserole is still warm and the cheese melty. 

    Tips

    • You need a 8x11 inch or 9 inch baking dish or another casserole-style baking dish.
    • This recipe uses no canned soup, but for convenience's sake you can use it but I highly recommend trying my Cream of Mushroom Soup or Gluten Free Cream Of Chicken Soup instead. Make this soup 1-2 days ahead and you don’t have to worry about the sauce on the day of baking. 
    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Freezing And Storing Instructions

    Please note that the casserole will taste the best on the day of making or within 24 hours.

    • To Store. Store the cooled casserole covered tightly in plastic wrap. Or divide into smaller portions and store in individual airtight containers for up to 2-3 days in the fridge. 
    • To Freeze Leftovers. Let the casserole cool, and transfer it into freezer-friendly airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. 
    • To make ahead and freeze. Follow the recipe until baking instructions, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.  Bake as directed. 

    FAQ

    Can you freeze broccoli rice casserole?

    For Freezing. Leftovers: Let the casserole cool, and transfer it into freezer-friendly airtight containers. Freeze for up to 2-3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge. Bake until warmed through. Individual portions can be reheated in the microwave. 
    To make ahead and freeze: follow the recipe until baking instructions, cover with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.  Bake as directed. 

    Do you cook rice before putting it in a casserole.

    Yes, we need to cook the rice before adding it the broccoli casserole. Cook the rice on the stovetop, in the rice cooker, or ninja foodi or use leftover rice from previously made dinner. instant rice or minute rice is also fine.

    Does broccoli need to be cooked before casserole?

    No, I wouldn’t recommend cooking broccoli before baking. It is simply not needed and will ruin the broccoli texture, and flavor and will lose all its nutrients. The broccoli can be eaten raw and here we bake it until just warmed through and softened nicely. 

    How do you make broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers?

    It’s very easy! Just follow the instructions on how to mix the ritz crackers and butter topping from my Million Dollar Chicken Bake.

    Easy Gluten Free Rice Recipes

    ALL DINNER recipes.

    • Sausage Dirty Rice in the skillet
      Sausage Dirty Rice
    • bbq pork fried rice in a wok skillet and a wooden spoon taking out the rice
      BBQ Pork Fried Rice
    • This Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto is deliciously creamy with rich flavors of mushrooms and salty Parmesan. This recipe’s perfect for when you’re craving something warm and hearty!  - The Yummy Bowl
      Chanterelle Mushroom Risotto
    • top shot of a pumpkin risotto in a light blue bowl
      Butternut Squash Risotto

    Easy Gluten Free Casserole Recipes

    Craving for more easy chicken casserole recipes? I got you covered, these readers' popular recipes will become your new family favorite. Our new favorite additions include cheesy Gluten Free Eggplant Parmesan and fulfilling old-fashioned Hamburger Casserole.

    • chicken enchilada casserole with tomatoes, avocado and cilantro
      Creamy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
    • an over head shot of chicken enchilada in white sauce in a baking dish garnished with cilantro leaves and diced red onion in the middle
      Chicken Enchiladas With White Sauce
    • Final images of baked Mediterranean chicken thighs with potatoes, carrots and red onion plated and in casserole dish
      Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

    I hope you'll enjoy this chicken broccoli rice and cheese casserole recipe, please leave a rating on this recipe below and leave a comment, take a photo of your food and tag me on Instagram @theyummy_bowl. I love seeing your creations!

    Thank you for reading,

    Love,

    Julia

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

    This Gluten Free Chicken Broccoli Rice and Cheese Casserole is healthy comfort food at its finest! The best part of this casserole is that it reheats beautifully, can be made in advance, and freezes great in individual portions.
    5 from 13 votes
    Print Pin
    Author: Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Course: Main Course
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 29 minutes
    Total Time: 39 minutes
    Servings: 5 servings
    Calories: 532kcal

    INGREDIENTS

    Casserole

    • 1 pound chicken breasts cut into bite-sized smaller pieces
    • 2 cups brown rice cooked or white rice
    • 4 ½ cups fresh broccoli cut into small florets

    Sauce

    • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
    • 1 small yellow onion diced
    • 2 tablespoons gluten-free flour I like to use Measure to Measure or Schar Mix C
    • 2 cups milk
    • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ¼ teaspoon ground pepper
    • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded and divided
    • 2 tablespoon curly parsley freshly chopped to garnish

    INSTRUCTIONS

    • Preheat oven to 400°F. Prepare an 8x11 casserole dish by greasing lightly with olive oil or butter.
    • In a large skillet, over medium-high heat add 1 tablespoon of cooking oil and sear the chicken for about 5-6 minutes. Set aside.
    • In the same skillet, add the remaining cooking oil. And once hot, saute the onion until it starts to get brown.
    • Add in the gluten-free flour and whisk quickly for about a minute or so.
    • In batches, stir in milk, continuously whisking. When all the milk is added, add in the spices and season with salt and black pepper.
    • Simmer the mixture on low heat until it thickens. Stir every once in a while. Remove from the heat and add 1-½ cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and incorporated into the mixture.
    • In a large bowl or right in the prepared casserole dish, mix rice, broccoli, chicken, and sauce.
    • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cups cheese on top. Bake for 20-25 minutes.
    • Serve while the casserole is still warm and the cheese melty.
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    PRIVATE NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.
    Nutrition Facts
    Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 532 Calories from Fat 252
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 28g43%
    Saturated Fat 12g75%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 2g
    Monounsaturated Fat 9g
    Cholesterol 115mg38%
    Sodium 469mg20%
    Potassium 883mg25%
    Carbohydrates 34g11%
    Fiber 4g17%
    Sugar 7g8%
    Protein 38g76%
    Vitamin A 1376IU28%
    Vitamin C 76mg92%
    Calcium 499mg50%
    Iron 2mg11%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    (Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

    This cheesy casserole is Inspired from here.

    « One Pot Zuppa Toscana Soup (Better Than Olive Garden's)
    The Best Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies (Gluten free) »
    230 shares
    • Facebook
    • Yummly

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      October 24, 2022 at 8:00 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole.

      Reply
    2. Dannii

      January 13, 2023 at 10:52 am

      5 stars
      I love an easy family friendly meal like this. It was delicious.

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 15, 2023 at 5:08 pm

        Thank you Dannii

        Reply
    3. Mahy

      January 13, 2023 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      Love how easy this casserole looks. I bet it is. And the taste must be magnificent!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 15, 2023 at 5:06 pm

        Thank you Mahy, hope you make this soon!

        Reply
    4. Kate

      January 13, 2023 at 3:20 pm

      5 stars
      Loved the sauce! So cheesy and full of flavor. It baked up perfectly!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 15, 2023 at 5:06 pm

        Glad you liked it Kate

        Reply
    5. Katherine

      January 13, 2023 at 3:40 pm

      5 stars
      So easy, and a real family-pleasing dinner!

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 15, 2023 at 5:05 pm

        can't agree more! thank you!

        Reply
    6. Lubna

      January 13, 2023 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      Amazingly comforting and filling recipe. Perfect for the weather in India.

      Reply
      • Julia | The Yummy Bowl

        January 15, 2023 at 5:05 pm

        oh yes! thank you!

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthy recipes for the whole family. Everything you see here is Gluten-free and mostly made with whole food ingredients. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

    More about me →

    Seasonal Favorites

    • Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves Breads (Gluten-Free)
      Cranberry Orange Mini Loaves Breads (Gluten-Free)
    • Ham And Potato Casserole Cornflakes
      Ham and Potato Casserole With Cornflakes
    • Whipped Sweet Potatoes with bacon
      Whipped Sweet Potatoes
    • apple pie filling in a glass jar
      Stovetop Apple Pie Filling
    • Cranberry Sauce With Mandarin Oranges in a bowl
      Cranberry Sauce With Mandarin Oranges
    • Almond Cranberry Tart (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free)
      Almond Cranberry Tart (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Dairy-Free)

    Readers Favorites

    • Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
      Easy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
    • Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
      Gluten Free Hash brown Breakfast Casserole (Farmer's Casserole)
    • Easy Mexican Slaw Recipe
    • Easy Breakfast Casserole With Bacon
      Easy Breakfast Casserole with Bacon (Breakfast Strata)
    • Unstuffed Cabbage Roll
      Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls With Rice (Lenivie Golubtsi)
    • cheesy and creamy potato au gratin in a white rectangular baking dish
      Creamy Au Gratin Potatoes

    Connect With Me

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer
    • Terms & Conditions

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Services

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Julia | The Yummy Bowl. Created with the Feast Plugin.