Recipe: Cheesy Chicken Casserole

September 12, 2025Plate MethodRecipes

This delicious, cheesy chicken, broccoli rice casserole is a common household favorite. A dish that brings together simple ingredients in a form the whole family will enjoy, while simultaneously striking a balance with protein, starch, and veggies for a meal. The cream of mushroom soup in this recipe adds that home-cooked, comfort element that many enjoy in the fall and winter.  You may even consider doubling the ingredients and preparing a second casserole in a freezer-safe dish for an easy, convenient meal to reheat on one of those busy week nights!

Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 C dry white rice
• 2 C water
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 3 Tbsp avocado oil, divided
• 4-5 C broccoli florets
• 2 10.5 oz cans of cream of mushroom soup
• 1.5 C shredded cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Add 2 C of dry white rice and 2 C of water to a pot on the stovetop. Place on high heat and cover with a lid. Bring water and rice to a boil, then turn heat to low and let simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender. Optional: use instant pot or rice cooker to prepare rice.
3. Cut chicken breast into 1-inch chunks and season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add 2 Tbsp avocado oil to a large skillet, then add chicken and cook over medium heat until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (about 5-7 minutes).  When cooked, remove from the pan and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining avocado oil and sauté broccoli florets until crisp-tender.
5. Once rice, chicken, and broccoli are cooked, it is time to assemble the casserole. Start by layering cooked rice in the bottom of the casserole pan, followed by chicken and then broccoli. Dump 2 cans of cream of mushroom soup into the casserole pan and mix all ingredients thoroughly.
6. Top casserole with 1.5 C shredded cheese and place in oven for 25 minutes at 350°F. 

Swaps

• For the white rice: brown rice or cauliflower rice
• For the avocado oil: olive oil