Need a weeknight dinner that’s warm, filling, and doesn’t make your head spin? This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole (easy) recipe is precisely what your busy evening calls for. If your fridge has leftover chicken, some rice, and broccoli, you’re halfway there. In this article, we’ll break down how to make this comforting dish with just five simple ingredients—no complicated steps or mystery seasonings. We’ll also cover variations, tips to save time, and whether you need to cook that rice first. Get ready to meet your new favorite 30-minute casserole.
Table of Contents
The Story & Intro
A family favorite born from chaos
It was a classic midweek scramble—the kind where you’re staring into the fridge at 6:15 p.m. with zero plan and four hungry kids underfoot. That night, I spotted a few ingredients that hadn’t yet turned questionable: leftover chicken, a steamer bag of broccoli, and some rice from yesterday’s stir-fry. I tossed them together with shredded cheese and a can of cream of chicken soup, then slid the dish into the oven. Thirty minutes later, my kitchen smelled like comfort. The kids ate without a single complaint—an actual miracle. And just like that, our go-to 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy dinner was born.
Why five ingredients just work
The magic of this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe is how much flavor you get from just a handful of everyday ingredients. Chicken brings protein and heartiness, broccoli adds freshness, cheese gives it that melty pull, rice makes it satisfying, and the soup ties everything together with creamy goodness. No fancy prep, no grocery list drama—just real food that comes together fast.
I’ve tested many quick meals, like our 5-ingredient baked chicken and rice and the 2-ingredient slow cooker salsa chicken, and I always come back to this one. It’s comforting, filling, and endlessly flexible. Use rotisserie chicken or canned, frozen broccoli or fresh—it all works. The key is keeping it simple, and this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe does exactly that.
Honestly, when life feels hectic and takeout sounds tempting, this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy dish is the answer. It saves time, saves dishes, and saves your sanity.
How to Make 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easy
Gather your ingredients and prep smart
To make this easy 5 ingredient chicken and broccoli recipe, you’ll need: cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, shredded cheese, and a can of cream of chicken soup. That’s it. You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken, and either fresh or frozen broccoli works great. Just make sure the broccoli is thawed and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, mix everything together—about 2 cups of cooked chicken, 2 cups of cooked rice, 1½ cups of broccoli, 1 can of soup, and a cup of cheese. Stir well to coat, then transfer to a greased 9×13 casserole dish. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if you like that golden crust. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and slightly browned on top.
Want more quick ideas like this one? Try our chicken rice dump bake or the 2-ingredient chicken pesto skillet for the same fast payoff.
Swap it up with simple variations
The beauty of this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe is how forgiving it is. Want to go low-carb? Use cauliflower rice instead of white rice. Prefer a different cheese? Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or even mozzarella. You can also switch out the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cheddar soup if that’s what you have on hand.
For added texture, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or panko on top before baking. If your family likes heat, toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can even sneak in more veggies like spinach or mushrooms—just keep the core five ingredients balanced.
Recipes like our easy 5-ingredient chicken Alfredo show how swapping simple elements can keep meals fresh without overcomplicating them. That’s the heart of what we do at 2to5ingredients.
Why This 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easy Recipe Works Every Time
Balanced flavor in every bite
When you combine just five ingredients, each one has to earn its place. That’s what makes this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe such a winner—it’s all about balance. The chicken brings savory depth, while the broccoli adds color and a bit of crunch. The rice gives it body, making each bite filling and hearty. Cream of chicken soup pulls everything together with a smooth, savory sauce, and the cheese? Well, cheese makes everything better.
Unlike some casseroles that rely on ten-plus ingredients, this one delivers full flavor without fuss. You don’t need garlic powder, paprika, or a long list of pantry items. It’s clean, classic comfort food—and it hits the spot every single time.
It’s kid-tested, freezer-friendly, and budget-smart
If your dinner routine needs a reset, this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe is a total lifesaver. It checks all the boxes: quick, affordable, kid-approved, and great for meal prep. You can double the recipe and freeze half for another night—just thaw and bake when needed. Or portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches.
Budget-wise, you’re looking at staples you likely already have. No pricey cuts of meat or exotic ingredients. If you grab your broccoli from the freezer aisle and your chicken from the deli or leftovers, this meal comes together for just a few bucks per serving.
We use this strategy in many of our favorite recipes, like the budget 3-ingredient tuna melt cups or the cheap-and-cheesy bean enchiladas. They prove that simple doesn’t mean boring—and dinner can still be delicious when time and money are tight.
Troubleshooting & Serving Tips for 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easy
Common mistakes to avoid
Even a recipe as simple as this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy meal has a few potential pitfalls. First up: undercooked rice. Always use fully cooked rice—leftover white rice or microwavable packets work great. Raw rice won’t have enough time or liquid to cook properly in the oven and will leave you with a crunchy surprise.
Second: watery broccoli. If you’re using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and pat it dry before mixing. Excess water can make your casserole soggy and thin out the creamy sauce. Also, avoid using pre-shredded cheese if you want the smoothest melt—blocks you shred yourself don’t have anti-caking agents and melt better.
How to serve it up and stretch it
This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy dish is hearty enough on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted carrots on the side. Want to stretch it further? Serve it with a biscuit, garlic toast, or even spoon it into a wrap for a creamy chicken-and-broccoli burrito.
If you’re serving picky eaters, you can mix in a little more cheese or top with crushed crackers for that crunchy topping they love. And for extra protein, toss in white beans or an extra cup of diced chicken.
This flexible approach is what makes recipes like the 4-ingredient mac and cheese bake so repeatable—they mold to your fridge and your family’s preferences without adding stress.
Print
5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Easy
This 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole is an easy, comforting weeknight meal made with everyday ingredients—fast, creamy, and family-approved.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftovers)
- 1½ cups chopped broccoli (fresh or thawed frozen)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, and half the cheese.
- Mix thoroughly and transfer to a greased 9×13 casserole dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly with a golden top.
Notes
Use fully cooked rice and well-drained broccoli to avoid a watery casserole. Add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for crunch, or swap in cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy
Frequently Asked Questions About 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy
What ingredients go in broccoli casserole?
Most broccoli casseroles include a base of cooked broccoli, a creamy soup (like cream of chicken or mushroom), shredded cheese, and sometimes rice or breadcrumbs. In this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy version, we use broccoli, chicken, rice, cheese, and soup—just the essentials.
How to make a quick chicken casserole?
Start with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, mix it with a starch like rice or pasta, a creamy binder such as canned soup, a veggie like broccoli or peas, and a cheese topping. Then bake it at 375°F for about 25–30 minutes. This method keeps prep minimal while maximizing flavor.
What is in chicken broccoli casserole?
A typical chicken broccoli casserole combines cooked chicken, broccoli florets, shredded cheese, and a creamy sauce—often made from canned soup or a béchamel base. Our 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe includes rice for extra heartiness and makes everything in one dish.
Should you cook rice before putting casserole?
Yes, absolutely. For this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy dish, you must use fully cooked rice. Uncooked rice won’t soften properly in the oven, especially since there’s not enough liquid to steam it during baking.
Why This 5 Ingredient Chicken Broccoli Casserole Is a Keeper
If your dinner routine is stuck in a rut, this 5 ingredient chicken broccoli casserole easy recipe is your reset button. It’s fast, flexible, and loved by kids and adults alike. With just five pantry staples, you get a creamy, cheesy, protein-packed meal that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you double it for meal prep or tweak it to match what’s in your fridge, this is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Simple ingredients, real comfort—just how we like it at 2to5ingredients.
