Cozy, Easy, and Affordable: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

As the back-to-school season kicks into gear, life tends to get a little busier and quick dinner to the rescue.

It’s comforting, easy to make, and gentle on your grocery budget. It's the perfect meal for those cooler evenings that remind us fall is on its way. This dish uses simple, wholesome ingredients that many of us already have on hand and can easily be adapted for your family’s tastes.

🍲 Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

(Recipe adapted from Diva’s Can Cook)

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great)

• 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

• 2 cups chopped broccoli (fresh or frozen, lightly steamed)

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon salt (to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

• 1 tablespoon butter (melted, if using the crumb topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli.

3. In a separate bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Combine the wet and dry mixtures, stirring until everything is evenly coated.

5. Spoon the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

6. If using the crumb topping, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

7. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.

8. Let cool slightly before serving.

A Few Tips

• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole earlier in the day, refrigerate, and bake right before dinner.

• Use what you have: Swap in other veggies like peas or cauliflower, or use leftover turkey instead of chicken.

• Stretch it further: Serve with a side salad or sliced fruit for a complete, affordable meal.

Approximate Cost Breakdown

Here’s how this comforting dinner adds up — proof that good food doesn’t have to be expensive!

Ingredient	Estimated Cost
3 cups cooked chicken	$4.00 (using rotisserie or leftovers)
2 cups rice	$0.50
2 cups broccoli	$1.00
1 can cream of chicken soup	$1.00
1 cup sour cream	$1.25
1 cup cheddar cheese	$1.50
Seasonings	$0.25
Cracker topping (optional)	$0.50
Total:	≈ $10.00 for 6 servings

That’s roughly $1.65 per serving! Filling, comforting, and affordable for the whole family.

This recipe is cozy, filling, and family-friendly—a great example of how homemade food can be both budget-conscious and full of comfort. Whether you’re feeding kids after school, sharing a meal with neighbors, or just looking for something easy and satisfying, this casserole brings everyone to the table.

Try it tonight!