If you're looking for a simple, comforting, and family-friendly dinner, this Easy and Healthy Poppyseed Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Rice is the perfect recipe. Made with rotisserie chicken, broccoli, rice, Greek yogurt, and a crispy cornflake topping, this casserole is a well-balanced meal that's great for busy weeknights and meal prep.
This poppyseed chicken casserole is creamy, comforting, packed with lean protein, and includes veggies and grains all in one dish. It comes together quickly and bakes into a warm, delicious dinner the whole family will love. Serve with a simple salad for more fiber and nutrients!
For more easy recipes, check out my Creamy Ground Beef and Broccoli Casserole, Healthy Pizza Skillet, Chicken Apple Sausage Sheet Pan Dinner, Tortellini Casserole
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy weeknight dinner
- Great spin on the classic casserole recipe
- Great use for rotisserie chicken
- Well-balanced meal with protein, carbs, and veggies
- Family-friendly and kid-friendly
- Great for meal prep
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Ingredients
All you need to make this delicious poppyseed chicken casserole is:
- Rotisserie chicken - Pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe quick and adds lean protein. You can also use leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Broccoli - Adds fiber, nutrients, and vegetables to make this a balanced meal.
- Cooked rice - The base of the casserole that makes it filling and comforting.
- Cream of chicken soup - Adds creamy texture and flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt - Adds creaminess and extra protein while keeping the casserole lighter.
- Poppy seeds - Adds texture and classic poppyseed chicken flavor.
- Cornflakes - Creates a crispy topping for texture.
- Butter - Helps the topping become golden and crunchy.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Layer & Mix in Dish: Add diced chicken, frozen broccoli, and cooked rice directly to the baking dish.
Add cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, and poppy seeds, then stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden brown, crispy topping.
- Serve: Let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy.
Substitutions
- Rotisserie chicken:Â Swap for cooked skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or leftover shredded chicken.
- Broccoli Florets:Â Substitute frozen mixed vegetables, peas, green beans, or cauliflower.
- Rice:Â I used white rice for the recipe but you can use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice. You can also use cooked egg noodles
- Greek yogurt: Substitute sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
- Cream of chicken soup: Use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup.
- Cornflakes:Â Substitute crushed buttery Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or panko.
- Butter: Use olive oil or dairy-free butter.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup and gluten-free cornflakes or crackers.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and dairy-free butter.
Variations
- Cheesy Creamy Casserole - Add shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella cheese to the casserole mixture as well as a little cream cheese to make a more indulgent creamy sauce.
- Extra Veggie Casserole - Add mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini.
- Low-Carb Version - Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
- Whole Grain Version - Use brown rice or quinoa.
- Spicy Version - Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Crunchy Topping Swap - Use crushed crackers or panko instead of cornflakes.
- Meal Prep Casserole - Assemble ahead of time and bake later.
Equipment
- 9x13 baking dish
- Large mixing spoon
- Small bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Oven
Storage
- Store leftovers of this creamy chicken casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator before baking.
- This poppy seed chicken casserole recipe can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until heated through.
Christinas Dietitian Tip
This chicken poppy seed casserole is a well-balanced meal with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, carbohydrates from rice, and fiber and nutrients from broccoli. To make this meal even more nutritious, use brown rice and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream helps increase protein while lowering saturated fat, making this a healthier comfort food option.
FAQ
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover, and store in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating
Yes, you can use fresh broccoli. Lightly steam or microwave it for a few minutes before adding to the casserole.
Baking
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Easy and Healthy Poppyseed Chicken Casserole with Broccoli and Rice
Equipment
- 9x13 Baking Dish
- Large mixing spoon
- Small Bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and Cutting Board
- Oven
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked diced rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups broccoli frozen
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz plain low-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 2 cups cornflakes crushed
- 3 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish.
- Layer & Mix in Dish-Add diced chicken, frozen broccoli, and cooked rice directly to the baking dish. Add cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, and poppy seeds, then stir everything together until evenly combined.
- Add Topping-In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake-Bake for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden, crispy topping.
- Serve-Let cool for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy.
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
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