Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, the ultimate cozy comfort food and a classic family favorite! This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a creamy, cheesy, and hearty bake with tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and that can’t-stop-eating-it buttery Ritz cracker topping. Make it ahead or bake it fresh — either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser that never lets you down.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are kitchen staples and a handful of fresh ingredients to build layers of flavor and texture in your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Each element serves a tasty purpose, ensuring every bite is full of rich, savory goodness.

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken deliver convenient protein and heartiness. Rotisserie is perfect for saving time!
• Butter: Adds indulgent richness and helps brown the chicken for that irresistible flavor base.
• Italian Seasoning, Salt, and Pepper: These seasonings round out the flavor profile and give the dish its savory kick.
• Chicken Broth: Simmer your rice in this for deep, savory flavor all the way through.
• Olive Oil: Helps the rice cook up tender and adds subtle richness.
• White Long Grain Rice: The perfect base to soak up all those creamy, cheesy flavors; avoid instant rice for best results.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: Bright, hearty, and packed with texture; you can swap for thawed frozen broccoli in a pinch.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: This classic shortcut is the backbone of the creamy sauce that brings everything together.
• Milk: Balances the soup and ensures a luscious, pourable consistency.
• Sour Cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that bounces off the cheese and elevates every bite.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: For melt and stretch factor, plus sharp, cheesy flavor—save half for a bubbly topping.
• Optional Dried Thyme & Garlic Powder: Boosts the depth and aroma if you want extra pop!
• Ritz Crackers: Crushed and buttered for a golden, crunchy crown—don’t skip this finishing touch.
• Extra Melted Butter: Turns those crackers into the ultimate crust that everyone fights over.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, then season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This seasoning step is key for building up flavor right from the start. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip the browning and simply dice or shred it.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken

Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat and add your chicken pieces. Sauté until golden brown on all sides—about 5 minutes for that perfect fond at the bottom of the pot. This is flavor gold! If you’re using cooked chicken, just warm it through. Set the chicken aside once cooked.

Step 3: Cook the Rice and Broccoli

Pour in the chicken broth and olive oil, then stir in the uncooked white long grain rice. Bring it all to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 6 minutes. Next, add your fresh (or thawed frozen) broccoli florets, replace the lid, and cook for another 9 minutes. The steam will deliver perfectly cooked rice and broccoli—no mushiness here. If the rice isn’t done, just cover and cook a few extra minutes.

Step 4: Rest the Rice

Remove the pot from the heat, keep the cover on, and let everything rest for 10 minutes. This crucial step lets the rice finish steaming—trust me, it makes a big difference in fluffiness and prevents sticking.

Step 5: Assemble the Casserole

Now, bring the magic together! To the pot, add your cooked chicken (or rotisserie), the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, dried thyme, garlic powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until creamy, cheesy, and thoroughly combined.

Step 6: Layer and Top

Transfer everything into a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle on the remaining cheddar cheese, cover the dish with foil, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. The gentle oven time lets all those flavors mingle.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Ritz Cracker Topping

While the casserole is baking, crush your Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter. Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and scatter the buttery crumbs evenly on top. Bake for another 10 minutes, uncovered, to achieve a gorgeous golden crown.

Step 8: Rest, Slice, and Serve

Let your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole stand for about 5 minutes before serving. This short rest sets the layers and makes it easier to slice into generous portions. Prepare for cheers at the table!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar, a dusting of chopped fresh parsley or chives, or even a dash of smoked paprika on top—the finishing touches add color and a burst of freshness that really make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole pop on the plate.

Side Dishes

While this casserole is truly a meal in itself, you can round it out with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, buttery garlic bread, or a tray of simple roasted carrots. These sides bring a bit of color, crunch, and freshness, perfectly complementing the creamy, cheesy star of your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider scooping portions into individual ramekins for a dinner party twist or serving family-style straight from the bubbling casserole dish for a cozy, rustic look. For kid-friendly fun, let little ones sprinkle on their own cracker topping before that final bake.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making leftovers especially crave-worthy for quick lunches or easy weeknight dinners.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can assemble the casserole right up to the final baking step, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking according to the recipe, adding the Ritz topping in the last 10 minutes for crunch.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a covered baking dish at 350°F until hot and bubbly—usually about 20-25 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, individual servings also reheat beautifully in the microwave; just add a splash of broth or milk to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! Brown rice will work in Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, but keep in mind it requires a longer cook time and a bit more liquid. Check the package directions and adjust accordingly for best results.

What’s the best cheese for this casserole?

Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and brings robust flavor, but you can also mix in mozzarella for extra gooeyness or a handful of parmesan for nutty depth. Shred your own cheese from a block for the smoothest melt!

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You sure can! Omit the chicken and add extra broccoli or swap in a can of rinsed white beans for protein. Use vegetable broth and cream of mushroom soup for a vegetarian but still-delicious version of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole.

Can I add other vegetables?

Of course! This casserole loves flexibility. Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced red peppers, or petite peas for extra veggie color and nutrition. Just be sure to avoid overly watery vegetables unless you cook them down first.

How do I keep the Ritz topping crunchy?

Add the Ritz cracker topping only during the last 10 minutes of baking, and serve right after resting. If reheating, you can sprinkle on a few fresh crumbs and broil briefly to revive that iconic crunch.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a classic; it’s pure comfort and joy in every scoop. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always satisfying, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular dinner rotation. Give it a try and enjoy the smiles around your table!

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