Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the perfect recipe for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that’s creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor! Made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, savory sauce, this one-dish dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. With simple ingredients like cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this casserole is both easy to make and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re searching for a quick chicken casserole recipe, a kid-friendly dinner idea, or a hearty comfort food classic, this dish has it all!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups white long-grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
• 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Optional Seasonings

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Topping

• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 350°F.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken.)

Cook the Chicken and Rice

1. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the same pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.
3. Add the broccoli to the pot without stirring, cover, and cook for an additional 9 minutes or until the rice absorbs the liquid and is tender. If needed, cover and simmer for 5 more minutes.
4. Turn off the heat, keeping the lid on. Let the rice rest for 10 minutes without stirring to allow any rice at the bottom to release.

Assemble the Casserole

1. Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pot with the rice and broccoli.
2. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.

Bake the Casserole

1. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Add the Topping

1. Combine the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers.
2. Remove the casserole from the oven, uncover, and sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve

Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Simplicity: Prepare most of the ingredients in one pot, making cleanup a breeze.
• Hearty and Comforting: A creamy, cheesy casserole packed with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and flavorful rice.
• Customizable: Perfect for using up leftover chicken or adding your favorite vegetables.

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Tips

• Don’t Stir the Rice Too Early: Letting it rest undisturbed ensures fluffy rice without sticking.
• Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli: Fresh broccoli works best in this recipe, but frozen can be used in a pinch (just thaw and pat dry).
• Rotisserie Shortcut: Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

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Variations and Substitutions

• Protein Swap: Replace chicken with turkey, shrimp, or even cubed ham.
• Vegetable Add-Ons: Mix in diced carrots, peas, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cream soup and crackers to adapt the recipe.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole (without the topping), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Freeze the assembled (unbaked) casserole for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

Can I use brown rice instead?
You can, but adjust the cooking time and liquid according to the package instructions for brown rice.

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Serving and Suggestions

• Classic Sides: Serve with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Make It a Feast: Pair with crusty bread or garlic knots.
• Kid-Friendly Additions: Top with extra cheese or mix in bacon bits for added fun and flavor.

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Enjoy!