Welcome to the ultimate cozy kitchen classic! This delightful cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is the perfect family-friendly meal. It features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this casserole is incredibly easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Get ready to enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will adore.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
You’re going to fall in love with this ultimate chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole for so many fantastic reasons. It’s truly a dish that brings comfort and convenience to your table.
- Family Favorite: This creamy, cheesy casserole appeals to all ages, making it a guaranteed hit even with picky eaters.
- Quick & Easy: With straightforward steps and common ingredients, you’ll have this hearty meal ready with minimal fuss and effort.
- Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare it in advance, then simply bake when you’re ready, perfect for your busiest days.
- Freezer-Friendly: This chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole freezes beautifully, providing a convenient solution for future meals.
- Customizable Comfort: Easily adapt ingredients to suit your family’s tastes or what you have on hand in your pantry.
- Hearty & Satisfying: It’s a complete meal in one dish, ensuring everyone feels full and happy after dinner.
- Crispy Topping: The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds an irresistible crunch and texture contrast to the creamy interior.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your comforting chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. Each component plays a vital role in building the layers of flavor and texture.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked. Understanding the health benefits of broccoli can add another layer of appreciation to this versatile vegetable.
- 10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Notes & Substitutions
Enhance your cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole with these helpful tips and easy substitutions.
- Chicken: For an even quicker meal, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Simply dice it and add it with the cooked rice.
- Rice: Long grain white rice works best here for its fluffy texture and ability to absorb the creamy sauce.
- Broccoli: If fresh broccoli isn’t available, frozen florets work well. Just thaw them and pat them dry thoroughly before adding.
- Cream Soup: Feel free to use a homemade cream of chicken soup alternative or another condensed variety like cream of mushroom or cream of celery.
- Cheese: Shredding your own block of cheddar cheese makes a noticeable difference. It melts much more smoothly and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
- Sour Cream: Mayonnaise is a great substitute for sour cream if you prefer, offering a similar creaminess and tang.
- Low Sodium: To reduce the sodium content in your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole, opt for low-sodium chicken broth and cream of chicken soup. Adjust added salt to your preference.
Equipment
You’ll need just a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this fantastic chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole. These items help make the cooking process smooth and efficient.
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board, sharp knife
Instructions
Creating this comforting chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is a breeze with these clear, step-by-step instructions. You’ll have a delicious meal ready for your family in no time!
- Note: Always refer to your rice package for specific liquid amounts and cooking times, as varieties can differ. For white long grain rice, the amounts and timing below work perfectly for a tender finish.
- First, preheat your oven to 350° F. While the oven heats, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to infuse flavor.
- Next, heat the 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it’s completely melted and shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pot and cook them until they are golden brown on the outside, about 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside for later.
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked white long grain rice to the same pot. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and let it cook for 6 minutes.
- After 6 minutes, carefully remove the lid and add the fresh broccoli florets directly into the pot with the rice. Replace the cover tightly and continue to cook for 9 more minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender and cooked through. If the rice needs a little more time, quickly replace the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, checking for doneness.
- Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat but keep it covered. Let the rice stand undisturbed for 10 minutes. This standing time helps the rice steam further and allows any rice that may have stuck to the bottom of the pot to release easily. Do not stir it during this time.
- Now, it’s time to assemble your creamy casserole base. In the pot with the cooked rice and broccoli, add the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and the optional seasonings (dried thyme and garlic powder). Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture. Stir everything gently until all the ingredients are well combined and the sauce is evenly distributed.
- Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking. Transfer the entire chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture from the pot into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake it in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This initial baking time allows the casserole to heat through and the cheese to start melting.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the delicious topping. In a small bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers, stirring until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
- After 15 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and take off the foil. Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the entire surface of the casserole. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
- Remove the cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade comfort food!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieving the perfect chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is easy with these helpful tips. Avoid common pitfalls and ensure your dish is delicious every time.
- Perfect Rice: Always cook your rice according to package directions for the best texture. Overcooked rice can make the casserole mushy.
- Avoid Dryness: The key to a creamy casserole is not to overbake it. Keep an eye on it during the final steps; remove it once the topping is golden.
- Crispy Topping: Add the Ritz cracker topping only for the last 10 minutes of baking. This ensures it stays wonderfully crisp and doesn’t get soggy.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra layer of flavor in your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole, sauté a diced onion or a clove of minced garlic with the chicken.
- Rotisserie Chicken: Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can skip the step of browning raw chicken entirely.
- Cheese Matters: Always shred block cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can prevent a smooth, creamy melt. For the smoothest and richest melt, it’s often recommended to shred your own cheese, as pre-shredded varieties can contain anti-caking agents that hinder a creamy texture.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a few simple sides. You’ll also find it stores beautifully and can be adapted to suit any taste.
Serving Suggestions: Serve generous portions of this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette or a slice of crusty bread to soak up all the creamy goodness.
Storage: Allow any leftover chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: For individual servings, reheat in the microwave until warmed through. To re-crisp the topping, you can warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Assemble the casserole completely but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
Make-Ahead: Prepare the entire casserole up to 2 days in advance, then cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the initial covered baking time to account for the chill.
Soup Variations: Experiment with other condensed cream soups like cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or even cream of cheddar for a different flavor profile in your chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole.
Protein Swap: Ground beef or ground turkey can be substituted for chicken. Cook and drain the meat before adding it to the rice mixture.
Add More Veggies: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in extra vegetables like frozen peas, corn, or diced carrots along with the broccoli.
Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Nutrition Information
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole provides a hearty and satisfying meal. The estimated values per serving are detailed below, offering a general overview of the nutritional content. Please remember that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific brands and exact ingredient amounts used.
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | 511 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17 g |
| Cholesterol | 100 mg |
| Sodium | 1174 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Trans Fat | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some common questions about making this delicious chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole.
- Can I use minute rice? While minute rice cooks faster, it doesn’t hold up as well in casseroles and can become mushy. We recommend sticking with long-grain white rice for the best texture.
- Is fresh or frozen broccoli better? Fresh broccoli tends to have a firmer texture and brighter color, but frozen works well if thawed and patted dry to prevent a watery casserole.
- How to prevent a watery casserole? Ensure your broccoli is patted dry if using frozen, and don’t overcook the rice initially. Using condensed soup helps maintain creaminess.
- Can I make this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole healthier? Absolutely! Use low-sodium broth, reduced-fat cheese, light sour cream, and add extra vegetables for a boost.
- What other proteins work well? Ground beef or ground turkey are excellent alternatives to chicken. Cook and drain them thoroughly before adding to the mixture.
- Can I omit the cracker topping? Yes, you can skip the Ritz cracker topping. For a simple cheesy crust, sprinkle extra cheese on top for the final bake instead.
Conclusion
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole truly is the ultimate comfort food, offering a perfect blend of creamy, savory flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special and delicious for your family. We hope this easy, versatile recipe brings joy and warmth to your kitchen. Give this amazing chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience, rate the recipe, and leave a comment below!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Equipment
- large pot
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon/spatula
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice uncooked
- 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets uncooked
- 10.5 oz. Cream of Chicken Soup (condensed)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese separated
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F, then cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking Chicken and Rice
- Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot, add the seasoned chicken, and cook until golden brown, then remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer and cook tightly covered for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the broccoli, replace the cover, and cook for an additional 9 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fully cooked.
- Remove the pot from heat, keep it covered, and let the rice stand undisturbed for 10 minutes to ensure it releases from the bottom.
Assembling and Baking
- Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, top with the remaining cheese, cover, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Combine the melted butter and crushed Ritz crackers, sprinkle this mixture over the casserole, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes before serving.