Description
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the definition of comfort food! It’s cheesy, creamy, and perfect for a make-ahead family dinner. Inspired by classic homestyle cooking, it combines tender chicken, flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth, and fresh broccoli all topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or cooking fresh, this casserole has a way of bringing people together at the dinner table. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly—ideal for batch cooking and making busy nights easier.
2 tbsp butter
2 boneless chicken breasts, cubed
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt & pepper to taste
2 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 ¼ cups white long grain rice
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tbsp melted butter
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Cook chicken in butter until browned, set aside.
3. Add broth, olive oil, and rice, simmer for 6 mins.
4. Add broccoli, cook 9 more mins. Let rest.
5. Combine chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, cheese, and mix with rice.
6. Transfer to casserole dish, bake covered for 15 mins.
7. Add Ritz topping and bake uncovered for 10 mins.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Kcal: 511 per serving
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prep & Cook Chicken: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. Cook Rice & Broccoli: In the same skillet, add chicken broth and olive oil, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the white rice, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes. Uncover, add broccoli florets, cover again, and simmer for an additional 9 minutes. Remove from heat and let it sit, covered, for 5-10 minutes to absorb all liquid.
3. Combine Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold in the cooked rice and broccoli mixture until evenly coated.
4. Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
5. Add Topping & Finish: While baking, mix crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tbsp melted butter. After 15 minutes, remove the casserole, sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes, or until the topping is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a brighter element, serve with roasted carrots or a citrusy fruit salad. It’s also excellent with crusty bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
How-to Summary
Brown seasoned chicken. In the same pan, simmer rice in broth for 6 minutes, then add broccoli and cook 9 more minutes. Combine the chicken, rice/broccoli mixture, soup, dairy, and most of the cheese. Transfer to a dish, top with remaining cheese, and bake covered for 15 minutes at 350°F. Top with buttery Ritz crumbs and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until golden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes. Thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess water making the casserole soggy. Add it in step 3 when combining ingredients.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup? Make a simple white sauce: melt 3 tbsp butter, whisk in 3 tbsp flour, cook 1 minute, then whisk in 1 ¼ cups milk and ½ cup chicken broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or the entire dish, covered with foil, in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely. Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time, then add the topping and finish as directed.
Is it freezer-friendly? Yes. Assemble without the topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking, adding the topping just before the final uncovered bake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the Rice: The rice will continue to cook in the oven. Ensure it is just tender after the stovetop simmer to prevent mushiness.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Letting the rice and broccoli sit off heat allows the liquid to fully absorb, which is crucial for texture.
- Using Wet Broccoli: Excess water from frozen or washed broccoli can make the entire dish watery. Always pat or drain it well.
- Adding Topping Too Early: The buttery cracker crumbs will burn if baked for the full duration. Add them only for the final 10 minutes of baking.
Conclusion
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole truly is the ultimate comfort meal, masterfully combining simplicity with deep, satisfying flavors. Its make-ahead versatility and crowd-pleasing nature make it a reliable staple for busy weeknights and cozy gatherings alike. By following the detailed steps and tips provided, you can avoid common pitfalls and achieve a perfectly creamy, cheesy, and crispy-topped dish every time. Give this classic recipe a try—it’s guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your home cooking repertoire.