Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish packed with flavors that everyone will love. With tender chicken, flavorful rice, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker crust, it’s the ultimate comfort food. This recipe has been a favorite in many households, including mine, for years! Whether you use fresh chicken or rotisserie chicken, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prepping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: Rich, creamy, and cheesy, this casserole is the definition of comfort food.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: You can assemble it ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later, making it perfect for busy days.

• Versatile: Use fresh or frozen broccoli, and even substitute different varieties of rice to suit your preferences.

• Simple Ingredients: With everyday ingredients like chicken, rice, and cheese, this dish is easy to prepare without needing special ingredients.

• Perfect for Leftovers: It stores well and is just as delicious the next day!

Ingredients

For the Casserole
Butter
4 Chicken Breasts (or 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons Olive oil
2 cups Chicken broth
1 cup White long grain rice (do not use Minute Rice)
2 cups Broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (or homemade)
1 cup Milk (any fat content)
½ cup Sour cream (or mayonnaise as an alternative)
1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese (shredded from a block for best results)

For the Topping
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons Butter (melted)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides (about 5 minutes). If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.

2. Cook the Rice: Add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.

3. Add the Broccoli: Add the broccoli to the pot and cover. Continue cooking for 9 more minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked through. If the rice isn’t done, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes.

4. Combine the Ingredients: Remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes. Then, add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.

5. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.

6. Add the Topping: While the casserole is baking, crush the Ritz crackers and mix with the melted butter. After 15 minutes, uncover the casserole and sprinkle the cracker mixture on top. Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.

7. Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 30 minutes

• Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

• Rice Substitutes: While this recipe calls for long grain white rice, you can substitute with brown or wild rice, though these varieties will take longer to cook and require more liquid.

• Different Veggies: Feel free to swap out the broccoli for cauliflower or even a mix of both for added variety.

• Cheese Options: If you’re not a fan of cheddar, try using Monterey Jack or a sharp Gouda for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezer Storage: This casserole freezes wonderfully. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Be sure to label the container with the date.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.

  • Microwave: Reheat in microwave-safe dishes, covering loosely. Heat in 1-minute increments until hot.

  • Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it’s too thick.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

Yes! If using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before adding it to the casserole. You may want to steam it for a softer texture.

What is the best rice to use for this casserole?

Long grain white rice is recommended for a creamy and fluffy texture. Avoid using minute rice, as it doesn’t give the same results.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. If freezing, make sure to thaw it for 24 hours before baking.

Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can substitute it with other cream soups like cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup. You can also make a homemade cream of chicken soup if you prefer.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any buttery crackers, breadcrumbs, or even crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping.

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this casserole. Just shred or chop about 2 cups of the chicken.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar with another cheese like mozzarella or Gruyère for a different flavor.

How long can I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat using your preferred method.

Can I use a different kind of rice?

You can use brown or wild rice, but note that they take longer to cook and require more liquid. Follow package instructions for the correct liquid ratio.

Is this casserole gluten-free?

This casserole is not gluten-free due to the Ritz crackers. You can use gluten-free crackers if needed.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and broccoli. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights, special gatherings, or as a freezer-friendly meal. With the option to customize the recipe and make it ahead of time, this casserole is a convenient and delicious dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!