Embrace the warmth of a classic family meal with this delightful cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole. This comforting dish brings together tender chicken, wholesome broccoli, and fluffy rice, all bound in a rich, creamy, and undeniably cheesy sauce.
For those interested in enhancing their diet, broccoli offers a wealth of essential vitamins and minerals.
It’s the perfect solution for an easy weeknight dinner or a satisfying centerpiece for any family gathering. Enjoy a wholesome, satisfying meal that truly feels like home.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is a guaranteed winner in your kitchen.
- Quick and easy to prepare, it simplifies mealtime for busy parents.
- It’s a family-friendly crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- This recipe is perfect as a make-ahead meal, saving you time later.
- Its freezer-friendly convenience makes meal prep a breeze.
- The casserole is highly customizable to suit your family’s tastes.
- A buttery, crunchy Ritz topping adds an irresistible texture contrast.
Ingredients
To create this comforting cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole, gather these simple ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ 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. condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
- Optional Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Casserole Topping:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Notes & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breasts or a convenient rotisserie chicken work beautifully.
Rice: Use long-grain white rice for the best fluffy texture in this casserole. For brown or wild rice, adjust liquid and cooking time according to package directions. Avoid minute rice, as it can become mushy.
Broccoli: Fresh broccoli florets offer great texture. If using frozen, thaw them first and pat them dry to prevent excess moisture.
Cream Soup: Feel free to substitute with homemade cream of chicken, cream of mushroom, or cream of cheddar soup for different flavor profiles.
Cheese: Always shred block cheese yourself. It melts much smoother and tastes better than pre-shredded varieties.
Dairy: Any milk fat content is fine. You can also substitute mayonnaise for sour cream to add richness.
Sodium: Opt for low-sodium chicken broth and soup if you are mindful of sodium intake.
Equipment
Gathering your equipment before you start makes the cooking process smoother. You will need:
- 9×13 inch casserole dish
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Serving spoons
Instructions
Prepare this cozy cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole with these straightforward steps. Note: Refer to your rice package for liquid amounts and cooking time. The amounts here work perfectly for white long grain rice.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season the chicken generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat the butter in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat until it melts. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them until they are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked white long grain rice to the same pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot tightly with a lid and cook for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh broccoli florets. Replace the cover and continue to simmer for 9 more minutes, or until all the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, quickly replace the lid and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, checking again until done.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Keep it covered and let the rice stand for 10 minutes without stirring. This crucial step helps any rice stuck to the bottom release easily.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and your choice of optional seasonings like dried thyme and garlic powder. Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese to this mixture and stir everything until well combined.
- Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Top the casserole with the remaining half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the topping. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers.
- After 15 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture evenly over the top of the cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole. Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving hot. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Cheese Quality: Always shred cheese from a block. Understanding the composition of ingredients is key to culinary success; anti-caking agents in shredded cheese can result in a grainy, less creamy melt for your cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole.
- Rice Doneness: If your rice is not tender after the initial cooking steps, simply add a splash more broth or water, recover, and simmer a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Prevent Dryness: Covering the casserole during the initial baking phase helps lock in moisture, ensuring a creamy outcome.
- Crispy Topping: For that perfect golden, crunchy Ritz cracker topping, make sure to bake the casserole uncovered for the final 10 minutes.
- Flavor Boost: Elevate the taste of this comforting dish by using a homemade cream of chicken soup instead of condensed for a richer, fresher flavor.
- Seasoning: Taste and adjust the salt and pepper levels generously before baking. A well-seasoned dish makes all the difference.
Serving, Storage & Variations
Serving Suggestions: This hearty cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole serves wonderfully as a complete main dish on its own. Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread for a fulfilling meal.
Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezing: You can freeze the baked casserole for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Make-Ahead (Unbaked):
- Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole completely, but do not add the cracker topping. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. When ready to bake, add about 15 minutes to the baking time. Add the cracker topping during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Freeze: Assemble the unbaked casserole, leaving off the topping. Wrap it thoroughly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it completely overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Increase the initial covered baking time by about 15-20 minutes, then add the topping and bake uncovered for the final 10 minutes.
Variations:
- Different Meats: Swap out the chicken for cooked ham, turkey, or even ground beef for a delicious twist.
- Alternative Soups: Experiment with different condensed cream soups like cream of mushroom or cheddar cheese soup to alter the flavor profile.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken and rice mixture for a subtle kick of heat.
Nutrition
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole provides a balanced meal. The values below are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Estimate) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550-650 |
| Protein | 30-35g |
| Fat | 35-40g |
| Carbohydrates | 40-45g |
Please note these are approximate values. Adjust them based on any ingredient substitutions you make or if you use different brands.
FAQ
What kind of rice is best for this casserole?
Long-grain white rice is highly recommended for its texture and how it absorbs the creamy sauce in this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole. Avoid instant rice for best results.
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry before adding it to the pot to prevent excess water from making your casserole watery.
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the entire casserole, excluding the cracker topping, and refrigerate it for up to two days. When ready to bake, add about 15 minutes to the initial covered baking time.
Can I substitute the Cream of Chicken Soup?
Absolutely! Feel free to use cream of mushroom soup, cream of cheddar soup, or even a homemade cream soup alternative to customize the flavor.
What other proteins can I use in this recipe?
Cooked ham, turkey, or browned ground beef are excellent substitutes for chicken in this versatile casserole. Ensure any meat you use is already cooked before adding it to the mix.
Conclusion
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is truly the definition of comfort food made simple. With its creamy texture, savory chicken, tender broccoli, and irresistible cheesy goodness, it’s a dish that brings smiles to every table. Whether you’re a busy parent or a beginner in the kitchen, this crowd-pleasing casserole offers an easy, satisfying meal. Make it for your next family dinner or as a fantastic meal prep option; you won’t be disappointed!