Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If there’s one ultimate comfort food that transports you right back to home-cooked dinners and cozy family gatherings, it’s the irresistible Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. This bubbly, cheesy classic combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, flavorful sauce under a golden, buttery cracker crust. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight meal, a potluck, or just because you deserve something delicious, this dish is as wonderfully satisfying as it looks—easy to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to spark smiles at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of staple ingredients, you can create layers of flavor and texture in this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Each addition brings its own charm, from savory richness to crisp-tender freshness.

• Butter: Adds that classic, rich flavor and helps brown the chicken beautifully in the first step.
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts (or diced rotisserie chicken): Choose fresh, juicy breasts to cook yourself or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for even more simplicity.
• Italian Seasoning: Sprinkling this all-purpose blend onto your chicken infuses a subtle layer of herbs right from the start.
• Salt/Pepper: Simple, but essential for seasoning the chicken and highlighting every flavor in the casserole.
• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water to cook the rice infuses the grains with deep, savory flavor.
• Olive oil: Adds a gentle richness and helps make the rice extra fluffy.
• White long grain rice: The base of the casserole, it cooks up tender and absorbs all those wonderful flavors.
• Fresh broccoli florets: Unexpectedly vibrant once baked, these lend color, crunch, and nutrients.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The classic shortcut to a lusciously creamy sauce with just one can.
• Milk: A dash of milk lightens up the sauce and brings everything together.
• Sour cream: For tang and extra creaminess that elevates the casserole.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: Melted into the filling and sprinkled on top, it creates a gooey, golden crown.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy aromatic note that pairs perfectly with chicken and broccoli.
• Garlic powder: A touch of savory warmth to boost the depth of flavor.
• Ritz crackers (crushed): The secret to that irresistible crisp topping everyone loves.
• Melted butter (for topping): Mixed with crackers, it creates the perfect buttery, crunchy finish.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

To kick off your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole adventure, preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready for baking. Take a moment to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Italian seasoning plus a sprinkle of salt and pepper—these little details create big flavor!

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot, heat the butter on medium until it melts and sizzles just slightly. Add the seasoned chicken and sauté until it’s golden on all sides, about five minutes. Once it’s cooked through and smelling delicious, remove it from the pot and set aside. (If you’re starting with rotisserie chicken, you can happily skip this step—less work, same reward!)

Step 3: Get the Rice Cooking

To the same pot, pour in your chicken broth, a swirl of olive oil, and the uncooked white rice. Bring this to a lively boil, stirring to make sure nothing sticks, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover tightly. Cook for six minutes—this creates the perfect start for fluffy, flavorful rice.

Step 4: Add the Broccoli

After six minutes, scatter those fresh broccoli florets over the rice, cover again, and let everything steam together for another nine minutes. The goal is fully cooked, tender rice and broccoli that’s not mushy. If you peek and find a bit of liquid left or the rice isn’t quite there, just pop the lid back on and simmer for a few extra minutes.

Step 5: Let It Stand

Take the pot off heat, leave the cover on, and grant everything a well-deserved 10-minute rest. This allows any grains stuck at the bottom to loosen naturally while the flavors settle—don’t stir yet! Patience results in perfect, separated grains every time.

Step 6: Combine the Creamy Filling

It’s time for the magic! Stir the cooked chicken back in with cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, dried thyme, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is silky, creamy, and delightfully fragrant. Watch as the cheese melts and the sauce hugs every bite.

Step 7: Assemble and Bake

Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish, then spread your rice mixture evenly. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top for a beautiful gooey layer. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 15 minutes; this helps everything meld and the cheese to get nice and melty.

Step 8: Finish with That Buttery Crunch

While the casserole is baking, stir together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. After 15 minutes, uncover your casserole, scatter this blissful topping evenly across the surface, and return to the oven for 10 more minutes. The result? A golden, crispy crust that’s pure magic. Let the finished Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole rest five minutes before serving to ensure neat slices and creamy perfection!

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Garnishes

For that extra finishing touch, try a sprinkle of fresh parsley or thinly sliced green onions over your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole just before serving. These pops of color make each portion look vibrant and inviting, adding a subtle freshness that brightens every bite. A twist of cracked black pepper is always welcome, too!

Side Dishes

This hearty casserole is more than capable of being the star of your table, but it also pairs wonderfully with a tossed green salad, roasted carrots, or even a simple fruit salad for a light contrast. Fluffy dinner rolls make ideal companions, scooping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To up the wow factor for guests, try baking individual portions in ramekins or serving your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in colorful oven-safe bowls. For potlucks or family buffets, scoop portions into lettuce cups or stuff them into halved roasted peppers for a fun, hand-held twist. The mix of cheesy rice, chicken, and crisp-tender broccoli looks gorgeous however you serve it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole keeps beautifully! Allow any leftovers to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days, making weekday lunches so much more exciting.

Freezing

This casserole is freezer-friendly for meal prep magic. Simply assemble as directed—right up until the topping—then wrap tightly and freeze (unbaked is best). Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy, sprinkle on the cracker topping, and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes for perfect, bubbly results.

Reheating

To reheat Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, pop individual servings in the microwave until steaming, or rewarm larger quantities in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 20 minutes. Uncover for the last few minutes to restore the crispy topping. Add a splash of broth or milk if you want to revive the creaminess!

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Absolutely! If you use brown rice, just remember it takes longer to cook and will need additional broth; check your package instructions and adjust the timing accordingly, but the flavors of Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole will still shine.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

For a homemade swap, whip up a quick white sauce by melting butter, then stirring in flour, milk, a little bouillon, and seasonings until thick; or try using cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a twist.

Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?

You can! Omit the chicken, use vegetable broth, and increase the broccoli or toss in your favorite beans or mushrooms for protein. The casserole will still be comforting, hearty, and full of flavor.

How do I avoid mushy broccoli?

Sticking to fresh broccoli and adding it at the recommended time keeps it just-tender, not overcooked. If you like even more crunch, steam the broccoli separately and fold it in just before baking.

Can I assemble Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole in advance?

Yes! Prepare everything through the cheese and rice step, then refrigerate until ready to bake. When you’re ready, top with cheese and cracker topping, and bake as directed—just add five to ten minutes to the bake time if coming straight from the fridge.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes capture the heart and comfort of home quite like Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring leftovers all week, this casserole brings warmth and pure joy to any table. Give it a try—your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

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