The Best Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe Every Family Loves

Whipping up a hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole brings comfort and warmth to any dinner table.

Creamy textures and savory ingredients combine to create a satisfying meal everyone adores.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this delightful dish packed with protein and vegetables.

Home cooks appreciate how simple it is to assemble these familiar flavors into one delectable pan.

Cheese melts perfectly over tender chicken and crisp broccoli, creating a mouthwatering blend of textures.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this classic recipe that fills hungry bellies and makes people smile.

Prepare to delight your family with a casserole that promises pure culinary happiness.

What’s So Good About Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Conquer Complex Cooking: This recipe transforms intimidating cooking into a simple, step-by-step process that even novice chefs can master with confidence.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and protein-rich chicken, this casserole guarantees smiles and satisfied hunger for the whole family.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or use rotisserie chicken to make this recipe perfectly tailored to your taste and pantry supplies.
• Meal Prep Magic: Perfectly designed for busy weeknights, this one-pot wonder delivers a complete meal with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor satisfaction.

What Goes In Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary component of the casserole.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color, texture, and health benefits to the dish.

• Rice: A fluffy and filling base that absorbs the creamy flavors of the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Milk, Sour Cream: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and melty cheese that provides a delicious topping and adds depth of flavor.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Classic spices that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps with browning the chicken and creating a golden cracker topping.
• Olive Oil: Provides additional flavor and helps prevent sticking during rice cooking.

• Chicken Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the rice and adds depth to the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Provides a crunchy and buttery layer that adds texture to the casserole.

How To Cook Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F, preparing it for the delicious transformation ahead.

Step 2: Prepare the Protein

Slice chicken into delightful bite-sized morsels. Shower with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for a flavor explosion.

Step 3: Sizzle the Chicken

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and irresistible, about 5 minutes. Transfer the chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 4: Rice and Broccoli Magic

• Chicken broth
• Olive oil
• Rice

Bring to a bubbling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and let cook for 6 minutes.

Step 5: Green Goodness Integration

Introduce broccoli to the pot. Cover and continue cooking for 9 minutes until rice becomes tender and liquid disappears.

Step 6: Creamy Combination

• Cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Half of the cheddar cheese

Mix until everything melds together beautifully.

Step 7: Casserole Assembly

Spritz a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour the rice mixture into the dish, spreading evenly.

Step 8: Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 9: Crunchy Cracker Finale

Melt butter and mix with crushed Ritz crackers. After initial baking, remove foil, scatter cracker mixture on top, and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 10: Rest and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance!

Smart Cooking Tips For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Boost Chicken Texture: Pat chicken pieces dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Prevent Rice Sticking: Rinse rice beforehand and stir occasionally during cooking to avoid clumping and achieve fluffy texture.
• Maximize Flavor Depth: Use homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought for richer, more complex taste in the casserole.
• Cracker Topping Trick: Crush Ritz crackers just before adding to maintain crisp texture and prevent sogginess during baking.
• Substitute with Ease: Replace cream of chicken soup with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that still delivers creamy goodness.

Creative Mixes For Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Vegetarian Rice Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a plant-based version.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or rice cereal, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Mediterranean Herb Casserole: Substitute Italian seasoning with za'atar, add feta cheese, and incorporate roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean-inspired twist.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Replace rice with riced cauliflower, use a low-carb cream soup, and maintain the cheesy, creamy texture while reducing carbohydrates.

Sides That Pair With Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

• Perfectly Complement Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Select a buttery chardonnay or crisp sauvignon blanc to balance the creamy casserole's richness, cutting through the cheese and complementing the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Zesty Side Salad Companion: Toss a light mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette, adding fresh cucumber and cherry tomatoes to provide a bright, tangy contrast against the casserole's warm, comforting texture.
• Garlic Herb Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, toasted garlic bread with fresh parsley and a hint of rosemary to soak up the casserole's creamy sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience with a crunchy, aromatic element.

Keeping Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Transfer cooled casserole to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Label with date and contents. Freeze up to 3 months for best quality. Avoid freezing if using Ritz cracker topping.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Add fresh cheese or cracker topping before serving.
• Place portion on microwave-safe plate. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole FAQs You Need

• Can I use different types of rice for this casserole?

Yes, you can use long-grain white rice, brown rice, or even instant rice. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the rice is fully cooked.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Simply cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking.

• Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

You can increase the protein by adding more chicken, using rotisserie chicken, or mixing in some cooked bacon bits for extra flavor and protein.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 65 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, blending creamy textures with wholesome ingredients. Cheesy, satisfying layers promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1¼ cups white long-grain rice (uncooked)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (uncooked or 2 cups frozen, thawed and patted dry)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2½ cups chicken broth
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
2. Transform chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels, seasoning generously with aromatic Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
4. Sauté chicken pieces until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
5. In the same pot, combine chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Elevate temperature until liquid reaches a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
6. Cover and allow rice to cook for 6 minutes, developing tender kernels.
7. Introduce broccoli florets into the pot, maintaining the covered environment, and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes until rice absorbs liquid completely.
8. Remove from heat, letting the pot rest covered for 10 minutes to ensure perfect rice texture.
9. Fold in cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese, creating a harmonious mixture.
10. Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light cooking spray coating.
11. Distribute the rice and chicken mixture evenly across the dish, creating a smooth surface.
12. Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, creating a promising golden layer.
13. Drape aluminum foil over the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
14. While baking, combine melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy topping.
15. Remove foil after initial baking, scatter cracker mixture across the surface.
16. Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
17. Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes, letting flavors meld before serving alongside a crisp green salad or warm garlic bread.

Notes

• Choose chicken breasts or thighs for tender, juicy meat that absorbs seasonings perfectly.
• Swap regular rice with brown rice or quinoa for added nutrition and a nutty flavor profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories while maintaining creamy texture.
• Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or panko breadcrumbs for dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg