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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F, preparing a welcoming environment for the casserole.
- Transform chicken into uniform bite-sized morsels, seasoning generously with aromatic Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, creating a golden cooking surface.
- Sauté chicken pieces until they develop a rich, caramelized exterior, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a waiting plate.
- 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.
- Cover and allow rice to cook for 6 minutes, developing tender kernels.
- Introduce broccoli florets into the pot, maintaining the covered environment, and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes until rice absorbs liquid completely.
- Remove from heat, letting the pot rest covered for 10 minutes to ensure perfect rice texture.
- Fold in cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese, creating a harmonious mixture.
- Prepare a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a light cooking spray coating.
- Distribute the rice and chicken mixture evenly across the dish, creating a smooth surface.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese across the top, creating a promising golden layer.
- Drape aluminum foil over the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
- While baking, combine melted butter with crushed Ritz crackers to create a crunchy topping.
- Remove foil after initial baking, scatter cracker mixture across the surface.
- Return to oven uncovered for 10 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- 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