Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
This creamy chicken and rice casserole is loaded with broccoli, melty cheddar cheese, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers—comfort food perfection for family dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner, Comfort Food, Casseroles
- Method: Baking / One-Pot / Oven
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2.5 cups chicken broth
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.25 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
2–3 cups broccoli florets, fresh
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
0.5 cup milk
0.5 cup sour cream
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
Optional Seasonings
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Casserole Topping
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
2 tablespoons melted butter
Equipment
Large pot
9x13-inch baking dish
Small mixing bowl
Oven
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook chicken (if not using rotisserie): Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and cook chicken for 5 minutes or until golden. Remove and set aside.
Cook rice and broccoli: In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes. Add broccoli, cover, and cook another 9 minutes, or until rice is tender. If needed, cook 5 minutes longer. Let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
Combine mixture: Stir in cooked chicken, condensed soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
Assemble casserole: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Make topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a small bowl.
Top and finish baking: Uncover the casserole and sprinkle with the cracker topping. Bake uncovered for 10 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, use rotisserie chicken in place of raw chicken.
Adjust the broccoli amount to preference, or sub with cauliflower or peas.
Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking (add 5–10 mins to bake time).
