Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole has saved countless weeknight dinners at my house. It is the ultimate one-dish crowd-pleaser with juicy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice and loads of sharp cheddar bubbling beneath a buttery cracker topping. I love how everything comes together in one pan for a meal the whole family devours.

The first time I made this on a rushed evening my kids instantly declared it better than mac and cheese. Once you try the golden cracker topping you will be hooked too.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: Choose fresh for juicy bites or rotisserie for convenience and extra flavor
• Long grain white rice: Uncooked works best for absorbing all the flavors while baking. Go for good quality rice so it turns out fluffy
• Fresh broccoli florets: Adds color bite and extra nutrition. Pick bright green crisp florets without yellowing
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor. Shred your own if you can for best creaminess
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Lends rich creaminess and ties everything together. Look for a low sodium version if salt sensitive
• Sour cream: Makes the casserole extra creamy with just enough tang to brighten things up
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and cooks the rice. Use homemade or a good quality store-bought broth
• Olive oil and butter: Give richness to the rice and help toast the chicken. Look for a fruity EVOO and real butter for best results
• Ritz crackers for topping: Create that signature crunch. Choose a fresh sleeve for the perfect crisp
• Italian seasoning garlic powder and thyme for seasoning: These bring aromatic warmth. Use good dried spices or chop a bit of fresh thyme if you have it
• Salt and black pepper for balance: Grind fresh black pepper for extra pop

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Base:

Preheat your oven to 350°F or about 175°C. Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so nothing sticks

Cook and Season the Chicken:

Dice the chicken breast into even bite sized cubes. Season all over with Italian seasoning salt and black pepper so every piece is tasty. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for a couple minutes before flipping so it browns well. Cook until golden outside and fully cooked inside. Remove from the pot and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken just dice it and skip to the next step

Simmer Rice and Broccoli:

Add chicken broth olive oil and uncooked rice to the same pot scraping up any browned bits for flavor. Bring it up to a boil then immediately reduce to a low simmer and cover tightly. Let the rice cook undisturbed for about six minutes. Lift the lid and add the broccoli on top spreading it out evenly. Cover again and steam everything together for about nine more minutes or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is just tender. If it seems a little undercooked give it a splash more broth and cook five extra minutes. Take the pot off heat and let it rest covered for another ten minutes so the steam finishes cooking the rice

Mix the Filling:

Once the rice is tender and rested gently stir in the cooked chicken cream of chicken soup milk sour cream garlic powder and dried thyme if using and half of the shredded cheddar. Try not to break up the rice or broccoli too much. Taste and add extra salt or pepper if needed

Bake the Casserole:

Spread the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover with foil and bake on the center rack for fifteen minutes to bubble and melt the cheese

Prepare the Cracker Topping:

While the casserole bakes crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Melt two tablespoons of butter and toss with the cracker crumbs until well coated. You want every crumb buttery for maximum crunch

Add the Topping and Finish Baking:

After fifteen minutes uncover the casserole and sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly across the surface. Slide the dish back into the oven uncovered and bake for ten more minutes or until the topping is toasted and golden with the cheese underneath bubbly

Let It Rest and Serve:

Take the casserole out and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps it set up and makes serving neater. Scoop and enjoy

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My favorite part is that luscious cracker topping. When I was a kid my mom always let me add the Ritz and it smelled so good as it toasted in the oven. Now I carry on the tradition with my kids every time we make it together

Storage Tips

Leftover casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to four days tightly wrapped. To reheat cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for twenty minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for quick lunches just let them thaw overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have chicken try using turkey ham or even chopped cooked tofu for a vegetarian version. Swap cheddar for Monterey Jack or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for a twist. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms frozen mixed veggies or swap broccoli for cauliflower

Serving Suggestions

I love this casserole with a crisp green salad or simple roasted carrots. For extra comfort add a side of garlic bread. At potlucks it stands alone but for family dinners a squeeze of lemon or extra fresh herbs on top really brightens each serving

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Cultural Context

Classic American casseroles like this often date back to the mid twentieth century when pantry staples and condensed soups became popular. They are built for efficiency comfort and sharing plus they are perfect for bringing to gatherings or feeding a hungry family during busy weeks

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just dice and stir it in before baking.

→ How can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake when ready to serve.

→ What substitutions can I use for broccoli?

Cauliflower florets or mixed vegetables can replace broccoli for varied flavor and texture.

→ Is it possible to use brown rice?

Brown rice can be used but may require extra liquid and a longer cooking time before combining with other ingredients.

→ How do I keep the topping crispy?

Add the crushed cracker topping toward the end of baking and leave the dish uncovered for a golden, crunchy finish.