Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole (Print Format)
Creamy chicken, rice, broccoli, and cheddar baked with a buttery cracker topping for cozy family dinners.
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
2 tablespoons butter
02 -
2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
03 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
05 -
2.5 cups chicken broth
06 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
07 -
1.25 cups long-grain white rice, uncooked
08 -
2-3 cups broccoli florets, fresh and uncooked
09 -
10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
10 -
0.5 cup milk
11 -
0.5 cup sour cream
12 -
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
→ Optional Seasonings
13 -
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
14 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
→ Casserole Topping
15 -
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
16 -
2 tablespoons butter, melted
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 -
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Skip this step if using cooked rotisserie chicken.
03 -
In the same pot, combine chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes. Add broccoli, cover again, and cook for 9 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If not fully cooked, simmer for 5 more minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, for 10 minutes.
04 -
Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese.
05 -
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
06 -
In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
07 -
Uncover the casserole and sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the surface. Bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
08 -
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Tips:
01 -
For richer flavors, use rotisserie chicken as an alternative to freshly cooked chicken.