This recipe is such a cozy classic that I turn to often when I want comfort food without a ton of fuss. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy rice just sings—and that’s exactly why I’m excited to share my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe with you today.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
I can honestly say this casserole is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, it’s surprisingly easy yet filling and comforting.
- Comfort in a casserole: The creamy, cheesy sauce blends perfectly with rice and broccoli, making every bite satisfying and cozy.
- Simple ingredients: You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already, which makes whipping this up a breeze.
- Perfect for leftovers: The flavors actually deepen next day, making it a great make-ahead or meal prep option.
- Kid-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this dish because of its creamy, melty cheese goodness.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The magic of this casserole lies in the harmony of simple, wholesome ingredients. Fresh broccoli gives a bright bite and nutrients, while the chicken and creamy sauce bring tender, hearty flavor you can’t resist.
- Butter: Adds richness and helps cook the chicken perfectly.
- Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: I often use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
- Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning: Simple seasonings that bring out the best in the chicken and rice.
- Chicken broth: Key for cooking the rice with extra depth instead of just water.
- Olive oil: A touch added to rice cooking for a silky texture.
- Uncooked white long grain rice: Absorbs all those flavors perfectly while staying fluffy.
- Fresh broccoli florets: Provides that fresh crunch and vibrant color—my favorite part!
- Cream of chicken soup (condensed): The base of creaminess, I like to use homemade when I have time.
- Milk and sour cream: These ingredients lighten the sauce and balance richness with a little tang.
- Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and gives that irresistible gooey layer.
- Ritz crackers and melted butter (for topping): Adds a crunchy, buttery crust that makes the casserole extra special.
Make It Your Way
I’ve played around with this creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe a lot, and I think the best thing is how flexible it is for your taste buds or what’s in your fridge. Don’t be shy about swapping ingredients or adding your favorites!
- Variation: Using leftover rotisserie chicken cuts down cooking time and boosts flavor, which I swear by on hectic days.
- Swap veggies: Frozen broccoli works fine (just thaw & drain), and cauliflower makes a lovely twist if you want to mix things up.
- Go dairy-free: Try using coconut milk and a non-dairy cream to keep it creamy without dairy.
- Add heat: If you like a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño to the mix.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken to Perfection
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the butter over medium heat in a large pot, then add your chicken pieces. Cook just until they develop a beautiful golden brown crust—about 5 minutes. Don’t overcook here since the chicken will finish cooking later. Once browned, set it aside to rest while you cook the rice.
Step 2: Cook the Rice and Broccoli Together
After removing the chicken, add chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked long grain rice to the same pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover tightly, letting the rice cook for about 6 minutes. Then add the fresh broccoli florets on top, cover, and continue cooking for about 9 more minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid absorbed. If you find the rice needs extra time, just pop the lid back on and cook a few more minutes.
Step 3: Combine All the Creamy Goodness
Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, keep the pot covered and off the heat for 10 minutes to let the steam work its magic. Then stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings like thyme or garlic powder, and half of your cheddar cheese. This is where the casserole gets that velvety, rich texture I love.
Step 4: Bake and Top with Crunch
Transfer everything to a greased 9x13 casserole dish and sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. While it bakes, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this over the casserole—bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and crisp. That buttery, crunchy topping is what really sets this apart.
Top Tip
After making this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that guarantee the best results every time.
- Rice timing: Stick to the suggested simmering times and let the rice rest covered off heat to avoid mushiness.
- Cheese quality: Shred your own cheddar from a block rather than pre-shredded for creamier melt.
- Broccoli prep: If using frozen, thaw and pat dry, or steam briefly to avoid soggy casserole.
- Crunchy topping: Make sure the cracker crumbs are evenly coated in melted butter for that perfect golden crust.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I like to sprinkle a little fresh parsley or chopped green onions over the top—adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully. Sometimes a bit of extra shredded cheddar or a dusting of paprika can make it feel festive when serving guests.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for some extra texture. Garlic bread is also a crowd-pleaser, adding another layer of buttery goodness on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins—perfect portion sizes and they look so charming on the table. You could also layer it into clear glass baking dishes to show off the cheesy, broccoli-rice layers for a fun visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep great for up to 3 days. When reheating, a quick zap in the microwave with a sprinkle of water keeps the rice moist and creamy.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, which I love for busy weeks. Just assemble it but don’t bake, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking, adding 15 extra minutes onto the baking time.
Reheating
To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through—usually about 20 minutes. The foil helps prevent the topping from burning while warming the filling evenly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, but keep in mind brown rice takes longer to cook and requires more liquid. You'll need to adjust cooking time and liquid amounts accordingly, and the texture will be a bit chewier.
You can make a quick homemade version using butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to create a creamy roux-based sauce. This way, you control the ingredients and avoid canned preservatives.
Absolutely! You can assemble it up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate. Just add extra baking time when you're ready to cook to ensure it’s heated through.
Swap the Ritz cracker topping for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and check that your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or use a homemade version. This will keep the casserole safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has been a total game-changer for me when I want to serve something warm, comforting, and fuss-free. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but never intimidating, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own—once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Rest Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked in a creamy sauce topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it's easy to prepare and combines wholesome ingredients with cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
- 10.5 oz. Cream of Chicken Soup, condensed
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Optional Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning to taste.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they turn golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Cook Rice: To the same pot, add the chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cover tightly. Cook for 6 minutes.
- Add Broccoli and Continue Cooking: Add the fresh broccoli florets to the pot, replace the cover, and cook for an additional 9 minutes or until the rice is cooked through and no liquid remains. If the rice is not fully cooked after this time, cover again and simmer for another 5 minutes.
- Rest the Rice: Remove the pot from heat and keep it covered. Let the rice and broccoli stand undisturbed for 10 minutes to allow any remaining moisture to be absorbed and to prevent stirring of the bottom layer.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional dried thyme and garlic powder if using, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything to combine thoroughly.
- Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake: Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the casserole and bake for 15 minutes.
- Add Topping and Finish Baking: Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the baked casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and serve warm for a comforting and cheesy meal.
Notes
- Using Frozen Broccoli: Substitute 2 cups of frozen broccoli or cauliflower; be sure to thaw and pat dry before use. You may want to steam it for about 5 minutes for a softer texture.
- Cheddar Cheese Tip: Shred your own cheddar from a block for better melt and flavor. Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow cheese is recommended. Avoid aged or crystallized cheeses.
- Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup can be used instead of canned for a fresher, less processed taste.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking and add 15 minutes to the baking time.
- For freezing, assemble but do not bake. Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake with an additional 15 minutes added to baking time. Add topping in the last 10 minutes.
- The recipe is from The Cozy Cookbook, page 178.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
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