Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for family dinners. This casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, all topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s easy to make, can be prepared ahead of time, and is sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Let’s dive into this savory recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups white long-grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
- 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
Optional Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Topping:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Cook Chicken:
- Using Fresh Chicken: In a large skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before dicing.
- Using Rotisserie Chicken: Simply dice or shred 2 cups of rotisserie chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Rice and Broccoli
- Cook Rice:
- In the same skillet, add the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the uncooked rice and stir to coat in the oil. Toast the rice for about 2-3 minutes until it begins to turn golden.
- Add 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth to the skillet with the rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Broccoli:
- Stir in the fresh broccoli florets and cover the skillet again. Cook for an additional 5 minutes until the broccoli is tender-crisp.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream. Stir until smooth.
- Add Cheese:
- Stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Add Optional Seasonings:
- If using, add 1 teaspoon of dried thyme and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce mixture for extra flavor.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Chicken, Rice, and Broccoli:
- Add the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture to the sauce. Stir to combine everything well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Cheese:
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 5: Add Topping
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Add Topping:
- Sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the cheese layer on the casserole.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, the topping is golden brown, and the casserole is heated through.
Step 7: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting and delicious dish with your family and friends!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Chicken: If you prefer, you can use pre-cooked chicken or leftover chicken for this recipe.
- Rice: Long-grain white rice works best for this recipe. Adjust the liquid if using a different type of rice.
- Broccoli: Fresh broccoli is recommended, but you can also use frozen broccoli. Just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.
Variations
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Add More Cheese:
- Increase the amount of cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy casserole. Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese for a different flavor.
Spicy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the sauce mixture for a spicy kick.
Bacon and Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Add Bacon:
- Stir in 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Side Dishes
- With Salad:
- Serve with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a balanced meal.
- With Bread:
- Pair with garlic bread or dinner rolls for a complete meal.
Beverages
- With White Wine:
- Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
- With Lemonade:
- Serve with a glass of iced lemonade for a refreshing drink.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time? A: Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of cheese? A: Yes, you can use other types of cheese like mozzarella, Swiss, or a blend of cheeses for different flavors.
Q: Can I add other vegetables? A: Yes, you can add other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or bell peppers to the casserole for added variety.
Q: Can I use brown rice? A: Yes, you can use brown rice, but you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid amount accordingly.
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender chicken, flavorful rice, fresh broccoli, and cheesy topping, this casserole is sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, this dish is easy to make and always satisfying. Enjoy making and sharing this tasty casserole with your family and friends!
