Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you love a good one-dish meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is just that — comforting, cheesy, and packed with flavor from tender chicken and fresh broccoli. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a go-to because it’s not only delicious but easy enough to pull together on a busy weeknight.

What I adore about this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is how it brings simple ingredients together in a way that feels special but never fussy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping for a cozy dinner, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to customize. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to resist making it again and again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are straightforward but work together to create that classic casserole taste. I always recommend using good quality chicken broth and shredding your own cheese for the best melt and flavor.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for flavor.
• Chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: You can use pre-cooked chicken to save time or cook fresh for tenderness.
• Italian seasoning: Brings in a subtle herby note, but feel free to adjust to your taste.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning throughout every step.
• Chicken broth: Cooks the rice and adds savory depth — homemade or store-bought both work great.
• Olive oil: For gentle cooking and a touch of flavor in the rice.
• White long grain rice: I find this rice cooks perfectly in the broth and holds texture well.
• Broccoli florets: Fresh is lovely, but frozen works too with a bit of extra prep.
• Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The base of creamy goodness; homemade versions are a fantastic upgrade.
• Milk: Smooths out the creaminess.
• Sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that balances the flavors.
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is my go-to for melty cheese goodness; shred it fresh for best results.
• Optional seasonings: Garlic powder and dried thyme can elevate the flavors — try them if you like.
• Ritz crackers and melted butter: For a buttery, crunchy topping that your whole family will fight over.

Variations

I love mixing things up with this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe to suit different moods and ingredients on hand. It’s so flexible there’s really no wrong way to make it your own.

• Use rotisserie chicken: When I’m pressed for time, swapping fresh chicken for rotisserie keeps this casserole quick and still delicious.
• Try different veggies: Cauliflower, mushrooms, or even spinach work beautifully if you want to sneak more greens in.
• Dairy-free version: Use dairy-free sour cream and cheese, and swap the butter with your favorite oil for a tummy-friendly twist.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika for a little extra warmth and depth.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces and seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted, then add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides—about 5 minutes. This step builds flavor and seals in the juices. If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, you can skip this part and save some time.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Broccoli

Pour the chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice into the same pot and bring it to a boil. Then reduce the heat to simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 6 minutes. After that, add the fresh broccoli, cover again, and cook for another 9 minutes or until the rice is fully cooked and the liquid absorbed. If your rice isn’t done at that point, just give it a few extra minutes. Here’s the key: once it’s off the heat, leave it covered for 10 more minutes to let the steam finish the cooking—this helps the rice fluff up beautifully.

Step 3: Combine the Creamy Ingredients

Now, add back in the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, your optional seasonings if you’re using them, and half the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot of rice and broccoli. Stir gently until everything is combined in one creamy, comforting mixture. This is where all those flavors meld together to create that cozy casserole taste we love.

Step 4: Bake and Add the Topping

Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, melt your butter and crush the Ritz crackers to make the topping. After the initial bake, sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving—it helps everything set perfectly.

How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I often top mine with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a fresh, mild onion flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole. A little cracked black pepper over the top just before serving also wakes up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple mixed green salad or a tangy cole slaw to add some crunch and freshness. Roasted carrots or a crisp cucumber salad also complement it well.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a more elegant touch. Adding a little extra crispy cracker topping with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top gets everyone excited at the table. It feels cozy but also a bit fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After it’s cooled, I transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the fridge. It keeps really well for about 3-4 days, and the flavors actually deepen overnight. Just be sure to cover it so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole successfully several times. The key is to assemble it but skip baking, then wrap tightly with foil and freeze. Thaw in the fridge for 24 hours before baking, adding extra time to ensure it’s heated through. The crunchy cracker topping can be added fresh before the final bake for best texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F to maintain that crispy topping and ensure it’s warmed evenly. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works, but you might lose a bit of the crispy topping — a quick broil after microwaving can revive it beautifully.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for good reason—it’s comforting, simple, and endlessly adaptable. Whenever I’m looking for a meal that feels nurturing without hours of work, this casserole delivers every single time. I hope you give it a try and find it as satisfying as my family and I do—trust me, once you make it, it’ll quickly become your next favorite comfort food.

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