Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prep. Simple to make with just a few ingredients, this comforting casserole is bound to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 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, separated
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the uncooked broccoli and recover the pot. Cook for an additional 9 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. If necessary, simmer for 5 more minutes until the rice is cooked through.
- Remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for 10 minutes to allow the rice to finish cooking without stirring.
- Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese, cover, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Combine the melted butter with crushed crackers and sprinkle them over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. Serve hot!
Notes
This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just reheat before serving.
For extra flavor, add your favorite spices or vegetables to the mix.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg