Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe – A Heartwarming Family Favorite

There’s something truly magical about the aroma of a bubbling casserole wafting through the kitchen. As a young girl, I remember my mom making her creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole on busy Sunday evenings. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and cheesy goodness brought us all together around the dining table. The sound of laughter mingling with the soft clinks of dinnerware set the stage for warm family moments, and that cozy feeling is exactly what I want to share with you today.

This recipe is not just a meal; it’s a connection. Grab your favorite baking dish, and let’s create a dish that will hug your loved ones right from the oven.

Why You’ll Love It

• Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights
• Comforting homemade flavor that tastes like a warm hug
• Made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
• Great for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks
• Always a crowd-pleaser, even the picky eaters will love it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 Tablespoons butter (for that rich flavor)
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (adds a comforting herb aroma)
• Salt/Pepper, to taste
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth (the aromatic base)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked (perfectly fluffy after cooking)
• 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked (they add a lovely crunch)
• 10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (for creamy richness)
• 1/2 cup milk (helps blend all flavors together)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (adds tanginess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated (for that cheesy topping)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (for that delightful crunch)
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter (to bring the cracker topping to life)

How to Make It

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Smell that warm air start to circulate? It’s the beginning of something wonderful!
2. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This adds depth to the flavor.
3. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it melts. Carefully add the chicken, letting it sizzle until golden brown, taking about 5 minutes. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step! Just set it aside for now.
4. Throw in the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice, then bring it all to a gentle boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 6 minutes. You’ll hear the soft bubbling, and that’s when you know it’s working its magic.
5. Add the fresh broccoli right on top, cover again, and let it steam for another 9 minutes or until the rice is fluffy and liquid has evaporated. If it’s still a bit soupy, let it simmer for an extra 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for about 10 minutes. This is when the flavors blend and deepen.
7. Now, stir in your cooked chicken (if you used raw), cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy and inviting.
8. Pour this comforting mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese — trust me, it’s going to be cheesy heaven!
9. Cover the dish and bake it for 15 minutes. Watch how the cheese begins to melt and bubble.
10. In the meantime, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. This will create the crunchy topping you’ll adore, so sprinkle it over the casserole once it’s done baking.
11. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes. You’ll love the golden edges and the irresistible aroma filling your home!
12. Finally, let it stand for 5 minutes before serving. This helps it set and makes for easier serving.

Kitchen Tips

• Time-Saving Trick: Use rotisserie chicken to save cooking time. It’s just as delicious and cuts your prep in half!
• Common Mistake Fix: If your casserole appears too runny, try letting it sit longer covered after cooking or add a bit more rice. It will soak up that extra liquid!
• Flavor Variation: Feeling adventurous? Swap out the broccoli for spinach or mushrooms. You can also mix in some cooked bacon for that savory crunch!

Serving Ideas

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is perfect for a family dinner, a cozy night in with loved ones, or even a potluck where your dish will shine! Serve it with a fresh green salad to balance the richness, or offer some warm bread for dipping. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dash of hot sauce gives it a delightful flair if you’re feeling fancy!

Storing & Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
• When reheating, consider using the oven to retain texture, or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
• If you have extra casserole, think outside the box! Use leftovers to make delicious wraps, or add them to a salad for a comforting twist.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This casserole often tastes even better the next day, so you can prep it ahead and pop it in the oven when you’re ready.

Q: Can I swap any ingredients?
A: Of course! You can easily use leftover veggies, different types of cheese — this recipe is very forgiving. Just keep the essence!

Q: What’s the best way to serve it?
A: Fresh out of the oven is always best when it’s warm, creamy, and cheesy — that’s when the flavors are at their peak.

Q: How do I know it’s perfectly cooked?
A: Look for golden edges and that delicious, fragrant smell. When your casserole is bubbly and the cheese is perfectly melted, you’re good to go!

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole isn’t just a meal; it’s a way to create joyful connections and cozy memories. Whether you whip it up for a family gathering, a comforting weeknight dinner, or just because you love it, I hope it finds a special place in your home. Don’t hesitate to make it your own — add your twist, share the love, and enjoy every delicious bite. Happy cooking!

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A comforting and hearty casserole featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy cheesy base, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 400

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons butter (for that rich flavor)
• 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning (adds a comforting herb aroma)
• Salt/Pepper to taste Salt/Pepper, to taste
• 2.5 cups chicken broth (the aromatic base)
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
• 1.25 cups white long grain rice, uncooked (perfectly fluffy after cooking)
• 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked (they add a lovely crunch)
• 10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (for creamy richness)
• 0.5 cup milk (helps blend all flavors together)
• 0.5 cup sour cream (adds tanginess)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated (for that cheesy topping)
• 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder (optional) (because who doesn’t love garlic?)
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (for that delightful crunch)
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter (to bring the cracker topping to life)

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the butter in a large pot over medium heat until it melts. Add the chicken and let it sizzle until golden brown, about 5 minutes. If using rotisserie chicken, skip this step.
4. Add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for 6 minutes.
5. Add fresh broccoli on top, cover, and steam for another 9 minutes or until rice is fluffy and liquid has evaporated.
6. Remove from heat and let it stand, covered, for about 10 minutes.
7. Stir in cooked chicken (if raw), cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese until creamy.
8. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese.
9. Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes.
10. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole after 15 minutes of baking.
11. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes.
12. Let it stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking. If casserole is too runny, let it sit longer covered or add more rice. Swap broccoli for spinach or mushrooms, or mix in some cooked bacon for added flavor.