Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole has been a lifesaver for me when weeknight dinners get hectic. It brings together tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes to bubbling perfection with a buttery crunchy cracker topping. It’s an easy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day and is always a hit at my dinner table.

I first made this on a rushed weeknight, and my kids immediately declared it better than mac and cheese. Once you try that golden Ritz cracker topping you’ll understand why it keeps coming back to our menu.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: Choose fresh for juicy bites or rotisserie for convenience and flavor
• Long grain white rice: Absorbs the sauce well and turns out fluffy when baked Use good quality rice for best texture
• Fresh broccoli florets: Adds color crunch and nutrition Pick bright green and firm florets without yellow spots
• Cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds bold flavor Shred it yourself for creamier melting
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Provides rich creamy binding for the casserole Use low sodium if you watch salt intake
• Sour cream: Adds tang and makes the casserole extra creamy
• Chicken broth: Cooks the rice and deepens flavor Use homemade or a good quality store bought broth
• Olive oil and butter: Add richness to the rice and help brown the chicken Use extra virgin olive oil and real butter for best results
• Ritz crackers for topping: Create the signature buttery crunch Choose fresh crackers for perfect crispness
• Italian seasoning garlic powder and thyme: Add aromatic warmth Use good dried spices or fresh thyme if available
• Salt and black pepper: Balance and enhance all flavors Freshly ground pepper adds extra pop

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Base:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or roughly 175 degrees Celsius. Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Cook and Season the Chicken:

Dice chicken breasts into even bite sized cubes. Season all sides with Italian seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper to make sure every bite is flavorful. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and let it cook without stirring for a few minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is browned and cooked through inside. Remove from the pot and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken simply dice it and skip to the next step.

Simmer Rice and Broccoli:

Using the same pot add chicken broth olive oil and uncooked rice scraping up any browned bits left from the chicken as they add flavor. Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce the heat to low and cover tightly. Let the rice simmer without lifting the lid for about six minutes. Carefully lift the lid and evenly spread fresh broccoli florets over the rice. Cover again and steam everything together for about nine more minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed. If still slightly undercooked add a splash more broth and cook for five minutes longer. Remove the pot from heat and let it rest covered for ten minutes so the steam finishes cooking the rice properly.

Mix the Filling:

Once the rice and broccoli are tender gently stir in the cooked chicken cream of chicken soup milk sour cream garlic powder and dried thyme if using along with half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to break up the broccoli or rice too much to keep good texture. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Bake the Casserole:

Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake on the center rack for about fifteen minutes until the cheese melts and the casserole begins to bubble.

Prepare the Cracker Topping:

While the casserole bakes crush a sleeve of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Melt two tablespoons of butter and toss the cracker crumbs in it until every crumb is coated thoroughly. This buttery topping creates the perfect crunchy finish.

Add the Topping and Finish Baking:

After fifteen minutes remove the foil and sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the casserole. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake for another ten minutes or until the topping is golden toasted and the cheese underneath is bubbly.

Let It Rest and Serve:

Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for five minutes. This helps it set which makes serving neater. Scoop onto plates and enjoy the comfort in every bite.

My absolute favorite part is the buttery crunchy cracker topping. When I was little my mom let me be in charge of adding the cracker topping and the way it toasted smelled amazing. I love passing on that simple joyful step to my kids every time we make it.

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator up to four days when tightly wrapped. To reheat cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for about twenty minutes or until heated through. You can also freeze individual portions for quick lunches Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken is not on hand try turkey ham or for a vegetarian twist use firm cooked tofu. Swap sharp cheddar with Monterey Jack or a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for different cheesy flavors. You can add sautéed mushrooms or frozen mixed vegetables or swap broccoli for cauliflower if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simply roasted carrots. Garlic bread on the side makes it an extra cozy meal. At potlucks it shines on its own but adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or herbs like parsley really brightens each serving.

Serve warm and enjoy the creamy cheesy comfort with a crunchy topping. It’s an easy, family friendly dish that reheats well and pleases picky eaters.

FAQs About This Recipe

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, diced rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Simply stir it into the casserole before baking.

→ How can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake when ready to serve.

→ What can I use as a substitute for broccoli?

Cauliflower florets or mixed vegetables make great alternatives, providing varied texture and flavor.

→ Is brown rice a good alternative?

Brown rice can be used, but it may need extra liquid and a longer cooking time before combining with other ingredients.

→ How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?

Add the crushed cracker topping toward the end of baking, uncovered, to achieve a golden, crunchy finish.