Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole brings together tender chicken pieces, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s baked to golden perfection. The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds an irresistible crunch that makes this casserole both comforting and crowdpleasing. It’s an ideal go to for busy weeknights or family gatherings, especially when you want a satisfying meal that uses either fresh chicken or convenient leftovers.

I first made this on a hectic evening when time was short and it quickly became a family favorite. Once you try the buttery cracker topping, you will be hooked just like we were.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: to keep the dish juicy and flavorful. Fresh chicken gives a tender bite while rotisserie saves time and adds savory notes
• Long grain white rice: absorbs flavors perfectly and cooks to a fluffy texture. Pick a good quality brand to ensure consistent results
• Fresh broccoli florets: add vibrant color, crispness, and nutrition. Choose firm bright green pieces without yellow tops for the best taste and texture
• Sharp cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and delivers a bold cheesy punch. Shredding your own cheese yields better melt and creaminess than preshredded
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: adds rich creaminess and helps bind flavors together. Low sodium options are good if watching salt intake
• Sour cream: lends tang and extra creaminess that brightens the casserole
• Chicken broth: provides depth and is the cooking liquid for the rice. Homemade broth or good quality store bought works well
• Olive oil and butter: provide richness and help in sautéing ingredients. Use extra virgin olive oil for a fruity note and real butter for authentic flavor
• Ritz crackers: crushed for topping, giving the casserole its signature golden crunch. Use fresh crackers for the best crispness
• Italian seasoning, garlic powder and thyme: bring aromatic warmth and complement the chicken and cheese nicely. Fresh thyme can substitute dried if available
• Salt and black pepper: balance the flavors. Freshly ground black pepper packs more punch

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Base:

Grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or use nonstick spray so nothing sticks during baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit or about 175 degrees Celsius.

Cook and Season the Chicken:

Cut chicken breasts into even bite sized cubes. Season all sides with Italian seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper to ensure every bite is flavorful. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, add the chicken, and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes. This helps achieve a nice golden sear. Flip the pieces and continue cooking until chicken is browned on the outside and cooked through inside. Remove the chicken and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken, simply dice and skip cooking.

Simmer Rice and Broccoli:

In the same pot, add chicken broth olive oil and uncooked long grain white rice. Scrape up any browned bits from the chicken for extra flavor. Bring to a boil then immediately lower to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook undisturbed for about six minutes. Remove the lid carefully and scatter fresh broccoli florets evenly on top of the rice. Cover again and let steam for about nine more minutes or until most of the liquid is absorbed and the rice and broccoli are tender. If rice seems undercooked add a bit more broth and cook for an additional five minutes. Remove from heat and let rest covered for ten minutes allowing steam to finish cooking the rice.

Mix the Filling:

After the rice has rested gently stir in the cooked chicken cream of chicken soup milk sour cream garlic powder dried thyme and half the shredded cheddar cheese. Be careful not to break up the rice or broccoli too much to keep nice texture. Taste and add salt or pepper if necessary.

Bake the Casserole:

Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover with foil and bake on the center rack of the oven for fifteen minutes. This step lets the cheese melt and the casserole bubble nicely.

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 until well coated. The butter makes sure the topping bakes crispy and flavorful.

Add the Topping and Finish Baking:

Remove the foil from the casserole and scatter the buttered cracker crumb mixture evenly across the surface. Return the dish uncovered to the oven and bake for ten more minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy and the cheese underneath is bubbling.

Let It Rest and Serve:

Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. Resting helps the casserole set so it slices cleanly and serving is neater. Scoop onto plates and enjoy the comforting cheesy goodness.

I have fond memories of that buttery Ritz cracker topping from childhood when my mom let me be in charge of crushing and sprinkling it. The smell of it toasting was the best sign dinner was almost ready. It feels special to keep that tradition alive making this casserole with my own kids now.

Storage Tips

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree oven for about twenty minutes or until heated through. This recipe freezes wellportion into airtight containers and freeze. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken is not an option try turkey ham or cubed cooked tofu to make it vegetarian. Cheddar can be substituted with Monterey Jack or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for different cheesiness. Consider adding sautéed mushrooms or swapping broccoli for cauliflower for variety.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted carrots for a fresh contrast. Garlic bread makes a lovely side for extra comfort. For special occasions, a squeeze of lemon juice or fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives brighten the flavors at the table.

This cheesy casserole is a comforting easy crowd pleaser that can be made ahead or frozen for busy nights. Enjoy!

Common Questions About Recipes

→ Can rotisserie chicken be used instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be diced and added directly before baking, saving prep time while maintaining flavor.

→ How can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Assemble through baking, cover and refrigerate, then add the cracker topping and bake fresh before serving.

→ What can substitute broccoli in this dish?

Cauliflower florets or mixed vegetables work well as alternatives, providing different textures and flavors.

→ Is brown rice a suitable alternative?

Brown rice can be used but may need more liquid and longer cooking time before mixing with other ingredients.

→ How to keep the cracker topping crispy?

Sprinkle the crushed cracker topping near the end of baking and leave the dish uncovered for a golden, crunchy finish.

→ What cheese works best for melting?

Sharp cheddar cheese is ideal for a creamy, bold melt, but Monterey Jack or a mozzarella blend also work.