If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that feels like a warm hug in every bite, the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe is going to become your new best friend. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and creamy cheddar cheese in a luscious sauce, all nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice. The crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds the perfect golden finish, making every spoonful a delight. It’s a beautiful balance of flavors and textures that’s simple to make but impressive enough for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to make this casserole sing, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect flavor and texture harmony. From the hearty chicken to the cheesy goodness and the vibrant broccoli, you’ll love how these basics turn into something spectacular.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded or cubed for tender bites packed with protein.
- Cooked rice (2 cups): Acts as a soft, comforting base that soaks up all the flavors.
- Broccoli (1 head): Cut into small florets to add a fresh, green crunch and nutritional boost.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates a creamy, savory sauce that binds everything together.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tangy richness and smooth texture to the casserole.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce for that perfect consistency.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The star ingredient for cheesy melt-in-your-mouth goodness.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses subtle depth and warmth.
- Onion powder (1 tsp): Enhances savory flavors without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: To season and balance flavors just right.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1 cup): For a buttery, crunchy topping that makes the dish irresistible.
- Melted butter (2 tbsp): Binds the cracker topping and adds golden richness.
How to Make Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Broccoli Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for just 2 minutes to keep that bright green color and tender-crisp texture. Drain immediately and set aside—they’ll finish cooking in the oven to stay perfectly fresh.
Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
Next, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Stir until you get a smooth, well-combined sauce that will cradle all your wonderful ingredients perfectly in the casserole.
Step 3: Combine the Main Ingredients
Fold in the cooked chicken, cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Mix everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring each bite is bursting with cheesy, savory goodness intertwined with fresh broccoli and tender chicken.
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, giving you a melty, cheesy layer that bakes up beautifully.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping and Bake
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this golden mixture generously over the cheese layer. Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You want the edges to bubble and the topping to turn a gorgeous golden brown—this signals that it’s ready to come out and impress.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once baked, let the casserole sit for a few minutes to set. This little pause makes serving easier and lets all those amazing flavors settle into a perfect harmony that you’re going to love.
How to Serve Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your presentation and flavor by adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top. They add a pop of color and a subtle freshness that pairs wonderfully with the rich, cheesy casserole.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as a stand-alone meal, but if you want to round out your plate, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The freshness and crunch balance the creamy texture beautifully, making the meal feel complete and nourishing.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties or family meals. You can also sprinkle extra cheese and crackers on top before reheating leftovers to revive that irresistible golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the casserole to cool completely, then store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days, making it a great option for easy weekday lunches or dinners.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding a little extra time if needed.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Removing the foil for the last 5 minutes helps to bring back that crispy, buttery topping.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
Yes, frozen broccoli works perfectly! Just thaw and drain it well before adding to the skillet to avoid extra moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply leave out the chicken and consider adding extra broccoli, mushrooms, or even beans for protein to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What type of rice is best to use?
Long-grain white rice is classic for this dish because it stays fluffy and absorbs flavors well. However, you can also use brown rice or jasmine rice if you prefer a nuttier or more aromatic base.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cheddar gives that signature sharp flavor and good melting quality, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a cheese blend to suit your taste preferences.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming watery?
Make sure to drain the broccoli well after blanching and avoid adding extra liquids. Also, using cooked rice rather than uncooked helps keep moisture levels in check for a perfect casserole consistency.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe that brings comfort, ease, and deliciousness all into one dish. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether feeding a family or looking for a satisfying solo dinner. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to weeknight hero in this casserole.
Print
Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and hearty Broccoli Cheddar Chicken and Rice Casserole combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into small florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Blanch Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli florets for 2 minutes. Drain immediately to stop cooking and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, cooked rice, blanched broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the mixture evenly inside.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole mixture.
- Prepare Cracker Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crackers are evenly coated.
- Add Cracker Topping: Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the casserole’s cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to set before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor.
- To make it lower in fat, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Ensure broccoli is blanched but not overcooked to retain a slight crunch.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
