Indulge in this comforting casserole made with tender chicken, creamy rice, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese. Topped with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect crunch, this easy, one-dish meal is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy one-pan meal – Minimal cleanup and effort.
- Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying – Packed with comforting flavors.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
- Customizable – Use different cheeses, veggies, or protein.
- Crowd-pleaser – Loved by kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Cooked white rice (or brown rice)
- Fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese, shredded
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- Ritz crackers, crushed
- Butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Base – In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, half of the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Assemble the Casserole – Spread the mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Add Toppings – Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake – Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve – Let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Use Different Cheeses – Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss for a unique flavor.
- Make It Healthier – Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Spicy Kick – Add a dash of cayenne pepper or mix in diced jalapeños.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free crackers or panko for the topping.
- Vegetarian Version – Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing – Freeze in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating – Warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15 minutes or microwave for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use uncooked rice in this recipe?
No, the rice needs to be fully cooked before mixing into the casserole.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
What type of chicken works best?
Shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover baked chicken all work great.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just thaw and drain excess water before adding to the casserole.
How do I make it extra creamy?
Add ½ cup of cream cheese or an extra ½ cup of sour cream for a richer texture.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
Try a homemade version by mixing butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to create a thick sauce.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or carrots are great additions.
How do I prevent the casserole from being dry?
Make sure to fully mix the ingredients, and don’t overbake. A splash of chicken broth can add extra moisture.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great shortcut for this recipe.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the perfect comfort meal, packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and a buttery, crunchy topping. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or prepping for the week, this casserole is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a warm, satisfying dish!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, packed with tender chicken, creamy rice, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar cheese. Topped with buttery Ritz crackers for the perfect crunch, this easy, one-pan meal is a family favorite that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Base – In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole – Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping – In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake – Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve & Enjoy – Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and crunchy casserole with your favorite side dish!
Notes
- No cream of chicken soup? Substitute with 1 cup homemade béchamel sauce.
- Make it healthier! Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and swap white rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
- Add more protein by mixing in cooked bacon or ham.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American