Are you looking for an easy and flavorful meal that you can make ahead of time and bake when it’s ready? Look no further than this delicious Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole! With a buttery, crunchy Ritz topping, your family will be sure to love this easy-to-assemble dish. Find out how to make it in this article!
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a simple, yet delicious, weeknight meal that the whole family will love. It’s packed with healthy ingredients, including chicken, broccoli, and brown rice, and it’s easy to make ahead of time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftovers!
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes compare to a hearty casserole. This chicken broccoli rice casserole is packed with flavor and nutrients, making it the perfect meal for a chilly night. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be easily tailored to your liking.
Tips:
This casserole is packed with flavor, and is sure to be a hit with your family and friends! Here are some pro tips to make this dish even better:
-For an extra cheesy casserole, top with shredded cheese before baking.
-Add a layer of cooked bacon or ham for a delicious twist.
-Try using different types of rice for interesting flavor and texture variations.
-If you’re looking for a bit more of a crunch, top the casserole with crushed potato chips or bread crumbs before baking.
Conclusion & Recipe:
This casserole is a great way to use up leftover rice and chicken, and it’s packed with healthy broccoli. It’s an easy, one-dish meal that the whole family will love.
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 breasts of boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups diced rotisserie poultry
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt/Pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon olive oils
- 1/4 cup white long grain uncooked rice
- 2 cups uncooked broccoli florets
- 10.5 oz. 10.5 oz.
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese divided
- Optional Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed
- 2 Tablespoons of melted butter
Instructions
- This is a recipe that allows you to combine all the ingredients for the casserole in one pot. Then, transfer to a casserole dish to bake. Refer to the rice package before you start. It will tell you how much liquid (we'll be using chicken broth) and how long it takes. The cooking time/liquid amounts below work perfectly for me.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, and season it with Italian seasoning.
- In a large saucepan, heat butter over medium heat until it melts. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Set aside. Do not remove if you are using a cooked rotisserie bird.
- Add the chicken broth and olive oil to the pot. Rice should be added to the pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and Cook for 6 Minutes.
- Cover with the broccoli. Continue to cook for 9 minutes. Do not stir.
- Turn off the heat. Cover the pan. Allow the rice to stand for 10 minutes. Do not stir. The rice at the bottom of your pot will be released.
- Mix the soup, cooked chicken, milk, sourcream, seasonings and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Place in a 9 x 13 casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
Add the Topping
- Combine the butter with the crackers and melt it. To make the topping, combine the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the topping with crumbled cracker and bake for 10 more minutes.
- Allow the casserole to rest for five minutes before serving.