Quick & Comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Comfort food takes a delightful turn with this hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole that promises warmth in every bite.

Tender chicken pieces blend perfectly with crisp broccoli florets nestled in creamy, cheesy rice.

The one-pan wonder brings together simple ingredients in a harmonious meal that speaks directly to your soul.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each comforting spoonful.

Rich, satisfying, and packed with nutrition, this casserole transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Let’s dive into a recipe that’ll become your new go-to dinner solution.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheese with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of cheeses for variety in flavor and texture.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights or preparing meals in advance.

• Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Replace Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe gluten-free. Also, ensure the cream soup is gluten-free.

• How can I add more protein to this dish?

Consider adding cooked bacon bits, diced ham, or extra shredded chicken to increase the protein content and add more depth to the flavor.

Why Cheesy Rice & Chicken Bake Satisfies

• Whip Up Comfort Food: A hearty, one-dish meal that wraps you in warm, cheesy goodness perfect for satisfying hunger and bringing family together.
• Customize with Ease: Swap broccoli for other veggies, adjust cheese types, or add different seasonings to match your taste preferences and pantry ingredients.
• Quick Family Pleaser: Minimal prep work, simple cooking steps, and crowd-pleasing flavors make this dish a go-to solution for busy weeknight dinners.
• Budget-Friendly Feast: Uses affordable ingredients like chicken, rice, and common pantry staples, delivering maximum flavor without breaking the bank.

Ingredients for Cheesy Rice Chicken Bake

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that forms the base of this comforting casserole.

• White Rice: A fluffy and absorbent grain that provides a hearty foundation for the dish.

• Broccoli: A nutritious green vegetable that adds color and texture to the casserole.

• Sour Cream, Milk, Cream of Chicken Soup: Ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce for the casserole.
• Cheddar Cheese: A melty cheese that adds a sharp and tangy flavor to the dish.

• Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for cooking the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• Ritz Crackers: Crunchy crumbs that add a crispy texture to the casserole.

Baking Cheesy Rice Chicken from Start to Finish

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

This ensures the perfect cooking environment for your delicious meal.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pieces

Slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks.

Sprinkle with your favorite seasonings to enhance the flavor profile.

Step 3: Sizzle The Chicken

Melt butter in a large skillet.

Gently place chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through.

The chicken should have a beautiful caramel-like exterior.

Step 4: Create Fluffy Rice Base

Pour broth into a separate pot and cook rice for 6 minutes.

Add broccoli and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes until everything is tender and fragrant.

Step 5: Let Rice Rest

Cover the rice and let it sit off the heat for 10 minutes.

This helps the rice absorb remaining moisture and become perfectly fluffy.

Step 6: Blend Creamy Mixture

Combine the cooked rice and chicken in a large mixing bowl.

• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated and create a luxurious, creamy texture.

Step 7: Assemble And Bake

Transfer the mixture into a casserole dish.

Sprinkle additional cheese on top and generously cover with crushed Ritz crackers.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

Kitchen Tips for Cheesy Rice Chicken Bake

• Select high-quality chicken breasts and sharp cheddar cheese for maximum flavor depth.
• Avoid overcooking rice to maintain a creamy, not dry, casserole texture.
• Swap broccoli with mixed vegetables like cauliflower or carrots for added nutrients.
• Broil casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking to create golden, crunchy Ritz cracker crust.
• Prepare entire dish night before and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

Swaps & Twists for Cheesy Rice Chicken Bake

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace Ritz crumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour for celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chiles, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use pepper jack cheese for zesty kick.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or roasted chickpeas, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, reduce milk quantity, increase protein content with extra cheese and chicken.

Serving Cheesy Rice and Chicken Bake Warm

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this hearty casserole with a crisp garden salad to balance the rich, cheesy flavors.
• Fresh Veggie Side Kick: Roast some asparagus or green beans with garlic and lemon to complement the creamy chicken rice bake.
• Weekend Meal Upgrade: Pair with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer to enhance the comforting meal experience.
• Leftovers Lunch Magic: Pack cold portions for a delicious next-day office or school lunch that tastes just as amazing as fresh from the oven.

Storing Rice & Chicken Bake the Easy Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep the casserole covered to maintain moisture and prevent it from drying out.
• Wrap the baked dish tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or place the entire dish in a 350F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture if needed.
• Assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate, covered, until ready to bake. This allows flavors to meld and makes dinnertime easier.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken broccoli rice casserole delivers comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with creamy cheese and tender protein. Families will savor each comforting bite of this classic one-dish meal that brings warmth and satisfaction to dinner tables.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Grains and Vegetables:

• 1 1/4 cups white long grain rice
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers

Liquid and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a casserole dish for the upcoming culinary creation.
2. Slice chicken into uniform pieces and generously coat with selected seasonings to enhance flavor profile.
3. Melt butter in a skillet and sauté chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, ensuring internal temperature reaches safe levels.
4. Simmer rice in flavorful broth for 6 minutes, then introduce broccoli and continue cooking for an additional 9 minutes.
5. Remove rice from heat and allow it to rest, covered, for 10 minutes to absorb remaining moisture and develop rich texture.
6. In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together cooked chicken, rice with broccoli, cream soup, milk, sour cream, and shredded cheese until ingredients are evenly distributed.
7. Transfer the creamy mixture to the prepared casserole dish, creating an even layer for consistent cooking.
8. Sprinkle additional cheese and crushed Ritz crackers over the top to create a crispy, golden-brown crust.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until the top is beautifully bronzed and the interior is heated through.

Notes

• Choose skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and healthy.
• Swap white rice with brown rice or quinoa to boost nutritional value and add more fiber to the meal.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduced-fat cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing flavor.
• Customize the vegetable mix by adding carrots, peas, or cauliflower to increase nutrient diversity and make the dish more colorful.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 41 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg