Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crunch. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual family meals when you want something warm, satisfying, and easy to prepare with pantry staples or leftover chicken. The golden bubbly finish makes it a crowd pleaser every time.

I first made this casserole on a hectic evening and was amazed at how quickly it disappeared at the dinner table. The kids instantly declared it better than mac and cheese and have requested it nearly every week since.

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken: for juicy or convenient protein
• Long grain white rice: absorbs flavors and stays fluffy choose good quality for best texture
• Fresh broccoli florets: add vibrant color crunch and nutrition pick bright green firm florets
• Sharp cheddar cheese: melts smoothly and brings bold flavor shredding your own cheese really pays off
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: adds rich creaminess and ties the casserole together low sodium versions are great if you prefer less salt
• Sour cream: makes the filling extra creamy with a subtle tang that brightens the dish
• Chicken broth: provides depth and cooks the rice perfectly homemade broth or quality store bought is best
• Olive oil and butter: add richness to the rice and help brown the chicken a fruity extra virgin olive oil and real butter yield the best taste
• Ritz crackers: crushed for the signature crunchy golden topping always use a fresh sleeve for crispness
• Italian seasoning garlic powder and thyme: bring warmth and aromatic layers fresh thyme works wonderfully if you have it
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: for balanced seasoning and extra pop

Instructions

Prepare the Casserole Base:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit about 175 degrees Celsius. Generously grease a nine by thirteen inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.

Cook and Season the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into even bite sized cubes. Season thoroughly with Italian seasoning salt and freshly ground black pepper so every bite is flavorful. In a large pot melt butter over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and let them cook without stirring for a couple minutes to develop a nice golden crust. Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is fully cooked and golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken simply dice it and skip this cooking step.

Simmer Rice and Broccoli:

To the same pot add chicken broth olive oil and uncooked rice. Scrape the pot bottom to lift any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a boil then immediately reduce heat to low and cover tightly. Let the rice cook undisturbed for six minutes. Lift the lid and evenly spread fresh broccoli florets over the rice. Cover again and continue steaming for about nine minutes until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. If the rice feels firm add a splash more broth and cook for five extra minutes. Remove from heat and let rest covered for ten minutes so the residual steam finishes cooking the rice.

Mix the Filling:

Gently stir the cooked chicken condensed cream of chicken soup milk sour cream garlic powder dried thyme if using and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the rice and broccoli mixture. Be careful not to break up the rice or broccoli too much. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Bake the Casserole:

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake on the center rack for fifteen minutes until bubbly and the cheese melts.

Prepare the Cracker Topping:

While the casserole is baking crush a whole sleeve of Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs. Melt two tablespoons of butter and toss the crumbs in until thoroughly coated. Every crumb should be buttery for maximum crunch.

Add the Topping and Finish Baking:

After baking for fifteen minutes remove the foil and evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture on top. Return the dish to the oven uncovered and bake ten more minutes until the topping is golden toasty and the cheese underneath is bubbly.

Let It Rest and Serve:

Take the casserole out of the oven and allow it to rest for about five minutes. Resting helps the casserole set which makes it easier to serve neat portions. Scoop onto plates and enjoy warm.

The cracker topping is my absolute favorite part. Growing up my mom always let me sprinkle those crunchy Ritz on top and the smell of them toasting in the oven still brings back warm memories. It’s a tradition I love passing on to my own kids every time we make this together.

Storage Tips

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat cover with foil and warm in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about twenty minutes or until heated through. This casserole freezes really well too. Portion it into freezer safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Ingredient Substitutions

If chicken is not available try swapping turkey ham or use cubed cooked tofu for a vegetarian twist. Instead of cheddar try Monterey Jack or a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan for different flavor notes. You can add sautéed mushrooms frozen mixed vegetables or swap broccoli for cauliflower to change things up.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or simple roasted carrots. Garlic bread adds extra cozy comfort on the side. For a fresh finish a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs brightens each serving especially if you are serving it to guests.

This comforting casserole is easy to customize and a reliable weeknight winner. It reheats and freezes well making it great for busy families.

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken can be diced and stirred directly into the mixture before baking, saving time without sacrificing flavor.

→ How can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Assemble the casserole up to the baking stage, then cover and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping and bake when ready to serve for convenience.

→ What can I substitute for broccoli in this dish?

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

→ Is brown rice a good substitute for white rice here?

Brown rice can be used but may need additional liquid and longer cooking time to reach the right tenderness.

→ How do I keep the cracker topping crispy after baking?

Add the crushed cracker topping during the last portion of baking and leave the dish uncovered to maintain a golden, crunchy texture.