Description
A hearty and comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese over rice.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2–3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
- 10.5 oz. Cream of Chicken Soup, (condensed)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
- Optional Seasonings: ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Casserole Topping: 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350° F. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning.
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and replace the cover. Cook for 9 more minutes, or until no liquid remains in the pot and the rice is cooked through.
- Keep it covered and remove from heat. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir.
- Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir to combine.
- Transfer to a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese. Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
- Combine the melted butter and crushed crackers. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes. Serve!
Notes
- Using Frozen Broccoli: 2 cups of frozen broccoli (and/or cauliflower) is a perfect alternative to fresh broccoli. Thaw and pat it dry.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shred your own from a block for best results. Avoid aged/crystalized cheeses.
- Try this with Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup instead of canned.
- For similar flavors and pasta, try Chicken and Broccoli Pasta Bake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 511
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1174mg
- Fat: 33g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, Casserole, Chicken, Broccoli, Rice