This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. With tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, creamy cheese, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, it’s an all-in-one meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Whether you prepare it ahead of time or bake it fresh, this casserole is an easy and delicious solution for dinner.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines all your favorite comforting ingredients into one dish. The creamy mixture of chicken, rice, and broccoli pairs beautifully with the golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that adds just the right amount of crunch. It’s versatile, too—you can easily swap out ingredients like using rotisserie chicken or adding extra seasonings to suit your taste. The best part? It’s an easy-to-make casserole that can be prepped ahead of time, saving you time and effort when you’re ready to bake.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 Tablespoons butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated

Optional Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Casserole Topping

1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
2 Tablespoons melted butter

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning and desired amounts of salt and pepper.
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, skip this step and add the chicken in later.
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 cover again. Cook for another 9 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice isn’t fully cooked, quickly re-cover the pot and simmer for 5 more minutes.
Remove the pot from heat and let it stand, covered, for 10 minutes. Do not stir—this allows the rice to fully cook and releases any rice stuck to the bottom.
Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir gently to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
While baking, melt the butter and crush the Ritz crackers. Mix together to form the casserole topping.
After 15 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping evenly over the dish. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Rotisserie chicken: For a quicker version, use 2 cups of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
Vegetable variations: You can swap out the broccoli for other vegetables such as cauliflower or peas if preferred.
Low-fat option: Substitute sour cream and cream of chicken soup with their low-fat versions to make the casserole lighter.
Extra cheesy: Add more shredded cheese to the casserole or sprinkle cheese over the Ritz topping for an even cheesier version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual servings for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Yes, you can substitute brown rice, but it will require more cooking time. Be sure to adjust the liquid and cook time accordingly.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Add the Ritz cracker topping just before baking.

Can I freeze Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

You can use cream of mushroom soup, or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk as a substitute.

Is there a way to make this casserole spicier?

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or jalapeños to the casserole mix.

Can I add more vegetables?

Yes, feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, peas, or corn to the casserole. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for any additional ingredients.

Can I use frozen broccoli?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to prevent excess water from making the casserole too soggy.

What is the best type of cheese to use?

Cheddar is a great choice, but you can also experiment with other cheeses such as mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a different flavor.

How do I know when the casserole is done?

The casserole is done when the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Can I make this recipe without the Ritz topping?

Yes, if you prefer, you can skip the Ritz cracker topping. The casserole will still be delicious without it.

Conclusion

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheese with a crispy Ritz cracker topping. It’s an easy-to-make, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for meal prep or a busy weeknight dinner. Whether you make it fresh or prepare it ahead of time, this casserole will become a favorite in your household. Try it out for a satisfying and delicious meal your whole family will love!