Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

This chicken broccoli rice casserole is an easy and delicious recipe that’s topped with a cheesy and crumbly Ritz cracker topping. The perfect “all in one” meal that’s great for busy weeknights. This chicken broccoli casserole is a staple dish at our house!

Family Favorite

During the week, I love to make easy dinner recipes that can be thrown together and made in no time. This broccoli casserole is one of my top picks, along with easy goulash recipe, slow cooker honey chicken, and taco soup.

I don’t know about you, but I’m always on the hunt for quick and easy meals my whole family will eat. This chicken broccoli and rice casserole is one of those staple dishes that we always come back to. I admit, growing up I wasn’t a huge fan of broccoli, but over the years I’ve come to love it. Pretty sure roasted broccoli, broccoli cheese casserole and broccoli cheese soup are what converted me. Now I’m a huge fan!

This recipe, broccoli chicken divan, poppy seed chicken casserole and my tater tot casserole are perfect “all in one” meals that can easily be prepared earlier in the day and then baked right before dinner time.

I love making it with homemade cream sauce, but you can certainly use a can of cream chicken soup to save time. I left some notes on the recipe card on how to do this.

Ingredients

My favorite part about this dish is the cheesy crumb topping. The crumbled Ritz crackers on top really make this dish perfection. Take your homemade casserole dish to the next level with fresh ingredients that are baked together.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

• Cooked rice: This can be day old cooked rice from another meal or cook it right before adding it into the casserole. Long grain white rice is what I used for this recipe.
• Raw broccoli: Chop fresh broccoli into small or big pieces depending on your kids preference.
• Cooked chicken: A shredded rotisserie chicken or leftovers are the best way to make this chicken and broccoli casserole. Chicken breasts or chicken thighs are delicious and tender parts of the chicken that will have the most moisture.
• Butter: This will be used at two different times. The unsalted butter is used making a roux with the flour as well as giving the Ritz crackers a buttery flavor.
• Flour: This is to help thicken the casserole and make a roux with it.
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor to the casserole as well as the liquid to soften the chicken and broccoli as it is baking.
• Sour cream: Gives the broccoli rice casserole a creamy flavor and texture.
• Italian seasoning: Make it easy and only use one bottle of seasoning instead of a few to create an Italian seasoning.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: Grate the cheese to sprinkle over top the casserole. The cheese will give it a good cheese pull after it is baked!
• Ritz crackers: Crumble the crackers to make bread crumbs texture.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

What I love about this chicken broccoli cheese casserole is that it bakes in one pan and can easily be prepared ahead of time. So all you have to do is throw it in the oven later in the day! Scroll down for the printable broccoli casserole recipe.

1. Prepare. Spread the cooked rice out evenly in the bottom of the baking dish and then place the chopped broccoli on top of the rice. Set aside.
2. Make the sauce. Whisk the flour and melted butter and mix until combined. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Add in the Italian seasoning and then stir until slightly thickened. Next mix in sour cream and half cup cheese. Whisk until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.
3. Add chicken. Next, add the shredded chicken to the cream mixture and pour it over top of the broccoli. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top. Mix the ritz crumbs with the remaining butter and sprinkle over top.
4. Bake. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.

Ways to Make this Chicken Broccoli Casserole Healthier

These are all great ideas to make this chicken broccoli rice casserole the perfect fit for your family! Make it healthier or use what you have on hand with these simple ideas. Each of these alterations will change the flavor and texture just a bit! The variations are endless!

• Rice ideas: Use brown rice or quinoa for other types of flavors within rice.
• Veggies: Use less rice and more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, sliced celery, and/or bell peppers would be great.
• Protein: Add more chicken for extra protein. Try it with ham too! This is a delicious comfort food.
• Low-fat: Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to make it a bit healthier.
• Seasoning: Change the seasoning wiht garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor or with what you have on hand.
• Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers. Panko will work too!

What Sides to Serve with Chicken Casserole?

Although we often eat this chicken broccoli rice casserole as a complete meal, you can definitely still add some sides if you’re trying to bulk it up a bit. See below for some of our favorites.

• Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or carrots make a great side dish.
• Bread: Lion house rolls or potato rolls are always delicious!
• Fruit: Fruit salad and hawaiian salad are both bright and colorful to go along side this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole.
• Salad: Side salad, such as this chopped salad is a great balance to this meal.

Storing Broccoli and Rice Casserole

Place the homemade casserole into an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days long. When you are ready to enjoy, place in the microwave or in the oven to warm up until it is cooked through again.

More Casserole Dishes You May Like

These casseroles are made in just 30 mintues! They are creamy and delicious with all the flavor. Add these dinner dishes for more family favorite meals!

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