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I’m excited to share my favorite one-pot meal with you! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for busy families. It’s a quick and easy recipe that’ll have dinner on the table in just 30 minutes.
Picture this: tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and fluffy rice all smothered in a creamy cheese sauce. Topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker crust, this cheesy casserole is sure to become a family dinner staple. It’s the perfect blend of flavors and textures that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re using chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken, this versatile dish is a hit every time. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Let’s dive into this delicious and easy recipe that’s guaranteed to satisfy your comfort food cravings!
Exact Ingredients List (+ Possible Substitutes)
I love this chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole recipe because it’s easy to make. It uses simple things you might already have at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 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 uncooked white long grain rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 10.5 oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
For the topping, crush 1 cup of Ritz crackers and mix with 2 tablespoons melted butter. If you’re out of some ingredients, don’t worry! Try these recipe substitutions:
- Swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or broccoli
- Use frozen broccoli instead of fresh
- Try brown rice (adjust cooking time and liquid)
Remember, cooking is all about being creative. Feel free to try new things with these pantry staples. Make the casserole your own!
Instructions
Let’s start making our tasty casserole. First, I heat my oven to 350°F. While it gets hot, I cook the chicken in butter until it’s golden brown. Then, I set it aside.
Next, I work on the casserole. I cook the rice in chicken broth with a bit of olive oil for 6 minutes. Then, I add the broccoli and cook for another 9 minutes. After that, I let it sit for 10 minutes.
Now, it’s time to mix everything together! I combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheese with the rice. Sometimes, I add garlic powder or dried herbs for extra taste.
Following the baking steps, I put the mix in a greased 9×13 dish. I cover it with the rest of the cheese. Then, I bake it for 15 minutes with a cover.
After that, I add a buttery cracker topping and bake for 10 more minutes without the cover.
Finally, I let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. If I’m in a hurry, I use rotisserie chicken and add it with the broccoli and cheese later. This trick saves time but keeps the flavor great!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
I love meal prep, and this casserole is perfect for it! You can make it ahead and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just take it out 30 minutes before baking and add 15 minutes to the cooking time. It’s also freezer-friendly – just thaw it in the fridge for a day before baking.
For the best flavor, I always shred my own cheddar cheese from a block. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that affect melting and taste. Avoid aged or crystallized cheeses as they can make the sauce grainy.
Leftover storage is easy with this dish. Just put it in an airtight container and it’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, it’ll last for 3 months. When it’s time to eat, you have two reheating options:
- Microwave: Quick and easy for individual portions
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover for 5 more minutes
Remember to add the cracker topping at the end of baking for that perfect crunch. These simple tips will help you enjoy this delicious casserole anytime!
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
I love trying new things with casserole recipes. You can swap chicken for ham or beef. Add veggies like mushrooms, peppers, or cauliflower for more flavor.
For a healthier option, use brown rice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time and liquid. This makes the dish both tasty and nutritious.
Pair this casserole with a crisp salad or warm bread for sides. For a bigger meal, add roasted veggies or a light soup. It serves 6-8 people, but you can make more for a big group.
Add some chopped parsley on top for color and taste. These small touches make meals extra special. This casserole is great for family or friends, and everyone will love it.