Cheesy Broccoli Rice Chicken Casserole
Creamy, bubbly, and utterly comforting, this casserole is a cozy hug on a plate.
Total: 60 minPrep: 15 minCook: 45 min8 servingsDifficulty: Easy⭐ 4.8 (123+ ratings)$
Ingredients
Servings:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup crumbled Ritz crackers or buttery breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Steps
- 1 Preheat oven to 375°F.
- 2 Cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- 3 In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- 4 Transfer mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- 5 In a small bowl, mix remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese with Ritz crackers and melted butter; sprinkle over the top.
- 6 Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and top is golden.
- 7 Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Equipment
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
Variations
- Add diced ham for a ham and chicken combo.
- Substitute cauliflower for broccoli for a low-carb version.
Substitutions
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute almond milk for a dairy-free option.
Pairings
- Steamed asparagus
- Cornbread
Nutrition
Calories:
380 kcal
Fat:
16g fat
Carbs:
30g carbohydrates
Protein:
24g protein
Fiber:
2g fiber
Sugar:
4g sugar
Sodium:
650mg sodium
Tips
- For extra crunch, toast the Ritz cracker topping in the oven for an additional 5 minutes.
- Use leftover cooked chicken to save time.
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freezing: Freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake covered at 350°F for 30 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad.
- Pair with garlic bread for a hearty meal.
FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, just ensure it's thawed and patted dry before adding to the casserole.
What if I don't have Ritz crackers?
Use buttery breadcrumbs or make your own cracker crumbs.