Comfort food reaches new heights with this delightful broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole recipe that promises to satisfy every hunger pang.
Creamy textures and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish.
The golden, bubbling cheese creates an irresistible top layer that seals in rich, savory flavors.
Home cooks adore how simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary.
Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli.
Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this no-fuss, delicious meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let’s find out this mouthwatering casserole and experience pure culinary comfort.
Tools for Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole
Large Skillet: Perfect for sautéing chicken and cooking rice and broccoli with even heat.
9×13 Inch Casserole Dish: Essential for assembling and baking the entire casserole.
Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining creamy chicken mixture with seasonings and cheese.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring ingredients and folding mixtures together.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Critical for accurate ingredient proportions.
Sharp Knife: Used for preparing ingredients and cutting chicken.
Foil: Helps cover casserole during initial baking to prevent over-browning.
Making Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole
Oven Preparation Kitchen setup involves warming the oven to a perfect temperature while getting your baking dish ready.
Chicken Foundation Start by seasoning chicken pieces with favorite spices, creating a flavorful base for the casserole by cooking until beautifully golden in a skillet.
Rice and Vegetable Harmony Cook rice with broccoli in chicken broth, allowing grains and green florets to merge into a delicious blend that forms the heart of the dish.
Creamy Mixture Magic Combine cooked chicken with rich dairy ingredients like cream soup, sour cream, and cheese, creating a velvety sauce that will bind all elements together.
Assembly and Topping Layer the rice-chicken mixture into the baking dish, sprinkling cheese across the top and adding a crunchy cracker crust for extra texture and flavor.
Baking Performance Place the casserole in the preheated oven, allowing heat to transform ingredients into a bubbling, golden masterpiece that promises comfort and satisfaction.
Serving Moment Let the dish rest briefly after baking, allowing flavors to settle before bringing this warm, inviting meal to the table for everyone to enjoy.
Tips for Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole
Experiment with different herb blends like Cajun, ranch, or Mediterranean mix to give your chicken a flavor adventure that'll wake up taste buds.
Trade cheddar for pepper jack, gouda, or Swiss to create unexpected flavor profiles that'll make this dish feel brand new every single time.
Toss in extra vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add exciting color and texture to your casserole.
Replace Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or seasoned stuffing mix for a delightful crispy topping that adds extra crunch and excitement.
Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, store covered in the refrigerator, and bake fresh when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight dinners or meal prep warriors.
Serving Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole
Family Feast Night: Gather loved ones around this comforting casserole for a heartwarming dinner that brings everyone together with its cheesy, creamy goodness.
Lunch Prep Champion: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious work or school lunch that'll make colleagues and classmates jealous of your culinary skills.
Side Dish Superstar: Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad or tangy coleslaw to balance the rich, creamy texture and add a fresh crunch to your meal.
Potluck Perfect: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to community gatherings, church events, or family reunions where it's sure to disappear quickly from the serving table.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Calories: 390 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole
For Protein:
Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that provides a hearty, filling base; choose fresh, plump breasts for best texture and flavor.
Rotisserie Chicken: Convenient pre-cooked option with enhanced flavor; look for freshly roasted chicken at the deli.
For Creamy Base:
Cream of Chicken Soup: Smooth, rich sauce that binds ingredients; select low-sodium version for controlled saltiness.
Sour Cream: Adds tangy creaminess and velvety texture; use full-fat for richest taste.
Ritz Crackers: Provides crispy, golden topping; crushes easily for even coating.
For Liquid:
Chicken Broth: Infuses additional flavor into rice; low-sodium recommended for balanced taste.
Storing Broccoli Rice Cheese & Chicken Casserole Right
Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover casserole in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh and preventing bacterial growth. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and texture.
Freezing Magic: Wrap individual portions or entire casserole in freezer-safe wrap, storing flat for up to 3 months. Label containers with date and contents to track freshness easily.
Reheating Perfection: Thaw overnight in refrigerator before warming. Microwave individual servings for 2-3 minutes or reheat entire dish in oven at 350°F, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add splash of chicken broth to restore moisture if needed.
Meal Prep Genius: Prepare casserole components ahead of time. Cook chicken and rice separately, storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble and bake when ready to serve, saving precious weeknight cooking time.
Hearty broccoli rice cheese and chicken casserole combines comforting flavors for a satisfying family meal. Creamy textures and savory ingredients blend seamlessly, promising you a delightful dinner experience that feels like a warm kitchen hug.
Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray.
Chicken Preparation: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté in butter over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Rice and Broccoli Cooking: In the same skillet, combine chicken broth, rice, and olive oil. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer. Add broccoli florets, cover, and cook until rice is tender and broccoli is crisp.
Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, blend cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and dried thyme until thoroughly combined.
Casserole Assembly: Gently incorporate rice and broccoli into the creamy chicken mixture. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly and topping with remaining cheddar cheese.
Cracker Topping: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture uniformly over the casserole.
Baking Process: Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until the top turns golden and crispy.
Serving: Allow casserole to rest for 5-7 minutes before serving to set and cool slightly.
Notes
Quick Chicken Prep: Season chicken generously before cooking to enhance flavor and ensure even taste distribution.
Rice and Broccoli Timing: Cook rice and broccoli together to save time and maintain optimal texture, preventing overcooking.
Cheese Melting Tip: Use freshly shredded cheese for smoother melting and better overall casserole consistency.
Cracker Topping Trick: Crush Ritz crackers just before adding to maintain crispness and prevent soggy texture.
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.
Michael Reynolds
Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist
Expertise
Recipe Development and Testing, Modern American and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops
Education
Johnson & Wales University
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts
Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.
Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.
At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.