The Best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s both make-ahead friendly and guaranteed to please even picky eaters? You’ve just found it. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings together tender chunks of chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s the kind of meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

What makes this recipe special? We’re skipping the canned soup and making everything from scratch – trust me, the extra few minutes are worth it. Plus, I’ll show you my foolproof method for getting perfectly cooked rice every time. No more mushy casseroles!

Essential Kitchen Tools

Before we dive in, gather these kitchen essentials:

• A 9×13 casserole dish (my go-to for perfect portions)
• 3.5 quart Dutch oven (the secret to evenly cooked rice)
• Measuring cups and spoons (precision matters!)
• Sturdy serving spoons

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients! I’m breaking this down into easy-to-follow portions with some insider tips I’ve learned over years of making this family favorite.

For the base:

• 2 tablespoons butter (plus 2 more for topping)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (pro tip: rotisserie chicken works beautifully)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium works great)
• 1¼ cups white long grain rice (not minute rice!)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (shred it yourself for best results)

For added flavor (optional but recommended):

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For that irresistible topping:

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature ensures even cooking throughout.
2. If using raw chicken, cut it into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in your Dutch oven over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Using rotisserie chicken? Skip right to step 3!
3. Here’s where the magic happens: Add your chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer covered for 6 minutes.
4. Add those broccoli florets right on top of the rice (if using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat dry first). Cover and cook for another 9 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
5. Here’s a crucial step many recipes miss: Turn off the heat and let everything rest, covered, for 10 minutes. No peeking! This ensures perfectly fluffy rice.
6. Now combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine.
7. Transfer this creamy goodness to your greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
8. Cover and bake for 15 minutes while you prepare the topping.
9. Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter for that signature crispy top.
10. Sprinkle the cracker mixture over your casserole and bake uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.
11. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving – it’ll be worth the wait!

Make-Ahead Magic

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s incredibly flexible for busy schedules:

• Prep up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate
• Freeze for up to 3 months (thaw overnight)
• Just remember to add the cracker topping right before baking
• Add 15 minutes to baking time if cooking from cold

Pro Tips for Success

Through countless times making this recipe, I’ve discovered these game-changers:

• Shred your own cheese for the creamiest results
• Steam frozen broccoli briefly for perfect texture
• Don’t skip the resting time for the rice

Nutritional Information

Each generous serving provides:

• Calories: 511
• Protein: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 33g

Serves 6 perfectly, making it ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Want More Comfort Food Favorites?

If you love this casserole, don’t miss these reader favorites:

• Homestyle Cheeseburger Casserole
• Creamy Ham and Rice Casserole
• Classic Chicken Enchiladas
• Hearty Chicken Taco Soup

Remember to leave a rating and comment below – I love hearing how these recipes turn out in your kitchen! And don’t forget to tag me on social media when you make this dish. Happy cooking!