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–+ servings
Merry

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Delight

Creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting, this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate weeknight hero. Loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and fluffy rice, it’s a one-dish wonder that brings everyone to the table—and guarantees no leftovers!
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 ½ cups chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ¼ cups white long-grain rice uncooked
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets uncooked
  • 10.5 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme optional
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder optional
  • 1 cup Ritz crackers crushed (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping

Method
 

Preheat the Oven:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
Prepare the Chicken:
  1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
  1. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5 minutes, until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside. (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken.)
Cook the Rice and Broccoli:
  1. In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 6 minutes.
  2. Add the broccoli to the pot, cover again, and cook for another 9 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Turn off the heat and let the rice sit, covered, for 10 minutes without stirring.
Mix the Casserole Base:
  1. Stir the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the pot with the rice and broccoli.
Assemble the Casserole:
  1. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Spread it evenly and top with the remaining cheddar cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
Add the Crunchy Topping:
  1. Combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole.
  2. Remove the foil and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
Let It Rest and Serve:
  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Dish it out warm and watch everyone dive in!

Notes

  • Rice Matters: Stick with white long-grain rice for even cooking. Instant rice won’t give you the same results.
  • Shortcut Alert: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver for this recipe.
  • Extra Veggies: Feel free to toss in carrots, peas, or mushrooms for added color and nutrition.
  • Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese for a kick.
  • Storage Tips: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for 3 months.

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