Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting dinner made with tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and plenty of melted cheese, all baked together in one dish. It’s an easy family meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights.
This creamy casserole is made with everyday ingredients and topped with a buttery Ritz cracker topping for the perfect crunchy finish. It’s a great recipe to make ahead, share at a potluck, or enjoy as leftovers the next day.
Why you’ll love this recipe:
- Easy to make – Just mix the ingredients, top with buttery Ritz crackers, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Comfort food favorite – Creamy chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and melted cheese come together in every bite.
- Family-friendly – It’s a hearty casserole that both kids and adults enjoy.
- Great for leftovers – The casserole reheats well, making it perfect for lunch or another easy dinner.
- Made with everyday ingredients – Everything you need is easy to find and may already be in your kitchen.
“This recipe turned out perfect”
About the Ingredients
- Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut into bite-sized cubes so it cooks evenly throughout the casserole.
- Broccoli – Fresh broccoli florets add the best texture and flavor. Cut them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds extra flavor to the creamy sauce.
- Cream of Chicken Soup – This creates the rich, creamy base that holds the casserole together.
- Water – Water helps cook the rice as the casserole bakes. For even more flavor, you can substitute chicken broth.
- Long-Grain Rice – Use uncooked long-grain white rice. Instant rice or cooked rice won’t produce the same results.
- Cheddar Cheese – Freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and gives the casserole the best cheesy texture.
- Ritz Cracker Topping – Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter bake into a buttery, golden topping that adds the perfect crunch.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below
How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Cook the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cook the cubed chicken in a large oven-safe skillet until cooked through. Add the garlic, salt, and pepper and cook for about 30 seconds.
Add the Casserole Ingredients: Stir in the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, broccoli, and water. Bring to a gentle boil.
Add the Cheese: Remove from the heat and sprinkle the cheddar cheese over the top. Cover tightly with a lid or foil.
Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
Add the Ritz Topping: Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle over the casserole and bake uncovered for another 5 minutes, until golden and crispy. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips I Found Helpful 💙
- Cut the chicken evenly: Small, similar-sized pieces cook at the same rate.
- Keep it covered: Cover the casserole while baking so the rice cooks properly.
- Check the rice: Make sure it’s tender before adding the cracker topping.
- Add the Ritz last: Bake uncovered after adding the buttery crackers so they stay crisp.
Questions Readers Ask Most
What to Serve With Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
- Copycat Texas Roadhouse Rolls
- Cheesy Garlic Bread
- Crispy Smashed Potatoes
- Amish White Bread
- Cucumber Salad
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is made with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, long-grain rice, and plenty of cheddar cheese in a rich, creamy sauce. Finished with a buttery Ritz cracker topping,
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
- 1 head broccoli, florets (approximately 2 cups)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
- 8 oz Cheddar Cheese
- Ritz Topping:
- 20 Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking your chicken broccoli rice casserole.
- In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked and no longer pink in the center.
- Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the uncooked rice, condensed cream soup, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Pour in the water (or chicken broth for extra flavor) and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, remove from heat and sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
- Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- While the casserole bakes, prepare the buttery Ritz cracker topping by crushing the crackers and mixing them with melted butter until coated.
- Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the Ritz topping evenly over the cheese layer, and return it to the oven.
- Bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set.
Notes
Keep the casserole covered while baking so the rice cooks properly. Add the buttery Ritz topping during the last 5 minutes so it stays crisp.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 7903Total Fat: 376gSaturated Fat: 94gUnsaturated Fat: 283gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 14104mgCarbohydrates: 991gFiber: 35gSugar: 123gProtein: 142g
One Comment