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This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole started as my solution to busy weeknight dinners and quickly became our family's most requested comfort food. The way that creamy rice and tender chicken combine with fresh broccoli under that buttery Ritz cracker topping is pure magic. My kitchen fills with the most amazing aroma while it's baking and everyone gathers around waiting for that golden brown crust to appear.
Pure Comfort in a Dish
What I love about this casserole is how everything comes together in one pan. The rice soaks up all that creamy sauce while the broccoli adds the perfect fresh bite. That crunchy Ritz topping is my secret weapon it gets so beautifully golden and buttery in the oven.
What You'll Need
- Chicken Breasts: 2 cups cooked and shredded or use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- White Long Grain Rice: 1 cup, cooked in chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Broccoli Florets: 2 cups, fresh or thawed frozen, for a healthy green addition.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can or homemade for a creamier base.
- Milk: ½ cup, any fat content works.
- Sour Cream: ½ cup, adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups shredded, for cheesy goodness.
- Ritz Crackers: 1 cup crushed, for a crunchy topping.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons, melted, to coat the cracker topping.
Let's Make It Together
- Get Everything Ready
- Start with your chicken and rice cooked and your broccoli steamed just until bright green.
- Make That Creamy Base
- Mix up your soup milk sour cream and cheese until it's smooth and velvety.
- Bring It All Together
- Fold in your rice chicken and broccoli making sure everything gets coated in that creamy sauce.
- Add the Magic Touch
- Top with cheese and those buttery Ritz crumbs then watch it turn golden in the oven.
Mix It Up
Sometimes I use brown rice for extra nutrition or swap in different cheeses when I want to change things up. Adding carrots or mushrooms makes it even more colorful and nutritious. My kids love it when I use ham instead of chicken for something different.
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Plan Ahead
This casserole is perfect for busy weeks. I often make it ahead and pop it in the fridge until dinner time. It freezes beautifully too just save the Ritz topping until you're ready to bake. The leftovers taste even better the next day.
Perfect Partners
We love serving this with some warm garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. A simple green salad on the side makes it feel complete. On extra cozy nights I'll add some mashed potatoes too.
Pure Joy
This casserole has become our go to comfort food. There's something so satisfying about pulling that bubbling dish out of the oven and seeing those happy faces around the table. It's the kind of meal that makes everyone feel at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen broccoli?
- Yes, use 2 cups thawed and patted dry. Consider steaming for 5 minutes for softer texture since it's already partially cooked.
- → How far ahead can I make this?
- Assemble and refrigerate up to 2 days or freeze. Add topping just before baking. Add 15 minutes to bake time if made ahead.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
- Yes, use 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken and skip the chicken cooking step for a quicker version.
- → What cheese works best?
- Freshly shredded cheddar works best, avoid pre-shredded. Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow melts well, avoid aged cheeses.
- → Can I freeze this casserole?
- Yes, assemble without topping and freeze. Thaw 24 hours in fridge, add topping just before baking. Add 15 minutes to bake time.