This hearty casserole is packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli, all topped with a crispy, buttery Ritz cracker crust. It’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners or bringing to potlucks. Simple, warm, and satisfying!

Why You’ll Love It:

All-in-One Comfort: This dish has everything you need in a comforting meal—protein, veggies, and carbs—all baked together in one pan.
Customizable: You can easily swap in leftover chicken or add extra veggies, making it adaptable to your fridge’s contents.
Kid-Friendly: Cheesy goodness combined with mild flavors means even kids who turn their noses up at broccoli are likely to dig in.
Great for Meal Prep: Make it ahead of time, freeze it, or enjoy leftovers throughout the week—this casserole is as versatile as it is delicious.

Key Ingredients:

Chicken Options: If you’re in a hurry, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver and adds an extra layer of flavor. If cooking from scratch, seasoning is key for tasty chicken.
Broccoli: Fresh florets work best for maintaining a slight crunch, but frozen broccoli can be used. Just thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess moisture.
Cheese: While cheddar is classic for this recipe, feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a slightly different flavor profile.
Crushed Crackers: Ritz crackers bring a buttery, crispy topping that elevates the casserole. Panko breadcrumbs are an excellent substitute if you want an even crunchier texture.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or a thin layer of butter.

Prepare the Chicken (if using raw chicken):
Season the raw chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5 minutes or until golden brown on all sides. Once cooked, set the chicken aside.

Cook the Rice:
In the same pot used for the chicken, add 2 cups of chicken broth, 1 cup of rice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and simmer for 7 minutes.
Add 2 cups of broccoli florets on top of the rice (do not stir). Cover again and cook for an additional 8 minutes.

Prepare the Creamy Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz), 1/2 cup of milk, 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (reserve the other half for the topping), 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional).
Stir the mixture until smooth and evenly combined.

Combine Rice and Broccoli with the Creamy Mixture:
After the rice and broccoli are done cooking, remove the pot from heat and let it sit, covered, for 10 minutes.
Add the rice and broccoli to the creamy chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly combined.

Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.

Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 3 tablespoons of melted butter. Stir until the cracker crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.

Bake:
Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.

Serve:
Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions:

Enhance your casserole dinner with these simple pairing ideas:

Side Salad: A light green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the casserole.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots or asparagus to add more veggies to your plate.
Drinks: A chilled glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the dish.
Bread: For an extra touch, serve with warm garlic bread to mop up every cheesy bite.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips:

Keep your casserole tasting fresh and delicious with these storage suggestions:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through.
Freezing: This casserole freezes well. To freeze, wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover and refrigerate. Bake within 24 hours for the best texture.
Reheating Tips: Cover with foil during reheating to prevent the top from burning while ensuring the center warms evenly.

Variations:

Spice up your Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole with these fun twists:

Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or cauliflower. Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with a gluten-free cracker or breadcrumb option.
Extra Protein: Stir in a can of drained chickpeas or white beans for a boost of plant-based protein.
Herbal Touch: Add chopped fresh parsley or chives to the topping after baking for a burst of freshness.

Conclusion:

This Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is truly a comfort food winner. It’s easy to whip up, loaded with nourishing ingredients, and can be tailored to suit your family’s taste preferences. Bake it up on a chilly evening or for Sunday supper, and let the warm, cheesy aroma bring everyone to the table.