Comforting chicken broccoli rice casserole - easy weeknight dinner
Creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole: a family favorite
Looking for a comforting and easy dinner that the whole family will love? This chicken broccoli rice casserole is the answer! It’s packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and just the right amount of broccoli, all swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, offering a delicious and satisfying meal with minimal effort. It’s the kind of casserole that becomes a regular in your rotation, offering warmth and familiarity.
I'm Mark Wilson, and at Sweet Pea Delights, I'm all about making cooking fun and accessible. Casseroles hold a special place in my heart – they were a staple in my childhood, with a few notable exceptions (let's just say tuna casserole wasn't my favorite!). This recipe captures the comforting essence of a classic casserole while being easy to customize to your family's preferences. So, let’s get started!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy flavors everyone enjoys.
- One-Dish Dinner: Protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates all in one pan.
- Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients you likely already have.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients you'll need
- Olive Oil: 1 Tablespoon, for sautéing.
- White Long Grain Rice: 1 ¼ Cups, uncooked.
- Chicken Broth: 2 ½ Cups.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon.
- Fresh broccoli Florets: 3 Cups, uncooked.
- Chicken Breasts: 2 Cups, cooked and chopped (rotisserie chicken works great!).
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 Can (10.5 oz).
- Milk: ½ Cup.
- Sour Cream: ½ Cup.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 Cups, shredded (divided).
- Cracker Topping: 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted; 1 Cup Ritz Crackers, crushed.
Instructions: how to make chicken broccoli casserole
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Sauté Rice: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Cook Rice: Add chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes.
- Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets, cover, and cook for another 9 minutes, or until the broccoli is tender. Remove from heat.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to Pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: Melt the butter and stir in the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Final Bake: Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serving suggestions
This chicken broccoli rice casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or a refreshing tomato cucumber salad. Roasted carrots or sauteed snap peas are also excellent choices. A fresh fruit salad is always a welcome addition to the table.
Make-ahead & storage
This casserole is incredibly convenient for meal prepping! You can assemble it entirely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For freezing, assemble in a freezer-safe dish, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat beautifully.
Nutritional information (per 1.5 cup serving)
- Calories: 398kcal
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Protein: 21g
- Fat: 24g
Equipment
- Wusthof Knives
- Saucepan
- Box Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9x13 Pan
- Glass Measuring Cup – 2 Cup
- Can Opener
- Rubber Spatula