Creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole recipe

Creamy chicken broccoli rice casserole: a comfort food classic

Looking for a simple, satisfying dinner that the whole family will love? Look no further than this classic chicken broccoli rice casserole! This recipe is packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and fresh broccoli, all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It's a dependable dish perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to become a family favorite. This casserole is easy to make, uses pantry staples, and reheats beautifully, making it a go-to for quick and easy meals.

I have fond memories of casseroles from my childhood (except for tuna casserole – that was a tough one!). This recipe brings back those warm, comforting feelings with a modern twist. It’s the perfect blend of ease and flavor, delivering a meal that’s both delicious and stress-free. Get ready for a dish that will consistently please everyone at the dinner table.

Why you'll love this casserole

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• Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy flavors that everyone enjoys.
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• One-Dish Dinner: All the protein, veggies, and carbs in one pan.
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• Pantry-Friendly: Uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients.
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• Great for Leftovers: Reheats exceptionally well.
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• Perfect for Busy Nights: Comfort food without extra work.
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Ingredients you'll need

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• Olive Oil: 1 Tablespoon - For sautéing.
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• White Long Grain Rice: 1 ¼ Cups - Uncooked, for a fluffy base.
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• Chicken Broth: 2 ½ Cups - Adds moisture and flavor.
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• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon - A blend of herbs for a classic taste.
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• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon - Adds savory depth.
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• Salt: 1 teaspoon - Enhances all the flavors.
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• Fresh broccoli Florets: 3 Cups - Uncooked, for freshness and nutrients.
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• Cooked Chicken Breasts: 2 Cups - Diced, rotisserie chicken works great!
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• Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 Can (10.5 oz) - The base of the creamy sauce.
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• Milk: ½ Cup - Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
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• Sour Cream: ½ Cup - Adds richness and tang.
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• Cheddar Cheese: 2 Cups - Shredded, divided for cheesy goodness.
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• Cracker Topping: 2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter, melted; 1 Cup Ritz Crackers, crushed.
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Instructions: how to make it

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1. Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13″ baking pan with nonstick spray.
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2. Sauté Rice: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
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3. Cook Rice & Broth: Add the chicken broth, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes.
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4. Add broccoli: Stir in the broccoli florets. Cover and cook for another 9 minutes, or until the rice is tender. Remove from heat.
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5. Add Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese.
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6. Transfer & Bake: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
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7. Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
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8. Prepare Topping: Melt the butter and combine with the crushed Ritz crackers.
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9. Final Bake: Sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until golden brown.
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Serving suggestions

For a complete meal, serve this chicken broccoli casserole with a side of green salad or a tomato cucumber salad. Roasted carrots or sauteed snap peas are also excellent choices. A fresh fruit salad makes a wonderful addition, too!

Make-ahead & storage

This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead of time! Assemble it, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It also freezes well – assemble, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Recipe details

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• Prep Time: 10 minutes
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• Cook Time: 45 minutes
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• Total Time: 55 minutes
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• Servings: 7
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• Calories: 398kcal
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Equipment Needed: Wusthof Knives, Saucepan, Box Grater, Measuring Cups and Spoons, 9×13 Pan, Glass Measuring Cup, Can Opener, Rubber Spatula.