By Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole captures the essence of meals|chicken while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
2 Tablespoons butter
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Salt/Pepper, to taste
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 Tablespoon olive oil
1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
½ cup milk
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
Optional Seasonings
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping
1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
2 Tablespoons melted butter
How To Make Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning and desired amount of salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Note: This step is not needed if using a cooked rotisserie chicken.
Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover tightly and cook for 7 minutes.
Add the broccoli (if using fresh) and replace the cover. Cook for 8 more minutes. Refrain from stirring.
Turn off the heat and remove the cover. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
Add the cooked chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
PREPARATION STEPS
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted
Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes
Remove and set aside
Note: This step is not needed if using a cooked rotisserie chicken.
Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Add the broccoli (if using fresh) and replace the cover. Cook for 8 more minutes. Refrain from stirring.
Add the cooked chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
ORIGIN STORY
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min | Total: 35 min | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~350 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRING
Green salad; Roasted vegetables; Rice or bread
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
