Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the broth to 3½ cups and the initial cooking time to about 35-40 minutes before adding the broccoli. Then continue with the recipe as written.

My family doesn't like broccoli. What can I substitute?

Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute with a milder flavor. Green beans, peas, or diced zucchini can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—more delicate vegetables should be added later in the cooking process.

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Switch to vegetable broth, use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken, and replace the chicken with extra vegetables, black beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives. The cheesy, creamy result will still be delicious.

Why did my rice turn out mushy?

This usually happens when there's too much liquid or the rice cooks too long. Make sure to measure your broth precisely and follow the cooking times carefully. Different rice varieties may need adjustments to liquid amounts and cooking times.

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
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); 10.5 oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup; ½ cup milk; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (separated); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed); 2 Tablespoons melted butter

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked rice, and fresh broccoli in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with buttery crackers for the perfect crunch, this family-friendly dish comes together with minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you want something hearty and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Preparation: Most of the cooking happens in a single pot before transferring to a casserole dish, meaning fewer dishes to clean up afterward!
Customizable: Works beautifully with rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal, or use freshly cooked chicken breasts for a made-from-scratch approach.
Kid-Friendly: The creamy cheese sauce and familiar ingredients make this a winner with even the pickiest eaters.
Great for Meal Prep: This casserole reheats beautifully and can be prepared ahead of time for busy weeks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

White Long Grain Rice: The foundation of this casserole, absorbing all the delicious flavors while providing a perfect texture.
Chicken: Either boneless skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken work wonderfully, providing protein and hearty flavor.
Broccoli Florets: Fresh broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a slight crunch that balances the creamy elements perfectly.
Chicken Broth: Infuses the rice with flavor as it cooks, creating a much more flavorful base than water would.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates that classic creamy casserole texture and adds tremendous flavor without complicated sauce-making.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess that makes this casserole special.
Milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency without diluting flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides the best flavor, but mild works too if that’s your preference. Always shred your own for best melting!
Butter: Used for sautéing chicken and creating that irresistible cracker topping.
Ritz Crackers: Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole beneath.
Seasonings: Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and optional thyme and garlic powder round out the flavor profile.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize this classic? Here are some delicious ways to make it your own:

Vegetable Boost: Add diced carrots, peas, or cauliflower along with the broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
Cheese Variations: Try using a mixture of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a bit of Parmesan mixed with the cheddar.
Protein Swap: Substitute leftover turkey or ham for the chicken, especially great after holidays.
Mushroom Magic: Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor boost.
Spicy Kick: Mix in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for those who like a little heat.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Season your bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside. Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.

Step 3: Add Broccoli

Add the broccoli florets to the rice, replace the cover, and continue cooking for 9 more minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and rice is tender. If the rice isn’t quite done, cover and cook for 5 more minutes.

Step 4: Rest the Rice

Remove from heat but keep the pot covered. Let the rice stand untouched for 10 minutes – this allows any rice stuck to the bottom to release and ensures perfect texture.

Step 5: Combine and Assemble

Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir to combine everything evenly. Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13 casserole dish and top with the remaining cheese.

Step 6: First Bake

Cover the dish and bake for 15 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

Step 7: Add Topping and Final Bake

While the casserole is baking, melt the butter and mix with crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole and continue baking uncovered for 10 more minutes until golden and bubbly.

Step 8: Rest and Serve

Let the casserole stand for 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps everything set up perfectly.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Rice Texture: Different rice varieties need different cooking times and liquid amounts. Check your package and adjust if needed.
Cheese Selection: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Take the extra minute to shred your own for a creamier result.
Broccoli Size: Cut broccoli into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Don’t Peek: Keep the lid on tightly when cooking the rice and during its resting period – this is crucial for proper texture.
Seasoning Level: Taste before putting in the casserole dish and adjust seasonings if needed, especially if using low-sodium broth.

How to Serve

This casserole is a meal in itself, but here are some serving suggestions to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides

Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the casserole.

Bread Options

Warm dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread make perfect accompaniments for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.

For a Lighter Meal

Serve smaller portions alongside roasted vegetables or a fruit salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often taste even better the next day!

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! You can freeze it either before or after baking:

Before baking: Assemble everything except the cracker topping, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
After baking: Portion cooled leftovers into containers and freeze for quick individual meals.

Reheating

From refrigerator: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or heat the entire casserole covered in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes.
From frozen (unbaked): Thaw in the refrigerator for 24 hours, then let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking. Add 15 minutes to the original baking time.
From frozen (baked): Thaw overnight, then reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

Brown rice requires more liquid and a longer cooking time. If using brown rice, increase the broth to 3½ cups and the initial cooking time to about 35-40 minutes before adding the broccoli. Then continue with the recipe as written.
My family doesn’t like broccoli. What can I substitute?

Cauliflower makes an excellent substitute with a milder flavor. Green beans, peas, or diced zucchini can also work well. Just adjust the cooking time as needed—more delicate vegetables should be added later in the cooking process.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Switch to vegetable broth, use cream of mushroom soup instead of chicken, and replace the chicken with extra vegetables, black beans, or plant-based chicken alternatives. The cheesy, creamy result will still be delicious.
Why did my rice turn out mushy?

This usually happens when there’s too much liquid or the rice cooks too long. Make sure to measure your broth precisely and follow the cooking times carefully. Different rice varieties may need adjustments to liquid amounts and cooking times.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole has been my go-to recipe for years when I need something that’s both comforting and convenient. There’s something magical about pulling a bubbling, golden-topped casserole from the oven that makes even the most hectic weeknight feel a little more manageable. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try – I’m confident it will find a permanent spot in your recipe collection!