If you’re looking for easy dinner recipes packed with flavor, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is the perfect choice. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a crispy Ritz cracker topping, this one-dish meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking fresh chicken or using rotisserie leftovers, this recipe makes weeknight dinners effortless and delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Recipe Easy
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one pot for cooking before baking.
- Full of flavor – Creamy, cheesy, and seasoned to perfection.
- Great for leftovers – Tastes just as good the next day!
- Make-ahead & freezer-friendly – Prep in advance for stress-free meals.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 6
- Calories per serving: 511 kcal
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 ½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ 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, divided
Optional Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat & Prepare Chicken
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat, then cook chicken until golden brown (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside. (Skip this step if using rotisserie chicken.)
2️⃣ Cook the Rice & Broccoli
- In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, cover, and continue cooking for 9 more minutes (or until all liquid is absorbed).
- Turn off heat and let sit for 10 minutes without stirring.
3️⃣ Mix in the Creamy Ingredients
- Stir in cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
4️⃣ Bake & Add the Topping
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Remove the foil, sprinkle the topping, and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes.
- Let stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Serving & Storage Tips
️ Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a green salad or steamed veggies for a balanced meal.
- A side of garlic bread pairs perfectly with this casserole.
Storage:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Instructions:
- Oven: Reheat at 350°F for 15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
Helpful Tips & Variations
- Frozen Broccoli? No problem! Thaw and pat dry before using. You can also steam it for a softer texture.
- Best Cheese Choice: Shred your own cheddar cheese for better melting (avoid pre-shredded cheese).
- Customize It: Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or diced bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Different Proteins: Try shredded turkey or ground beef instead of chicken.
- ️ Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Make-Ahead & Freezer Method
Refrigerator (Assemble Now, Bake Later):
- Assemble the casserole up to 2 days in advance.
- Let it sit at room temp 30 minutes before baking.
- Add 15 extra minutes to the bake time.
- Add the Ritz topping at the end for crispiness.
Freezer Instructions:
- Assemble and freeze before baking.
- Thaw in the fridge overnight.
- Let sit at room temp for 30 minutes before baking.
- Add 15 extra minutes to baking time.
Conclusion
This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is everything you need for a quick and easy dinner. It’s creamy, cheesy, packed with flavor, and made in just one dish. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping, or looking for dinner recipes easy enough for a busy weeknight, this casserole is a go-to favorite. Try it tonight and enjoy a comforting, homemade meal that everyone will love!
Looking for more easy dinner ideas? Check out our other delicious casserole recipes on FoodandTips.com!