If you have been looking for a cozy, delicious meal that brings comfort and wholesome goodness to your dinner table, then this Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It beautifully combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and a luscious creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. Every bite of this casserole offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings and warm your heart. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your family’s favorite dishes to enjoy any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things straightforward with accessible, everyday ingredients that work harmoniously to deliver a rich and comforting meal. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the melted butter adding silkiness, the sharp cheese lending depth, or the vibrant broccoli bringing color and nutrition into the mix.
- Ritz crackers, crushed: Creates a crunchy and buttery topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy casserole beneath.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty edge that elevates the overall flavor complexity.
- Unsalted butter: Melted to bring richness and help bind the cracker topping.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smoky warmth that adds a hint of intrigue to the dish.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or stock: The flavorful cooking liquid that permeates the rice and chicken, keeping everything tender and moist.
- Long-grain white rice: The starchy base that soaks up all the creamy deliciousness.
- Frozen broccoli: Provides a nutritious green pop that balances the richness.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and harmonize all the flavors.
- Ground sweet curry or mild curry powder: Introduces a mild aromatic spice that makes the casserole uniquely comforting.
- Rotisserie chicken or boneless skinless chicken breasts: The savory protein star of the dish offering juicy tenderness.
- Canola or olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and onions with a lovely golden sear.
- Diced sweet yellow onion: Sautéed to add a subtle sweetness and depth to the flavor base.
- Minced garlic: Brings its unmistakable aroma and warmth that elevate the savory notes.
- Half-and-half: Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce without overwhelming richness.
- Shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend): Melts beautifully throughout the casserole, providing gooey indulgence and gooey texture.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using rotisserie chicken, simply dice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. For boneless skinless chicken breasts, season them with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Cook about 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let it rest for a few minutes before cutting into cubes. This step ensures juicy, tender bites throughout your casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, use the same skillet and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Toss in the diced sweet yellow onion, cooking until translucent and soft, releasing their sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute or until fragrant, which builds a flavorful foundation for the creamy sauce. This step is crucial for layering deep aromatic notes that will infuse your casserole.
Step 3: Combine Rice, Broth, and Spices
In a large mixing bowl or the casserole dish itself, combine the long-grain white rice, frozen broccoli (no need to thaw), kosher salt, freshly ground pepper, smoked paprika, and ground sweet curry powder. Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and half-and-half. Stir gently to distribute everything evenly. This mixture will absorb all the lovely flavors as it bakes, guaranteeing moist, tender rice and vibrant broccoli pieces in every bite.
Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Cheese
Fold in the cooked chicken cubes and shredded cheese, reserving a small handful of cheese for topping later. Incorporating the cheese before baking ensures the casserole is wonderfully creamy throughout, with pockets of melted goodness that marry beautifully with the chicken and broccoli.
Step 5: Prepare the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and a pinch of smoked paprika. This mixture will create that irresistible golden and crunchy crust classic to the Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. Sprinkle it evenly over the rice mixture before baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake the assembled casserole uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You will notice the sauce bubbling along the edges and the cracker topping turning a gorgeous golden brown. The result is a perfect balance of creamy, tender, and crispy textures – pure comfort in one dish!
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To add an extra flair and freshness to your casserole, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme just before serving. These green pops enhance the vibrant look and bring a subtle fresh note that cuts through the richness, making each bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, simple sides like a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables complement it wonderfully. Light and fresh sides provide a great contrast to the creamy, cheesy main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. Not only does it look charming, but it also makes portion control easy and elevates the dining experience. Alternatively, you can double the recipe for larger gatherings, transforming it into a crowd-pleasing centerpiece.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting, making the leftovers just as delightful.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want a comforting meal ready in minutes, simply thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil to retain moisture and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and bubbly, usually about 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but bake it if you want to revive the crispy cracker topping.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works great, just chop it into bite-sized florets and steam or blanch them briefly before mixing to ensure they cook fully in the casserole’s baking time.
What can I substitute for half-and-half?
You can use whole milk or a mix of milk and cream if you don’t have half-and-half. Just be mindful that the sauce might be slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious.
Is it necessary to use Ritz crackers for the topping?
Ritz crackers add a buttery crunch that’s hard to beat, but you can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes with melted butter as alternatives for a similarly crispy finish.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken, or add a protein substitute like chickpeas or tofu. The dish will still be creamy, cheesy, and brimming with flavor.
How spicy is the curry powder in this recipe?
The ground sweet or mild curry powder used here is very gentle, adding just a hint of warmth and complexity without overpowering the other flavors. Feel free to adjust the amount or type of curry to suit your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe is a true winner for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and sure to become a cherished staple in your recipe collection. Dive in, enjoy every spoonful, and watch it quickly become a go-to favorite you’ll turn to again and again.
Print
Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken or seared chicken breasts with fluffy long-grain white rice, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy Ritz cracker and Parmesan topping. It’s a hearty, easy-to-make meal perfect for family dinners or meal prep, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 bag frozen broccoli
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground sweet curry or mild curry powder
- Meat from 1 rotisserie chicken or 3 medium-sized, boneless skinless chicken breasts
Sauté Ingredients
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons canola or olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½–1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced and sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy
- 1¼ cup half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend of both)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, dice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, season them generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove from skillet onto a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for a few minutes before cutting the chicken into cubes.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once melted, sauté the diced sweet onion over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 4-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add Rice and Spices: Stir in the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic, coating the rice in the butter and aromatics. Season the mixture with 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon ground sweet or mild curry powder to add a subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate Broth and Broccoli: Pour in the 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth, stirring to combine and deglaze any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Add the frozen broccoli directly into the mixture. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the broth, about 18-20 minutes.
- Create Creamy Cheese Sauce: Once the rice and broccoli are cooked, stir in the 1¼ cup half-and-half for richness. Gradually add shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend), stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is creamy. Fold in the prepared chicken cubes and mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, melted unsalted butter, and smoked paprika. Mix well to form a flavorful, crispy topping mixture.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a large casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the cracker topping over the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the casserole is heated through.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli florets for frozen if preferred; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For a lighter version, use milk instead of half-and-half and reduce the butter in the topping.
- To make ahead, prepare steps 1-5, cover, and refrigerate. Add topping and bake just before serving.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
