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.
