If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that brings warmth to your table in every bite, the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe is just what you need. This dish perfectly balances tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and rich cheddar cheese all smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a foolproof recipe that’s straightforward to prepare yet bursts with layers of flavor and textures, making it a trusted favorite for weeknight dinners and family gatherings alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together magically to build a casserole bursting with flavor, color, and perfect texture. Each component plays a key role, from the crunchy cracker topping to the velvety cheese sauce that ties everything together.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): Adds a buttery, crispy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Enhances the crunchy topping with a sharp, nutty flavor.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 2 tablespoons for sautéing): Brings richness to both the topping and the base layers.
- Smoked paprika (¼ teaspoon): Offers a subtle smoky background note to deepen the flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or stock (4 cups): The perfect cooking liquid to infuse the rice with savory goodness.
- Long-grain white rice (2 cups): Provides the fluffy, tender foundation that absorbs all the creamy sauce.
- Frozen broccoli (1 bag): Adds vibrant green color and a lovely vegetable crunch to the dish.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every layer of flavor.
- Ground sweet or mild curry (½ teaspoon): A gentle warming spice that subtly brightens the casserole.
- Rotisserie chicken meat or boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein star that holds everything together.
- Canola or olive oil (4 tablespoons total): For perfectly searing the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Sweet yellow onion (½–1 medium, diced and sautéed): Adds natural sweetness and a savory foundation to the creamy sauce.
- Minced garlic (2 cloves): Infuses a warm, fragrant boost to the flavor base.
- Half-and-half (1¼ cups): Creates the rich and silky texture of the sauce that wraps the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (2 cups or a blend): Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy delight throughout the casserole.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start with the protein – if you have a rotisserie chicken, simply dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces. For a fresher option, season boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper then sear in 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden. Once cooked, cover and let rest before cutting into cubes. This step ensures juicy chicken that maintains its tenderness inside the casserole.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Cook Rice
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and gently sauté your diced onions until soft and translucent, then add minced garlic for that aromatic fragrance. Stir in the rice to toast lightly, which gives the casserole a subtle nutty depth. Slowly pour in the chicken broth to cook the rice, allowing it to absorb the flavorful liquid and become perfectly tender.
Step 3: Combine Broccoli, Spices, and Cheese Sauce
Add your frozen broccoli to the rice mixture before the final cooking phase so it can gently steam to retain a tender-crisp texture with its vibrant green color intact. Stir in kosher salt, black pepper, and the ground sweet curry to enhance all the flavors beautifully. Then mix in half-and-half and shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted into a creamy, luscious sauce.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture into a greased casserole dish. For the perfect finishing touch, combine crushed Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan, melted butter, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle this golden topping evenly over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven until the topping is bubbly and crisp, creating that irresistible texture pairing that any casserole dreams of.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of freshness and color that brightens each cheesy bite. If you enjoy a hint of zest, a light drizzle of lemon juice over the top complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with a simple crisp green salad or roasted vegetables adds contrast in texture and freshness that balances the meal perfectly. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also wonderful if you want a little extra comfort on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Try making individual portions in small ramekins for a charming presentation at dinner parties or family meals. A colorful serving platter buried with casserole and a vibrant side salad looks inviting and ready to dig into. For a fun twist, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa to add extra layers of flavor and personality.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. This keeps all the flavors melded wonderfully, making your next meal just as tasty and satisfying.
Freezing
Planning ahead? You can freeze portions of this casserole for up to 2 months. Just cool completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and pop in the freezer. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the crispy topping. Alternatively, use a microwave for a quick fix, though the topping may lose some crispness. Adding a minute or two under the broiler at the end helps regain that delightful crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the broccoli for another vegetable?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, green beans, or even spinach work wonderfully in this casserole, offering different textures and flavors while still complementing the creamy chicken and rice base.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap half-and-half and cheeses with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan cheddar-style cheese to keep the creamy consistency and cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice can be used, but it will require a longer cooking time and probably more liquid. Make sure to adjust accordingly to get tender rice and avoid a dry casserole.
How spicy is the curry in this recipe?
The ground sweet or mild curry powder is very gentle and adds warmth rather than heat. Feel free to omit or adjust the amount if you prefer no spice or want more kick.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Using two forks to pull apart the cooked chicken is the easiest and gives nice bite-sized pieces that blend well throughout the casserole without being chunky.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Broccoli Recipe means welcoming a timeless comfort dish into your kitchen that’s sure to please everyone at the table. It’s a wholesome, delicious meal that holds a special place in my heart for its ease, flavor, and charming combination of textures. Give it a go—you might just find your new go-to weeknight favorite!
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Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole with Cheddar and Broccoli 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 rotisserie or pan-seared chicken with fluffy long-grain rice, broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker and Parmesan crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, it blends savory flavors of smoked paprika and mild curry for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Crust Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Rice and Broth
- 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
Chicken
- Meat from 1 rotisserie chicken or 3 medium-sized, boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons canola or olive oil, divided
Additional Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½–1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced and sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ cups half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend of both)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: If using a rotisserie chicken, dice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through. Remove from skillet, cover with foil, and let rest for a few minutes before cutting into cubes.
- Cook Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil and 2 tablespoons unsalted butter over medium heat. Add diced sweet yellow onion and sauté until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Pour in 1¼ cups half-and-half and stir to combine with onions and garlic. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and/or Gruyere cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and smooth. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Rice and Broccoli: In a large casserole dish, add the 2 cups long-grain white rice and pour 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth over it. Stir in the frozen broccoli, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, and ½ teaspoon mild curry powder. Mix gently to combine.
- Add Chicken and Cheese Sauce: Spread the diced or shredded cooked chicken evenly over the rice and broccoli mixture. Pour the cheese sauce on top and gently mix to incorporate everything evenly.
- Prepare Crust Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, melted unsalted butter, and smoked paprika. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the rice is cooked through, the filling is bubbly, and the crust is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This dish serves 8 and pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- You can substitute the cheddar and Gruyere with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or mozzarella.
- Adjust the amount of curry powder to your taste preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free crackers or omit the topping.
- Leftovers store well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
