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Cozy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Featured in Dinner Solutions You'll Love.

Comforting one-hour casserole with chicken, rice, and broccoli. Servings for 6 people.
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Updated on Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:56:34 GMT
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Baked Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Dish | tastybysophie.com

The aroma of this classic broccoli chicken casserole fills the kitchen with warmth and comfort. The combination of tender rice, perfectly cooked chicken, and fresh broccoli creates a satisfying one-dish meal that embodies home cooking at its finest.

This hearty casserole brings together simple ingredients to create a memorable family meal that tastes of tradition and care.

Essential Ingredients

  • Long grain white rice - provides the perfect texture and base
  • Fresh broccoli crowns - maintains better structure than frozen
  • Unsalted butter - creates rich flavor foundation
  • Sharp cheddar cheese - freshly grated for best melting
  • Buttery crackers - essential for the crispy topping
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe | tastybysophie.com

Preparation Steps

Initial Preparation

Sear chicken until golden brown

Prepare rice using seasoned broth

Lightly steam broccoli florets

Assembly Process

Combine sauce with hot rice

Add chicken and broccoli carefully

Layer cheese on top

Finishing Touches

Prepare cracker topping

Add melted butter to crumbs

Distribute topping evenly

The versatility of this casserole allows for creative additions. Fresh vegetables can enhance both nutrition and flavor while maintaining the comfort food appeal.

Make-Ahead Methods

This casserole excels as a prepared-ahead meal. Assemble components separately and combine before baking. Store topping apart until final preparation.

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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole | tastybysophie.com

Storage Instructions

Portion and refrigerate leftovers promptly. Consume within three days or freeze up to one month. Reheat in oven for optimal texture.

Troubleshooting

Adjust sauce consistency with warm broth. For undercooked rice, add hot liquid and continue baking covered.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole consistently wins over selective eaters. The creamy sauce perfectly masks additional vegetables while maintaining the classic comfort food appeal.

Variations

Consider prepared rotisserie chicken

Experiment with cheese combinations

Incorporate cured meats for variety

This reliable casserole consistently receives praise at gatherings and provides satisfying family meals. The combination of familiar ingredients creates a timeless dish that appeals to all ages.

Cheesy Chicken Bake

A warm and hearty dish blending chicken, rice, and broccoli covered with gooey cheese and a golden cracker topping.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
50 Minutes
Total Time
60 Minutes

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups of white long-grain rice
02 2 breasts of chicken, boneless and skinless
03 2 cups of fresh broccoli pieces
04 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

→ Sauce Base

05 ½ cup of sour cream
06 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock
07 ½ cup milk
08 A 10.5-oz can of condensed cream of chicken soup

→ Seasonings

09 A teaspoon of Italian seasoning
10 Salt and black pepper, adjust to your taste
11 ½ teaspoon of garlic powder (optional)
12 ½ teaspoon of dried thyme (optional)

→ Topping

13 2 tablespoons of butter, melted
14 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers

Instructions

Step 01

Set your oven to 350°F. Chop chicken into small pieces. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Step 02

In some melted butter, cook the seasoned chicken until it’s golden brown, which should take about 5 minutes. Set the chicken to the side.

Step 03

Bring rice, broth, and a little cooking oil to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover it up, and cook for 6 minutes. Next, toss in the broccoli and continue cooking for another 9 minutes.

Step 04

Stir together the cooked rice and broccoli, chicken, condensed soup, milk, sour cream, seasonings, and half the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 05

Move everything into a 9x13 pan. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 06

Stir the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Spread this mixture over the dish, then bake again without a cover for another 10 minutes.

Notes

  1. Can be prepared up to 48 hours in advance
  2. Freezes well
  3. Shred your cheese fresh for better flavor

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x13 baking dish
  • Measuring tools like spoons and cups
  • A big cooking pot

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (cheese, sour cream, milk)
  • Contains gluten (crackers)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 511
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~