Description
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole offers delightful flavors and easy preparation. A wholesome meal made with chicken, rice, and fresh broccoli, it stands out for being freezer-friendly and an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2–3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
- 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup, (condensed)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Refer to your rice package for liquid amounts and cooking time. Use chicken broth as the liquid for optimal results.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Pour the chicken broth and olive oil into the pot, then add rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to a simmer, cover tightly, and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add broccoli on top of the rice, cover again, and cook for 9 more minutes until the rice is fully cooked and no liquid remains. If necessary, simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Keep the pot covered and remove from heat. Let sit for 10 minutes without stirring.
- Add cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish, sprinkle with remaining cheese, cover, and bake for 15 minutes.
- Mix the melted butter with crushed crackers and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, check the rice package instructions as water amounts may vary based on the brand.
This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to three months. Just reheat when needed!
Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 1000mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 87mg