This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole includes homemade condensed or Campbell’s Soup, flavorful rice cooked in chicken broth, and a buttery, crunchy Ritz topping. Cook up some fresh chicken or use Rotisserie!
Be sure to try my Swedish Meatballs and Slow Cooker Beef Stew next!
Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food recipe? My family and I have been eating this chicken and rice casserole for years now. Who needs to separate chicken, rice, and broccoli when you can whip up a creamy casserole?!
This recipe is one of my favorite freezer foods. I’m pretty sure readers come back for this recipe more than any other. (It’s also in The Cozy Cookbook on page 178!)
You can make it with chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, and I even have a ham and a ground beef version!
Ingredients
See recipe card below for full ingredient amounts and instructions
- Butter
- Chicken Breasts
- Italian Seasoning
- Salt/Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Chicken Broth
- White Long Grain Rice– See below for info on using different rice
- Broccoli Florets- fresh or frozen, see info below
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup– Try my homemade recipe!
- Milk- any kind of fat content is fine
- Sour Cream- Mayo may also be used
- Cheddar Cheese– Shred your own from a block at home for best results. I use Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow cheese as it melts really well. Avoid aged/crystalized cheeses as those won’t melt well.
Topping:
- Ritz Crackers
- Butter
*Consider using unsalted butter and low sodium chicken broth to decrease sodium content.
Cream of Chicken Soup Substitutes
- This recipe can be made with Cream of Mushroom, Cream of Broccoli, Cheddar Cheese, and Broccoli Cheese.
- OR, skip the can and make my 15-minute Cream of Chicken Soup recipe!
Don’t Use Minute Rice
I highly recommend you use regular long grain rice instead of minute rice:
- Long grain rice = creamier consistency. Short grain rice tends to be stickier.
- Regular rice has higher nutritional value and better flavor.
Using Brown or Wild Rice
These varieties take longer to cook and requires more liquid than white long grain rice.
- Refer to the package for the required amount of liquid and cooking time and adjust the amount of chicken broth that you use per package instructions.
Using Frozen Broccoli
- 2 cups of frozen broccoli (and/or cauliflower) can also be used. Just be sure you thaw and pat it dry!
- Frozen broccoli is already blanched (partially cooked), but you may want to consider steaming it as well for a softer texture in the casserole.
Using Rotisserie Chicken
- This is a great casserole for rotisserie chicken, 2 cups is the perfect quantity to use.
- Since rotisserie chicken can sometimes be salted, consider using low sodium chicken broth so that your meal doesn’t turn out overly salty.
Make-Ahead Method (Assemble Now, Bake Later)
Refrigerator
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days prior to baking. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to baking and add 15 minutes to baking time.
- The cracker/butter topping should be added at the end of baking.
Freezer:
- Assemble the casserole as outlined and do not bake. Let it thaw for 24 hours in the fridge. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to baking and add 15 minutes to baking time.
- The cracker/butter topping should be added at the end of baking.
Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This casserole is a great meal to freeze and is best if used within 3 months of freezing.
- I often reheat frozen lunch-sized portions in the microwave from a frozen state. If possible, I’ll also bake it 350 degree oven at the end to crisp up the top.
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links)- Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
- 9×13 Casserole Dish
- 3.5 quart Dutch Oven– Conducts heat well, perfect for cooking rice in.
- Serving Spoons
- Measuring Cups and spoons
Try These Next!
- Peach Cobbler
- Mushroom Chicken
- Sausage Tortellini Soup
- Chicken Corn Chowder
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Chicken Taco Soup
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Did You Make This Recipe?
I would love for you to leave a rating and a comment below! How’d you do?! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
- 10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 Tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Note: This recipe is designed to allow you to prepare all of the casserole ingredients in one pot before transferring to a casserole dish for baking. Before you begin, refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (we'll use chicken broth) and cooking time. I use white long grain rice and the cooking time/liquid amount below works perfectly.
- Preheat the oven to 350° F.
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning and desired amount of salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Note: This step is not needed if using a cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli and replace the cover. Cook for 9 more minutes, or until no liquid remains in the pot and the rice is cooked through. (If it's not cooked through yet, quickly replace lid and simmer 5 more minutes, or until cooked through.)
- Turn off the heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
- Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
Add the Topping:
- Melt the butter and crumble up the crackers. Combine to form the topping for the casserole.
- Top the casserole with the crumbled cracker topping and bake uncovered for 10 additional minutes.
- Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.
Notes
- Using Frozen Broccoli: 2 cups of frozen broccoli (and/or cauliflower) is a perfect alternative to fresh broccoli. Just be sure you thaw and pat it dry. Frozen broccoli is already blanched (partially cooked), but you may want to consider steaming it as well (about 5 minutes or so) for a softer texture in the casserole.
- Cheddar Cheese- Shred your own from a block at home for best results. I use Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp Yellow cheese as it melts really well. Avoid aged/crystalized cheeses as those won't melt well.
- Skip the can and try this with my Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup!
- Be sure to check out my ham and ground beef rice casseroles next!
- This recipe is in The Cozy Cookbook on page 178!
Make-Ahead Method: Assemble Now, Bake Later.
-
Refrigerator
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days prior to baking. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to baking and add 15 minutes to baking time.
- The cracker/butter topping should be added at the end of baking.
Freezer:
- Assemble the casserole as outlined and do not bake. Let it thaw for 24 hours in the fridge. Let it sit out for 30 minutes prior to baking and add 15 minutes to baking time.
- The cracker/butter topping should be added at the end of baking.
The Nutritional information provided is an estimate and is per serving. This recipe makes 6 servings.
Nutrition
Made this with rotisserie chicken, and seasoned yellow rice. Absolutely delicious
Nice work Vicki! I’m so happy you liked it! Thanks so much for the great review!🩷
I’ve made it twice now and both times were absolutely delicious
I’m so happy to hear that Josh!! Wonderful! Thank you so much for the review!! 🙂 -Stephanie
My family loved it. My pickiest eater said he was surprised at how good it tasted. Initially he said he didnt want any of it but it smelled really good so he decided to try it. He even ate 2nds. Will definitely make it again. I’m so glad I found your recipes. Delicious.
That amazing news Joy! I am so happy to hear that, thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review, I really appreciate it! 🙂 -Stephanie
How will it be with basmati rice its all I have. Have u tried that
Check the cooking time and liquid measurements as compared to what this recipe indicates 🙂 We’re simply cooking rice in chicken broth, so you can do the same based on your package instructions.
Could plain Greek yogurt be subbed in for sour cream?
Hi Alyanna! Yes, it could be! 🙂
Another great recipe! I am so glad I stumbled across your website. I’m new but I have a growing collection now of delicious recipes and I can’t wait to make my next dish! Actually that’s not entirely true…the only thing that would make your meals better would be if you made them for me! Maybe we will see CozyKitchen in the freezer section at the grocery store one day! 🤞Would be so great!
Thanks so much for your support LeAnne! I’m so happy to have you here!🩷
Do you skip the washing and soaking rice step?
Hi LeAnne! There is debate as to if rinsing rice is necessary to remove excess starch, I prefer the consistency when I don’t rinse it. 🙂 Feel free to rinse if preferred!
This was delicious. I used the cream of chicken soup recipe instead of using canned soup. I also did just a little pinch of cayenne in the soup while making it. Added a little kick that my husband loves
I’m so happy that you loved this casserole Nanette! Nice work making it with my homemade cream of chicken soup, that definitely adds so much more homemade flavor! Thank you so much for the review! 🙂 -Stephanie
This is so good and easy I use left over rice a roni
Nice work Pamela! I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the review!💕
What about using uncooked rice a roni in this recipe?
Hi Amber! I haven’t tested it, if you give it a try I’d love to know how you do! 🙂
Okay Awesome! Thank you so much! I appreciate you responding back 😊
I stumbled on your recipe while looking for a quick dinner for 5 that would use up leftover rotisserie chicken. This came together super quickly and was absolutely delicious! Because I used what I had on hand, I subbed cream of mushroom soup and used seasoned breadcrumbs for the topping since I didn’t have ritz. Turned out great! I also made a few changes for the sake of speed and easy clean up: I used an oven-safe Dutch oven instead of a 9×13 (only one dirty dish!) and I added the topping at the beginning of cooking and just removed the cover the last 10 minutes. I’ll be making this again and again, thank you!
I’m sooo happy that you enjoyed it Suzanne!! Making it in an oven safe Dutch oven is a great way to go, and I like that you were able to make it work based on what you had on hand! Thank you so much for the review!! ❤️ -Stephanie
I have a question about the rice. Can I use those boil in a bag white rice? Cook it and throw all the ingredients together or do I use uncooked rice and throw it all together? I’m still learning how to cook different dishes and been wanting to try to make this one 😊
Hi Crystal! This recipe yields 3 + 3/4 cups of cooked rice. So you can cook your rice on the side and then combine it with the casserole ingredients after, skipping the chicken broth ingredient since that’s used to cook the rice. You’ll also want to steam the broccoli prior to combining it with everything. Enjoy!!