Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

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I grew up with a saucy, comforting chicken-and-rice bake that always made weeknights feel special — this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is that kind of dinner. It’s a creamy, cheesy one-dish meal that combines tender diced chicken, bright broccoli florets, and fluffy rice under a buttery cracker topping. If you want a simple family dinner that reheats well and stretches to feed a crowd, this is it — and for another take on the same comfort-food family, see this cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole.

What makes this recipe special

This casserole hits a sweet spot: quick to assemble, forgiving with swaps, and loved by kids and adults alike. It uses everyday ingredients — cooked rice, shredded cheddar, cream, and a crispy cracker topping — but the combination delivers creamy texture, melty cheese, and a satisfying crunch on top.

“Comfort food that’s quick enough for a weeknight but good enough for unexpected guests. The cracker topping is the genius touch.” — a happy family reviewer

Highlights:

Budget-friendly and easy to scale up.
Uses pantry staples and can use leftover chicken or rotisserie.
Freezer-friendly for meal prep or busy weeks.

How this recipe comes together

Before you dive into ingredients, here’s a quick roadmap so you know what to expect:

Cook the rice (or use leftover rice).
Sauté onion, garlic and chicken until warmed through.
Briefly steam or blanch the broccoli so it’s bright and tender-crisp.
Mix chicken, broccoli, rice, cream, melted butter, and most of the cheddar.
Transfer to a casserole dish, sprinkle remaining cheese and crushed buttery crackers mixed with extra butter on top.
Bake until bubbly and the topping is golden.

That short overview keeps things simple when you assemble everything.

What you’ll need

2 cups diced boneless chicken breasts (Or substitute thighs for richer flavor.)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets (Can substitute with thawed and drained frozen broccoli.)
1 cup long grain rice — cooked according to package instructions (leftover rice works great).
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.)
1 medium onion, chopped (Shallots can be used for a more delicate flavor.)
2 cloves garlic, minced (Use fresh for the best flavor.)
1/2 cup cream (Half-and-half can be used as a substitute for a lighter version.)
1 tablespoon butter, melted (Plus additional butter for sautéing and for mixing with cracker topping.)
1 cup buttery crackers, crushed (For the topping; swap panko or seasoned breadcrumbs if needed.)

Notes and substitutions inline:

Chicken: cooked rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut.
Broccoli: frozen works if thawed and drained to avoid excess water.
Cheese: mix in some mozzarella for extra melt or use a sharper cheddar for more bite.
Crunch: gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs make this GF-friendly if all other ingredients are GF.

The cooking process explained

Delicious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole baked with cheesy goodness and healthy veggies.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar casserole dish.
Cook rice ahead according to package directions. Set aside to cool slightly.
Heat 1–2 tablespoons butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add diced chicken to the skillet. Cook until no longer pink (internal temperature 165°F), about 5–7 minutes depending on size. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat.
Meanwhile, steam or briefly blanch broccoli florets for 2–3 minutes until bright green and just tender; shock in ice water if you want to stop cooking. Drain well.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, chicken-onion-garlic mixture, broccoli, cream, melted tablespoon of butter, and most of the shredded cheddar. Stir gently to combine.
Spoon the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle remaining cheese over the top.
Mix crushed buttery crackers with a tablespoon of melted butter and evenly scatter over the cheese.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden. If you want an extra-browned topping, broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully.

Directions to follow

Prepare rice first so everything comes together quickly.
Chop chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Sauté onions and garlic before adding chicken to build flavor.
Steam broccoli briefly to avoid a watery casserole.
Stir rice, proteins, vegetables, cream, and most cheese; transfer to dish.
Top with remaining cheese and buttery cracker crumbs.
Bake at 350°F for about 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden.

For a helpful baseline technique and visual reference, check a classic version of this dish in this classic chicken broccoli rice casserole guide.

Best ways to enjoy it

Serve this casserole straight from the oven with simple, fresh sides:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
Roasted cherry tomatoes or a cucumber and dill salad for contrast.
Warm crusty bread or dinner rolls to mop up the creamy sauce.
For wine pairings, a unoaked Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir complements the cheddar and cream without overwhelming it.

Plate it family-style for casual dinners or portion into oven-safe ramekins for individual servings at a brunch or potluck.

Storage and reheating tips

Refrigerate within 2 hours of baking. Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
To reheat leftovers, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or until heated through. Microwaving in shorter bursts works for single servings.
Freeze well: cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Food safety tip: always ensure reheated portions reach 165°F internally.

Pro chef tips

Dry rice is the enemy: use cooked rice that’s slightly drier than freshly steamed. Leftover rice from the fridge often performs best.
Don’t overcook the broccoli; it should keep some texture after baking.
For extra flavor, sauté the chicken in a little chicken stock or white wine instead of plain butter.
Keep the cracker topping crunchy by adding it in the last 10 minutes of baking if you expect leftovers that will be reheated.
For an even creamier casserole, fold in a spoonful of cream cheese or a splash more cream before baking.

For more ideas on elevating textures and flavors in casseroles, this scrumptious variation offers creative swaps you can adapt.

Creative twists

Mexican-style: swap cheddar for pepper jack, add a pinch of cumin and chopped green chiles, top with crushed tortilla chips.
Lighter version: use half-and-half instead of cream and reduce cheese slightly; add more herbs and lemon zest.
Vegetarian swap: replace chicken with chickpeas or cubed tofu and boost seasoning with smoked paprika.
Gluten-free: use gluten-free crackers or toasted almond meal for the topping.
One-pan skillet: brown chicken and assemble in an ovenproof skillet for fewer dishes.

Helpful answers

Q: How long does it take from start to finish?
A: Active prep is about 20–30 minutes (assuming rice is cooked). Baking takes 20–25 minutes, so plan for roughly 50–60 minutes total.
Q: Can I use frozen broccoli?
A: Yes — thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. You may want to pat it dry with paper towels before mixing.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, you may need an extra 5–10 minutes in the oven.
Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Swap the buttery crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs. Confirm all packaged ingredients are certified GF.
Q: Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes — shredded rotisserie chicken is a quick shortcut and works brilliantly here.

Conclusion

For another take on the classic flavor and technique, see this version from Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – The Cozy Cook, which emphasizes a rich broccoli-cheddar profile.
If you want a lighter or differently seasoned recipe to compare, try Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole – The Skinnyish Dish for smart substitutions and lower-calorie ideas.
And for a family-friendly, cheesy interpretation with step-by-step photos, check Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole – Mom On Timeout.