Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy broccoli, and a crunchy topping, it’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.

A close-up of a white rectangular casserole dish filled with a creamy, layered broccoli rice casserole. The bottom layers mix white rice with small bright green broccoli florets and chunks of melted yellow and white cheese. The dish is topped with a thick, crunchy, golden-orange layer made of crushed chips or crackers, creating a rough, textured surface that spreads evenly across the top. A spoon is scooping out a portion from the front, showing the soft, gooey inside with visible broccoli and melted cheese pieces. The dish rests on a white marbled surface with a red salt and pepper shaker blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 rotisserie chicken (chopped)
  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked long grain rice
  • 2-3 cups frozen broccoli florets (defrosted & cut into smaller pieces)
  • 1 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups hot water
  • 2 ½ tsp Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base
  • 4 tbsp butter (melted)
  • 2 cups Cheez-Its (crushed)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package directions.
  2. Step 2: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  3. Step 3: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and pepper to the baking dish.
  4. Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the hot water and Better Than Bouillon Roasted Chicken Base; stir until fully dissolved.
  5. Step 5: To the same bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese.
  6. Step 6: Whisk all ingredients together until smooth and fully combined.
  7. Step 7: Pour the creamy sauce over the baking dish ingredients and stir gently to incorporate everything evenly.
  8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
  9. Step 9: Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
  10. Step 10: While baking, mix the crushed Cheez-Its with melted butter in a bowl until well combined.
  11. Step 11: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the buttery Cheez-Its mixture evenly over the top.
  12. Step 12: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
  13. Step 13: Let the casserole set for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

  • Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a slightly crisper texture.
  • Substitute the Cheez-Its with crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a different topping.
  • Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild spicy kick.
  • For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

How to Serve

A white rectangular dish filled with a creamy casserole that has three layers visible: the bottom layer is a soft white creamy mixture with pieces of green broccoli and bits of cooked rice, the middle layer has melted yellow cheese spread unevenly, and the top layer is a crunchy, bright orange crumb topping covering the entire surface. The texture of the top layer looks crispy, while the layers underneath are moist and soft. A spoon is scooping out a portion from the dish, showing the mix of all layers. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, with a blurred red object in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

This recipe is designed for cooked rotisserie chicken to save time. If using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding to the casserole.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add the breadcrumb topping before baking to keep it crispy.

Print
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Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe


  • Author: Simon
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty one-dish meal featuring tender rotisserie chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Topped with a crispy Cheez-It and butter crust, it’s a perfect family-friendly dinner that combines rich flavors with a satisfying crunch.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 1 rotisserie chicken, chopped
  • 23 cups frozen broccoli florets, defrosted and cut into smaller pieces

Grains

  • 1 ¼ cups uncooked long grain rice

Dairy & Creamy Components

  • 1 cup freshly shredded colby jack cheese
  • 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted

Soup & Seasonings

  • 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 ½ tsp Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt

Other

  • 2 cups hot water
  • 2 cups Cheez-Its, crushed

Instructions

  1. Cook the rice: Prepare the long grain rice according to the package directions until fully cooked and fluffy.
  2. Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Combine main ingredients: In the baking dish, add the chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted and chopped broccoli florets, cooked rice, and season with salt and cracked black pepper.
  4. Make bouillon base: In a large bowl, dissolve the Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base in 2 cups of hot water, stirring well until completely combined.
  5. Add creamy sauce ingredients: To the bouillon mixture, add condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
  6. Mix sauce thoroughly: Whisk the ingredients together until the creamy sauce is smooth and fully combined.
  7. Combine casserole: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice in the baking dish, then stir everything together until evenly incorporated.
  8. Add cheese topping: Evenly sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese over the top of the mixture in the baking dish.
  9. Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes until bubbly and heated through.
  10. Prepare Cheez-It topping: While baking, combine the crushed Cheez-Its with melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are well coated.
  11. Add crispy crust: After the initial 30 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the buttery crushed Cheez-Its over the surface.
  12. Finish baking: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
  13. Rest before serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

  • Cooking times may vary depending on your oven; keep an eye on the topping to avoid burning.
  • Using rotisserie chicken saves preparation time and adds great flavor, but you can use cooked chicken breast instead.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the cream of chicken soup and Better Than Bouillon with gluten-free alternatives, and use gluten-free crackers instead of Cheez-Its for the topping.
  • For extra creaminess, you can add a little more sour cream or cheese.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Broccoli Chicken Casserole, Chicken and Rice, Cheesy Casserole, Comfort Food, One Dish Meal

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