Name: Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (leftover rotisserie is perfect here); 2 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old works beautifully); 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small; 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream (adds incredible richness); 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus ½ cup for topping; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 2 tablespoons melted butter; Extra shredded cheese for sprinkling

Description

This homestyle chicken broccoli rice cheese casserole combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and melted cheddar in one easy, family-friendly dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

For the Casserole

2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded (leftover rotisserie is perfect here)
2 cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old works beautifully)
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped small
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (adds incredible richness)
1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, plus ½ cup for topping
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping

1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter
Extra shredded cheese for sprinkling

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Instructions

1. Get Your Oven Ready

Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease your baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. Prepare Your Base Ingredients

Make sure your rice is fully cooked and cooled slightly. Cube your chicken into bite-sized pieces and chop your broccoli into small florets so they cook evenly.

3. Sauté the Aromatics

Heat a small skillet over medium heat with a pat of butter. Add the diced onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 4 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Create the Creamy Mixture

In your large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, sautéed onion and garlic, and 1½ cups of shredded cheese. Season generously with salt and pepper, then stir everything together until well blended.

5. Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread your mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Press it down gently with the back of your spoon so everything sits flat and bakes evenly.

6. Add the Cheese Layer

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese across the top in an even layer.

7. Make the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Scatter this mixture over the cheese layer.

8. Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese is melted, and the top is lightly golden.

Notes

Swap frozen broccoli if fresh isn’t available—just thaw and squeeze out excess water first
Make it lighter with Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Use freshly shredded cheese from a block for the creamiest melt
Let the casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking for easier serving

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American