Looking for a delicious and comforting meal idea? Try our Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole recipe! Packed with tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for busy weeknights or potluck gatherings, it’s easy to make and sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- Salt and 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
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
- Optional seasonings: 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Casserole Topping:
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
How To Make Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prepare the Chicken: If using boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut them into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat, then add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Set aside.
- Cook the Rice and Broccoli: In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover tightly and cook for 7 minutes. Add the fresh broccoli (if using) and cook for an additional 8 minutes without stirring.
- Let Rice Stand: Turn off the heat and remove the cover. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes without stirring. Any rice stuck to the bottom of the pot will release during this time.
- Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot. Stir until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with the remaining shredded cheese. In a small bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve this Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole hot and enjoy the comforting flavors with every bite!
SEO Article:
Looking for a comforting and satisfying meal to add to your recipe rotation? Our Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is the perfect choice! This delicious one-pot wonder combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, crisp broccoli, and melted cheese for a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Not only is this casserole easy to make, but it’s also versatile and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Whether you’re using fresh chicken breasts or leftover rotisserie chicken, this recipe is a great way to make use of ingredients you already have on hand.
Plus, with its hearty combination of protein, grains, and vegetables, this casserole is a well-rounded meal that will keep you feeling satisfied and nourished. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy dinner option that the whole family will love.
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