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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4 from 11 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is a comforting, wholesome dish perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken cubes are cooked with fresh broccoli and long grain rice in a creamy chicken soup base, topped with melted cheddar cheese and a crunchy Ritz cracker butter crust. Baked to bubbly perfection, this one-pan casserole combines protein, veggies, and carbs in a creamy, cheesy delight that’s both satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken, cubed
  • 1 head broccoli, florets (approximately 2 cups)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups water (or chicken broth for extra flavor)
  • 1 cup uncooked long grain rice
  • 8 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded

Ritz Topping

  • 20 Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking your casserole.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat, cook the cubed chicken until it is fully cooked and no longer pink inside.
  3. Add Garlic and Seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, and pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant to enhance the flavor.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the uncooked rice, cream of chicken soup, and broccoli florets to the skillet. Stir well to evenly mix all ingredients.
  5. Add Liquid and Boil: Pour in 2 cups of water or chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle boil on the stovetop.
  6. Add Cheese: Once boiling, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
  7. Cover and Bake: Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or aluminum foil and transfer it to the preheated oven.
  8. Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
  9. Prepare Ritz Topping: While the casserole bakes, crush the Ritz crackers and mix them thoroughly with melted butter to create a crunchy topping.
  10. Add Topping: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle the buttery Ritz cracker topping evenly over the cheddar cheese layer, and return the skillet to the oven.
  11. Bake Topping: Bake for an additional 5 minutes until the topping turns golden brown and crispy.
  12. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, substitute water with chicken broth.
  • You can add more vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for variety.
  • If baking in a regular casserole dish, make sure to cover tightly with foil to retain moisture.
  • Use gluten-free crackers to make the topping gluten-free.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-and-rice-casserole-recipe/