Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
What’s great about this recipe
This Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that brings together flavors everyone loves. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, nutritious greens from the broccoli, and soothing creaminess from the soup and cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this casserole is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a fantastic choice for families.
How to make Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, and cheddar cheese. Mix well until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to serve Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. You can also add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or additional cheese on top before serving for extra flavor.
How to store Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to three months. Just ensure it’s well-sealed in a freezer-safe container.
Tips to make Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Use leftover cooked chicken for a quicker prep time.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For a tasty twist, try using a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
Variation
For a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce or a low-fat alternative. You can also use brown rice instead of white for added fiber.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
The original recipe is not gluten-free because it uses Ritz crackers. However, you can substitute with gluten-free crackers to make it suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
3. Can I use fresh broccoli instead of steamed?
Yes! If you prefer fresh broccoli, you can chop it into small florets and add it directly into the casserole. Just note that it may need a little longer to cook.
Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Leftover chicken works well for quicker prep.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed Fresh broccoli can be used if preferred.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Can be substituted with a homemade white sauce for a lighter version.
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can be used for variation.
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers For gluten-free, substitute with gluten-free crackers.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, and cheddar cheese. Mix well until combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish.
Baking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serving
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm, paired with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
