If you are searching for a comforting, wholesome dish that combines creamy textures with vibrant flavors, the Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine tender chicken mingling with fluffy rice and crisp-tender broccoli, all blanketed in a luscious, cheesy sauce and crowned with a golden, crispy topping. This dish is a family favorite that brings warmth to the table and makes weeknight dinners feel special without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a unique role, from the creamy half-and-half to the savory chicken broth, ensuring every bite is deeply satisfying.
- Ritz crackers (1 sleeve, crushed): These create a buttery, crispy topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy casserole beneath.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup): Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to the crunchy topping, enhancing depth.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons melted + 2 tablespoons for sautéing): A key fat that enriches the dish, used for both the topping and sautéing aromatic vegetables.
- Smoky paprika (¼ teaspoon): Infuses a subtle smoky warmth into the topping, elevating the flavor profile.
- Low-sodium chicken broth or stock (4 cups): This ensures the rice cooks up moist and flavorful without any overpowering saltiness.
- Long-grain white rice (2 cups): Provides fluffy, separate grains that absorb all the savory goodness.
- Frozen broccoli (1 bag): Quick and convenient, it adds a pop of green and a tender-crisp texture to the casserole.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Balances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Freshly ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon + to taste): Adds just the right amount of spice without overwhelming the dish.
- Ground sweet curry (½ teaspoon): A gentle hint of warming spices that introduces an unexpected twist.
- Rotisserie chicken meat or boneless skinless chicken breasts (meat from 1 rotisserie or 3 breasts): Provides tender, flavorful protein that’s easy to shred or chop.
- Canola or olive oil (4 tablespoons, divided): Used to sauté aromatics and for added richness.
- Sweet yellow onion (½ to 1 medium, diced and sautéed): Brings a natural sweetness and depth to the base of the casserole.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Gives a fragrant boost that complements both chicken and broccoli.
- Half-and-half (1¼ cups): Creates the creamy sauce that binds everything together with silky richness.
- Shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (2 cups): Or a blend, for a gooey, luscious, cheesy layer within the casserole.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
Start by mixing the crushed Ritz crackers with grated Parmesan, melted butter, and smoky paprika. This mixture will become the golden, crispy crust that brings a delightful crunch to contrast the soft casserole. Set this aside; it’s the crowning glory you’ll sprinkle on top later.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatic Base
In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil and butter together. Add diced sweet yellow onion and sauté until translucent and sweet, about 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing those irresistible aromas that hint at what’s to come.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce and Cook Rice
Pour in the chicken broth along with half-and-half, stirring gently. Add the rice, kosher salt, black pepper, and ground sweet curry. Bring this to a simmer; the rice will cook slowly in this flavorful liquid, soaking up all the delicious seasonings, and becoming tender yet fluffy.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Broccoli
Once the rice is partially cooked, stir in shredded rotisserie chicken (or chopped cooked chicken breasts) and the frozen broccoli. Allow the casserole to continue simmering until the broccoli is just tender and the chicken is warmed through. The broccoli retains its bright green color and fresh bite, while the chicken adds heartiness.
Step 5: Stir in Cheeses and Assemble
Off the heat, fold in shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese for a creamy, melty texture throughout the casserole. Transfer everything into a buttered baking dish, smoothing the surface evenly.
Step 6: Top and Bake
Generously sprinkle the prepared Ritz cracker topping over the casserole. Bake in a preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and irresistibly crunchy, about 15-20 minutes. This final step melds all the flavors beautifully while creating a textural harmony you’ll love.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few delicate chives can add a refreshing herbal note and a burst of color. For a little extra zest, a light squeeze of lemon juice brightens the creamy richness wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish shines as a standalone meal thanks to its balance of protein, veggies, and carbs, but a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables on the side makes a lovely accompaniment. Soft, crusty bread also pairs excellently to scoop up any cheesy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch that feels special. Alternatively, hollowed-out bell peppers or large mushrooms filled with portions of this casserole turn it into an eye-catching appetizer or a charming main course presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply cover your leftover Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
If you want to stash some away for a future meal, this casserole freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
For best results, thaw the casserole overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the topping crisps back up slightly. If in a hurry, stovetop reheating on low heat with a lid works well, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli will work wonderfully. Just be sure to add it a little earlier in the cooking process to allow time for it to become tender but still crisp.
What type of cheese is best for this casserole?
A blend of sharp cheddar and Gruyere offers the perfect balance of creamy melt and rich flavor, but feel free to experiment with your favorites like Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding hearty mushrooms or extra broccoli. You might also want to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth to keep it fully vegetarian.
Is this recipe freezer friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze the casserole before baking to maintain the topping’s texture. However, leftovers after baking can be frozen too, though the topping may lose some crunchiness upon reheating.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, but keep in mind that brown rice takes longer to cook and absorbs liquid differently. You may need to adjust the cooking time and amount of broth accordingly to ensure the rice is tender.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, packs a punch in flavor, and is versatile enough to adapt to your kitchen creativity. Give it a try—you’ll find it just as comforting and delicious as I do!
Print
Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheesy Topping Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy long-grain rice, and nutritious broccoli, all brought together with a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a hearty family meal that’s both flavorful and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon smoky paprika
Rice and Broccoli Mixture
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 2 cups long-grain white rice
- 1 bag frozen broccoli
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon ground sweet curry (or mild curry)
Chicken
- Meat from 1 Rotisserie chicken or 3 medium-sized boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauté and Sauce
- 4 tablespoons canola or olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½–1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced & sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1¼ cup half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend of both)
Instructions
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and smoky paprika. Mix well and set aside. This mixture will add a crunchy, flavorful topping to the casserole.
- Cook the rice and broccoli: In a large pot or deep skillet, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add the long-grain white rice, frozen broccoli, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and ground sweet curry. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15-18 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the chicken: While the rice cooks, shred the meat from the rotisserie chicken or cook and dice the boneless skinless chicken breasts. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of canola or olive oil and the unsalted butter. Add the diced sweet yellow onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce: Pour the half-and-half into the skillet with the sautéed onions and garlic. Slowly add the shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese while stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Remove from heat.
- Combine all components: In a large mixing bowl or casserole dish, combine the cooked rice and broccoli mixture, shredded chicken, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is well combined.
- Assemble and bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the chicken and rice mixture to a greased casserole dish. Evenly sprinkle the Ritz cracker topping over the casserole. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of canola or olive oil over the topping to help it brown.
- Bake until golden and bubbly: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh broccoli if preferred; blanch it briefly before adding to the rice mixture.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
- Use low-fat cheese and half-and-half to reduce fat content if desired.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and refrigerated before baking.
- To reheat leftovers, warm in the oven at 325°F (160°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out.
