Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Name: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons butter; 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional); ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional); 2 ½ cups chicken broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 ¼ cups white long grain rice, uncooked; 2-3 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked; 10.5 oz. Cream of Chicken Soup, condensed; ½ cup milk; ½ cup sour cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated; 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed; 2 tablespoons melted butter

Getting a comforting dinner on the table takes just about an hour with this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe. It’s those cozy flavors and easy prep that have me coming back to it again and again – I’m excited to share it with you!

This image shows a skillet of cheesy chicken and broccoli rice bake. The first layer at the bottom is soft white rice mixed evenly with bite-sized pieces of light brown chicken. The second layer is bright green broccoli florets spread all over the dish. The top layer is melted golden-yellow cheese covering everything with little brown spots, showing it is baked. Fresh green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. A silver spoon is scooping a portion from the skillet, showing the soft and creamy texture inside. The skillet sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This casserole feels like a warm hug after a busy day. I love how the creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli all come together in one satisfying dish that pleases the whole family.

One-Pot Convenience: You cook the rice, broccoli, and chicken almost all in one pot, which saves on dishes.
Creamy Comfort: The blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese creates the perfect rich texture and flavor.
Customizable Ingredients: Whether you want to use fresh or frozen broccoli, rotisserie chicken, or your own homemade soup, you can tweak it to suit your needs.
Family-Friendly: This casserole is easy to serve and loved by kids and adults alike — it’s a regular at my dinner table.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture, plus most are pantry staples or easily found. I always recommend using a good quality cheddar cheese and fresh broccoli for the best taste.

Flat lay of two boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of butter cubes, white long grain rice scattered neatly, fresh green broccoli florets, a small white ceramic bowl of chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of milk, a small white ceramic bowl of sour cream, a handful of whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of shredded cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed Ritz crackers, and a few sprigs of dried thyme and a pinch of Italian seasoning and garlic powder placed carefully on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that golden flavor boost.
Chicken breasts (or rotisserie chicken): Tender and protein-packed, you can easily swap cooked rotisserie to save time.
Salt, Pepper, Italian seasoning: The basic flavor base to season perfectly.
Chicken broth: Cooks the rice with extra savory depth that water just can’t provide.
Olive oil: Helps in cooking rice and broccoli without sticking.
White long grain rice: Fluffy and ideal for soaking up all the creamy sauce.
Broccoli florets: Adds vibrant color, freshness, and a nutritional boost.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The classic creamy binder that makes this casserole irresistible.
Milk and sour cream: Help keep the casserole moist and add extra tang and richness.
Cheddar cheese: I always shred my own with a block (like Cracker Barrel Extra Sharp) for better melt and flavor.
Optional seasonings (thyme, garlic powder): These subtle notes boost complexity without overwhelming.
Ritz crackers and melted butter (topping): Creates that perfect crunchy finish everyone loves.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I’ve made this casserole dozens of times, and I love switching it up depending on what’s in my fridge or pantry. Feel free to make it your own — it’s incredibly forgiving!

Variation: Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a game changer when you’re short on time — just chop and stir it in at the end.
Vegetarian-friendly: Swap chicken for mushrooms or cooked chickpeas, and use vegetable broth to keep it meat-free.
Cheese swap: Try Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick or a milder melt.
Topping twist: Instead of Ritz crackers, use panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for a different crispy texture.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

A white plate with a quilted pattern holds a creamy mixed dish. The bottom layer has cooked rice that is soft and light brown. On top of that, there is a layer of chicken chunks, tender and pale with a light brown edge. Bright green broccoli florets are mixed within, adding a fresh pop of color. The dish is covered with melted yellow cheese, which has a smooth and slightly glossy texture. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled on top and around the plate for garnish. A silver fork rests on the left side of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear The Chicken For Flavor

Start by cutting your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and seasoning them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat, then cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on the outside — about 5 minutes. I find this step locks in moisture and adds a lovely depth of flavor. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Cook Rice and Broccoli Together

In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and uncooked rice. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer and cover tightly. After 6 minutes, stir in the fresh broccoli florets and cover again. The broccoli will steam perfectly as the rice finishes cooking during the next 9 minutes. If your rice isn't quite tender, just keep it covered and simmer for a few more minutes — patience here really pays off.

Step 3: Mix In The Creamy Goodness

Once the rice and broccoli are cooked and all the liquid is absorbed, keep the pot covered off the heat and let it sit for 10 minutes. This resting time helps set the casserole’s texture and keeps things from getting mushy. Now, add back the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, your optional seasonings, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is beautifully combined.

Step 4: Bake With Cheese & Cracker Topping

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover it, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter for that irresistible crunchy topping. Sprinkle it over the casserole and bake uncovered for another 10 minutes. The result? A bubbling, golden casserole that’s pure comfort on a plate.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this dish, I’ve learned a few tricks that consistently help it come out fantastic. Paying attention to the rice’s liquid and resting time makes a huge difference!

Rice Cooking Precision: Use chicken broth instead of water for cooking the rice to infuse extra flavor.
Rest Before Mixing: Letting the rice and broccoli sit covered off heat allows any excess liquid to absorb so your casserole isn’t soggy.
Fresh Cheese Matters: Shred your own cheddar from a block for better melt and flavor compared to pre-shredded bags.
Don’t Skip Topping: The buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a crunchy contrast that takes the whole dish from good to memorable.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

The image shows a white pan filled with two main layers: the bottom layer is bright green broccoli florets with a fresh and slightly textured look, evenly spread across the pan; the top layer is small, light beige cooked chicken pieces scattered over the broccoli, appearing tender with a smooth surface and a few visible black pepper specks. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives on top when serving. Not only does it add a pop of green color to complement the broccoli, but it also freshens each bite with a mild herbal note.

Side Dishes

This casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I like pairing it with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted root vegetables for extra veggies and texture contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family occasion, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of cheese and cracker crumbs for that personal touch. It's perfect for portion control and looks adorable on the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I cover it loosely with foil in the oven to keep the moisture in without losing the crispy topping.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully. I assemble but don’t bake it, then cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a bit more time since it’s chilled.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven, covered with foil. I usually add an extra 10 minutes or so depending on the portion size. If you want to crisp up the topping again, uncover for the last 5 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen broccoli for this casserole?

Absolutely! Frozen broccoli works great and is super convenient. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry beforehand. For softer texture, you might want to steam it quickly before mixing into the dish.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

No problem! You can make your own homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute with a béchamel sauce and some chicken stock for a fresh take. It does change the texture slightly but keeps the dish creamy and delicious.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to 2 days ahead and refrigerate it before baking. Just bring it to room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking and add extra baking time to ensure it heats through.

What’s the best way to get a crispy topping?

The secret to a crispy, golden topping is combining crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and baking uncovered during the last 10 minutes. Avoid covering the casserole during this step to let it crisp up nicely without steaming.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe has been a staple in my home because it’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Once you get the hang of cooking the rice just right and layering your flavors, it’s hard to go back. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—consider it comfort food with a little homemade love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way