Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with a crispy Cheez-It crust, it’s an easy meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken (chopped)
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked long grain rice
• 2-3 cups frozen broccoli florets (defrosted & cut into smaller pieces)
• 1 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 ½ tsp Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base
• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 cups Cheez-Its (crushed)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package directions.
2. Step 2: Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Step 3: In the prepared dish, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and black pepper.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, stir the hot water together with the Better Than Bouillon chicken base until fully dissolved.
5. Step 5: Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the creamy sauce over the ingredients in the baking dish and stir everything together until well mixed.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: While baking, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and melted butter in a small bowl.
11. Step 11: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole and evenly sprinkle the buttery Cheez-It mixture over the top.
12. Step 12: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
13. Step 13: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a firmer texture and brighter flavor.
• Substitute the rotisserie chicken with cooked shredded turkey or cooked sausage for variety.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle spicy kick.
• For extra creaminess, stir in a handful of cream cheese into the sauce mixture before baking.
• Try different cheese blends such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole covered with foil in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best texture, reheat uncovered during the last few minutes to crisp the topping.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it before baking. Add the crushed Cheez-It topping just before the final bake to keep it crispy.

What can I use if I don’t have Better Than Bouillon?

If you don’t have Better Than Bouillon, you can substitute with 2 ½ teaspoons of chicken bouillon granules or low-sodium chicken broth instead of hot water for a similar flavor.

Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 417 reviews

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy one-dish meal featuring tender rotisserie chicken, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy rice, all baked together in a creamy sauce and topped with a buttery, crispy Cheez-It crust. It’s perfect for an easy family dinner that combines convenience with delicious flavors.

• Author: Zane
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken, chopped
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked long grain rice
• 2–3 cups frozen broccoli florets, defrosted and cut into smaller pieces
• 1 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasoning

• 10.5 oz can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups hot water
• 2 ½ tsp Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Topping

• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cups Cheez-Its, crushed

Instructions

1. Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package directions until tender and fluffy. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Combine Main Ingredients: In the prepared baking dish, add the chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted and chopped broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir to mix evenly.
4. Make the Broth Base: In a large bowl, combine the hot water with the Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved.
5. Add Sauce Ingredients: To the same bowl, add the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk together until the sauce is smooth and completely combined.
6. Mix Sauce with Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture in the baking dish. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
7. Add a Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes.
9. Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated.
10. Add Topping and Continue Baking: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven. Evenly sprinkle the buttery crushed Cheez-Its over the top of the casserole, then return it to the oven.
11. Finalize Baking: Bake the casserole an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
12. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole set for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier slicing.

Notes

• Use a rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
• If fresh broccoli is preferred, steam it lightly before adding to the casserole.
• Adjust seasonings such as Tony’s Creole seasoning and salt according to taste preferences.
• For a crispier topping, broil the Cheez-It crust for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• This casserole can be prepared a day in advance; just add the topping before baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: broccoli chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, rice casserole, rotisserie chicken recipe, easy family dinner, baked chicken rice broccoli