Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe
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
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
- Cook the Rice: Cook the rice according to the package directions until tender and fluffy. Set aside.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add a Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30 minutes.
- Prepare Topping: While the casserole is baking, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and melted butter in a bowl until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- 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.
- Finalize Baking: Bake the casserole an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- 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