The Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe is a wonderfully comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheddar in one golden, flavorful bake. This casserole is perfect for those evenings when you want something hearty, simple, and satisfying that can feed a crowd or provide delicious leftovers. The combination of rich cheese, savory chicken, and fresh green broccoli delivers not just incredible taste but also an inviting texture and color that makes the whole family smile at the dinner table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward having a truly delicious casserole. Each component plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor and creating the perfect cozy meal.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed crackers add a crispy, buttery topping that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior.
- Parmesan cheese: A touch of sharpness that enhances the crust’s savory depth.
- Unsalted butter: Essential for sautéing and adding richness without overpowering the dish.
- Smoked paprika: A subtle smoky note that brings warmth and complexity.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: The base liquid that cooks the rice and infuses every bite with gentle savory flavor.
- Long-grain white rice: Fluffy and tender grains that soak up all the deliciousness.
- Frozen broccoli: Convenient and nutritious, broccoli adds wonderful color and a slight crunch.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Classic seasonings to balance and brighten the dish.
- Ground sweet or mild curry powder: Adds an unexpected, warm spice accent for depth.
- Rotisserie chicken or boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, tender and flavorful, forming the hearty base.
- Olive or canola oil: For cooking the chicken and sautéing aromatics.
- Yellow onion: Sautéed to bring a sweet, savory foundation to the casserole.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for an aromatic punch.
- Half-and-half: A creamy component that binds everything together without heaviness.
- Shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese: Melty, cheesy goodness that envelopes the casserole in a golden, bubbly blanket.
How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken. If you have a rotisserie chicken, simply dice or shred it into bite-sized pieces to save time and add great flavor. If you’re using chicken breasts, season them generously with salt and pepper, then heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a skillet. Cook the breasts over medium heat for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Let them rest for a few minutes before cutting into cubes to keep the juices locked in.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until it fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma that hints at the comforting meal to come.
Step 3: Cook the Rice with Broth and Spices
Add the long-grain white rice to the skillet with the onion and garlic, stirring to coat the grains in buttery goodness. Pour in the chicken broth, then season with kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and mild curry powder. Stir everything well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Half-and-Half
Fold in the cooked chicken pieces and frozen broccoli, which will thaw as it cooks, releasing a fresh green pop of color and healthy nutrients. Pour in the half-and-half, stirring to create a creamy mixture that will blend perfectly once it bakes.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Assemble the Casserole
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar (or Gruyere). Pour the entire mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top to create that beautiful melted layer everyone loves.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and a pinch of smoked paprika. Scatter this crispy topping over the cheese layer. This combination will add a perfect golden crunch that complements the creamy casserole beneath.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set the flavors and make it easier to slice hearty portions.
How to Serve Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley or chives make a fantastic garnish, adding a burst of color and slight freshness that balances the rich flavors of the casserole. For extra zing, a light sprinkle of red pepper flakes can bring a gentle kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole stands beautifully on its own but pairs even better with a crisp side salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted vegetables like carrots and Brussels sprouts to add texture and contrast to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party or family gathering, serve the casserole in individual ramekins topped with the cracker mixture, then broiled quickly for personal, crunchy crowns. You could also layer this dish in a clear glass baking dish to show off the colorful layers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days, making for excellent next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
This Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Be sure to thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed throughout, which usually takes about 20 minutes. For a faster option, microwave individual portions, stirring halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh broccoli works just as well. Just steam or blanch it lightly before adding to the casserole to ensure it cooks thoroughly without becoming mushy.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even chickpeas, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a delicious vegetarian twist.
Can I use brown rice for this recipe?
Brown rice can be used but will require longer cooking time and more liquid. You may need to adjust the broth quantity and baking time to accommodate the denser grain.
What cheese works best for this casserole?
Cheddar brings a classic sharpness, but Gruyere adds a lovely nuttiness and melts beautifully. A blend of both cheeses creates the most balanced flavor and texture.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
Use melted butter generously in the cracker topping and consider broiling the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crunchy finish. Just keep a close eye to prevent burning!
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for that perfect comfort food to make weeknight dinners a joy, the Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe is your answer. It’s packed with flavor, incredibly satisfying, and simple enough for any home cook to master. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a beloved family favorite.
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Chicken and Rice Casserole with Broccoli and Cheddar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken and Rice Casserole combines tender shredded rotisserie chicken or sautéed chicken breasts with aromatic spices, creamy half-and-half, and melted cheddar or Gruyere cheese. It’s layered with broccoli and long-grain white rice, baked to a golden finish topped with a buttery Ritz cracker and Parmesan crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner that serves eight with minimal prep and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Base
- 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
- 4 tablespoons canola or olive oil, divided
Sautéed Aromatics
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½–1 medium sweet yellow onion, diced and sautéed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Cheese
- 1¼ cup half-and-half
- 2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese (or a blend of both)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If using rotisserie chicken, dice or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken breasts, season them with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate, cover with foil, and let rest for a few minutes before cutting into cubes.
- Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Sauté the diced sweet yellow onion until translucent and soft, about 3–5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine ingredients and cook rice: To the onions and garlic, add the long-grain rice, ground sweet or mild curry, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and toast the rice slightly for 1–2 minutes. Then pour in 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook according to rice package instructions until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in the frozen broccoli and cooked chicken, allowing the broccoli to warm through.
- Add dairy and cheese: Pour in the half-and-half and 2 cups shredded cheddar or Gruyere cheese into the rice mixture. Stir gently until the cheese is melted and the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan cheese, and melted unsalted butter. Mix well to form a crumbly topping.
- Assemble casserole: Transfer the creamy chicken and rice mixture into a greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the Ritz cracker and Parmesan crumb topping over the casserole.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 20–25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to set before serving. Enjoy your hearty and cheesy chicken and rice casserole!
Notes
- You can use either rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own chicken breasts according to the recipe instructions.
- Feel free to substitute broccoli with other vegetables like green beans or peas based on preference.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and substitute half-and-half with milk or a milk alternative.
- Make sure to keep the rice covered while cooking to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven or microwave.
