Description
This A Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake is the ultimate comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, cheesy sauce all baked to golden perfection. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
2 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped
3 cups cooked white rice
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
In a pot of boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for just 1-2 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Immediately drain them and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the cooked chicken, cooked white rice, lightly cooked broccoli, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture. Stir carefully to coat everything evenly without breaking down the rice or chicken too much.
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crushed Ritz cracker and butter mixture.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Notes
Using pre-cooked chicken breast, whether leftover or rotisserie chicken, makes this bake incredibly quick and convenient. Ensure it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Fresh broccoli florets are key here. A quick blanch or steam ensures they are tender-crisp and vibrant green without becoming mushy in the bake.
Cooked white rice is the perfect canvas. Day-old rice often works best as it’s a bit drier and less likely to clump.
This is the foundation of our creamy sauce. A good quality soup will lend a rich, savory depth to the entire dish.
Adds a lovely tang and extra creaminess, balancing the richness of the soup and cheese.
Helps to thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency, making it spreadable and coating all the ingredients.
The sharpness of the cheddar cuts through the richness and adds a wonderful, melty quality. Shredding your own cheese from a block often results in a better melt than pre-shredded varieties.
These pantry staples provide a subtle but essential layer of savory flavor that enhances the overall taste of the bake.
Essential for seasoning. Adjust to your preference.
This simple topping provides a wonderfully buttery, crisp contrast to the creamy casserole.
Feel free to swap out some of the cheddar for Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or a Colby blend for a slightly different flavor profile.
Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture. Just be sure to cook them down before adding them to the bake.
A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce mixed into the sauce can add a pleasant warmth.
If you don’t have Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs or even crushed butter crackers can be used for the topping, though the flavor will be slightly different.
Be gentle when combining the ingredients. You want to mix everything thoroughly, but avoid mashing the rice or chicken, which can make the bake gummy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: N/A
- Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Protein: N/A