This simple, flavorful, and easy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is an old-fashioned classic! You just can't beat the convenience of a make-ahead one dish meal, complete with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, white rice, and cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce made from cream of mushroom soup. Top it off with Ritz crackers and serve it alongside a simple green salad or a basket of buttermilk biscuits! Show
This Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the ultimate in family-friendly dinners! The creamy, cheesy, dish takes advantage of simple, wholesome ingredients for a flavorful meal that you can assemble in advance. It's a basic dish that can be tweaked in a variety of ways to suit your family’s taste preferences and schedule. Use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken or baked chicken — anything goes. The kids will go crazy for the creamy dish that's finished with a buttery, crunchy Ritz cracker topping! IngredientsThis is just a quick overview of the simple ingredients that you'll need for an old fashioned Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole. As always, specific measurements and complete cooking instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Can you put uncooked chicken in a casserole?While it's possible to cook a casserole with raw chicken, you'll need cooked chicken for this recipe, and a variety of options will work. Pick the most convenient method for you:
Do I cook the rice before adding it to the casserole?Yes! This recipe calls for 2 cups of cooked long-grain white rice. You can boil your own rice on the stovetop, use leftovers from a previous meal, or cook parboiled rice (such as Uncle Ben's Ready Rice) in the microwave for a shortcut. If using the microwaveable rice or Minute Rice, cook the rice according to the package instructions before using it in this casserole. Do you have to cook broccoli before putting it in a casserole?Yes, if you're starting with fresh broccoli florets as called for in this recipe, you'll need to pre-cook the broccoli slightly before adding it to the casserole. This way it will be nice and tender by the time the casserole heats through. For a shortcut, you can use thawed frozen baby broccoli florets, which are soft enough when thawed so that you don't need to steam or pre-cook them before just adding them to the dish. The baby florets are also small enough that you don't need to chop them. Just thaw, drain, and stir into the casserole! How to Make Chicken Broccoli and Rice CasseroleWhile we love a made-from-scratch chicken casserole, there are many busy nights when we just need quicker, easier solutions. That's where this dish comes in! Thanks to help from a handful of store-bought shortcuts like condensed cream of mushroom soup and rotisserie chicken, the casserole comes together in about 20 minutes.
What to Serve with Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken CasseroleThis classic chicken casserole goes well with just about any of your favorite sides. Here are a few easy options to try:
Preparation and Storage
Recipe Variations for Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Tips for the Best Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole Recipe
More Chicken Casserole Recipes to Try
Chicken Broccoli and Rice CasseroleThis simple, flavorful, and easy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is an old-fashioned classic! Course Dinner Cuisine American Keyword cheesy chicken broccoli and rice casserole, chicken broccoli and rice casserole, chicken casserole Prep Time 20 minutes Cook Time 25 minutes Total Time 45 minutes Servings 4 - 6 people Calories 429kcal
Serving: 1/6 of the casserole | Calories: 429kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 87mg | Sodium: 716mg | Potassium: 407mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 675IU | Vitamin C: 29mg | Calcium: 285mg | Iron: 2mg This recipe was originally published in March, 2014. It was updated in December, 2021. Does broccoli need to be cooked before casserole?Broccoli: The broccoli need to be partially cooked before adding it to the casserole. Put the broccoli in a large pot and add about two cups of water. Bring the water to a boil, add the lid, turn the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain the water from the broccoli.
Do you put eggs in broccoli casserole?Made with broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, bacon, milk, cream, and eggs, this broccoli casserole recipe is great for brunch, lunch, or dinner! Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019.
How do you make broccoli casserole with Ritz crackers?Preparation. Heat oven to 350°F.. Mix broccoli, VELVEETA and half the cracker crumbs until well blended.. Spoon into 2-qt. baking dish. Mix remaining cracker crumbs and butter; sprinkle over broccoli mixture.. Bake 45 min. or until heated through.. What side dishes go with chicken casserole?14 Fun Side Dishes for Chicken Casserole. Lemon Pepper Roasted Broccoli.. Lemon Almond Asparagus.. Lemon-Sesame Green Beans.. Salad.. Fruit Salad.. Applesauce.. Chutney-Glazed Carrots.. |