Creamy Broccoli Chicken Rice Bake

Created on September 8th, 2025 at 06:17 pm

Cozy, cheesy comfort in every bite

If you’re craving warm, cheesy comfort food, this Creamy Broccoli Chicken Rice Bake is calling your name! It’s made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli all baked in a rich cream of chicken sauce and topped with melted cheese and buttery crackers. Perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting side dish at gatherings, this casserole comes together easily and satisfies everyone at the table. Whether you use rotisserie chicken or cook your own, this cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole with cream of chicken soup is a no-fail dinner winner. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want on repeat — easy prep, pantry-friendly, and oh-so satisfying! 🍽️✨

---

⏱️ Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 15–20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40–50 minutes
• Total Time: 55–70 minutes
• Servings: 6–8

---

📝 Ingredients List

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
• 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 ½ cups chicken stock
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

---

✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

• Large skillet or frying pan
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• 9×13 inch baking dish
• Foil

---

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

1. Prepare and Cook the Chicken

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper.
• In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Cook chicken for about 5 minutes, until golden and no longer pink. Remove and set aside.
  💡 Using rotisserie chicken? Skip the cooking step and save time!

2. Cook Rice and Broccoli

• In the same skillet, add chicken stock, olive oil, and rice.
• Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 6 minutes.
• Add broccoli florets, cover again, and simmer for 9 more minutes.
• If rice isn’t fully cooked, simmer another 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let stand covered for 10 minutes — don’t stir!

3. Combine Everything

• Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, half the cheese, thyme, and garlic powder.
• Mix until creamy and well combined. 🥄

4. Assemble the Casserole

• Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
• Pour in the mixture and spread evenly.
• Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
• Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

5. Add the Crunchy Topping

• Mix melted butter with crushed crackers.
• Remove foil and sprinkle topping over casserole.
• Bake uncovered for 10 minutes more, until golden and bubbly. 🧀

6. Cool and Serve

• Let casserole rest 5 minutes before serving.
• Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite! 🥦❤️

---

💡 Pro Tips

• Make Ahead: Assemble everything (except topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Add topping just before baking.
• Storage: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
• Freezer Tip: Freeze tightly wrapped portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.
• Vegetarian Option: Use chickpeas or tofu + cream of mushroom soup + veggie stock.

---

📊 Nutrition Table

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber	Sugar
1 plate	420	18g	35g	22g	4g	6g

Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.