Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy meal perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender rotisserie chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, it’s topped with a crunchy Cheez-It crust for added flavor and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 rotisserie chicken (chopped)
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked long grain rice
• 2–3 cups frozen broccoli florets (defrosted & cut into smaller pieces)
• 1 cup freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese
• 1 cup freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 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
• 4 tbsp butter (melted)
• 2 cups Cheez-Its (crushed)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the rice according to the package directions and set aside.
2. Step 2: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Step 3: In the prepared dish, combine the chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and cracked black pepper.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the hot water with the Better Than Bouillon until fully dissolved.
5. Step 5: To the same bowl, add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Whisk everything together until smooth and well combined.
6. Step 6: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and rice mixture in the baking dish, then stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Bake uncovered for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
9. Step 9: While the casserole bakes, mix the crushed Cheez-Its with the melted butter in a small bowl until well coated.
10. Step 10: After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the buttery Cheez-It mixture on top.
11. Step 11: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5–10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
12. Step 12: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly steamed broccoli if you prefer more vibrant texture and flavor instead of frozen.
• Substitute the Rotisserie chicken with leftover roast chicken or cooked chicken breast.
• For extra creaminess, add a little cream cheese or increase the sour cream slightly.
• Try different crunchy toppings such as crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs if you want to switch up the crust.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or bake in a 350°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes. The crunchy topping may soften after reheating, but the flavors will still be delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh broccoli instead of frozen?

Yes, fresh broccoli works well. Just steam it lightly before adding to the casserole to ensure it cooks fully and remains tender.

Is there a substitute for the Better Than Bouillon chicken base?

You can use chicken broth or stock instead. Use about 2 cups of broth in place of the hot water and bouillon, adjusting the salt to taste.

Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 80 reviews

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish perfect for family dinners. It combines tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and a blend of flavorful seasonings. Topped with crunchy buttery Cheez-Its and melted cheeses, this casserole offers a delightful texture contrast and a rich, satisfying taste.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 to 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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
• 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
• 4 tbsp butter, melted
• 2 cups Cheez-Its, crushed

Seasonings

• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Tony’s Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp cracked black pepper
• ½ tsp salt

Instructions

1. Cook Rice: Prepare the long grain rice according to the package directions until fully cooked and fluffy.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3. Add Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: Place the chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted and chopped broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and cracked black pepper into the prepared baking dish and mix lightly.
4. Make Broth Base: In a large bowl, combine the hot water and Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base. Stir thoroughly until fully dissolved.
5. Add Creamy Sauce Ingredients: To the same bowl, add condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
6. Whisk Sauce: Whisk all sauce ingredients together until completely combined and smooth.
7. Combine Sauce and Baking Dish Contents: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture in the baking dish. Stir gently to incorporate everything evenly.
8. Top with Colby Jack Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded colby jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake First Stage: Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and cheese melt.
10. Prepare Crust Topping: While baking, mix crushed Cheez-Its with melted butter in a small bowl until well combined.
11. Add Crust and Continue Baking: After the initial 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and evenly sprinkle the buttery crushed Cheez-Its on top. Return the casserole to the oven.
12. Bake Final Stage: Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
13. Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole set for 5 minutes outside the oven to firm up for easier serving. Enjoy warm!

Notes

• You can substitute fresh broccoli if preferred, just steam it lightly before adding.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken for convenience.
• If you prefer less salt, adjust seasoning or use a low-sodium bouillon paste.
• The crushed Cheez-Its topping gives a unique cheesy crunch; substitute with breadcrumbs if unavailable.
• Make sure to let the casserole rest after baking to allow it to settle and slice better.

Keywords: broccoli chicken rice casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, baked chicken and rice, rotisserie chicken casserole, easy dinner casserole, Cheez-Its topping casserole