Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender rotisserie chicken, cheesy broccoli, and a crispy Cheez-It topping, it’s sure to please the whole family.

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 your rice according to package directions.
2. Step 2: Spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted broccoli, cooked rice, salt, and pepper to the baking dish.
4. Step 4: In a large bowl, stir together the hot water and Better Than Bouillon until fully combined.
5. Step 5: Add the condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, Tony’s Creole seasoning, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl.
6. Step 6: Whisk the mixture until smooth and fully combined.
7. Step 7: Pour the creamy sauce over the contents of the baking dish and stir gently to combine everything evenly.
8. Step 8: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top.
9. Step 9: Bake in the oven at 350°F for 30 minutes.
10. Step 10: While baking, combine the crushed Cheez-Its and melted butter in a bowl until well mixed.
11. Step 11: After 30 minutes of baking, remove the casserole and evenly sprinkle the buttery Cheez-Its over the top.
12. Step 12: Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
13. Step 13: Let the casserole set for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh broccoli if you prefer, lightly steamed before adding to the casserole.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or use spicy cheddar cheese.
• Swap Cheez-Its for crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a different crunchy topping.
• Leftover casserole reheats well and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking without the Cheez-It topping, then add the topping and bake fresh after thawing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before adding them. Rotisserie chicken just adds convenience and extra flavor.

What can I substitute for the Better Than Bouillon chicken base?

You can use chicken broth or bouillon powder, but adjust the salt accordingly. The base adds concentrated chicken flavor to the casserole.

Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 119 reviews

This Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty one-dish meal combining tender rotisserie chicken, fluffy rice, and nutritious broccoli, all baked to perfection with a creamy, flavorful sauce topped with a crispy buttery Cheez-Its crust. Ideal for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole balances ease of preparation with satisfying flavors.

• Author: Lara
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• 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

Sauce Ingredients

• 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

Toppings & Seasonings

• 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. 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. Combine Main Ingredients: In the baking dish, add chopped rotisserie chicken, defrosted broccoli florets, cooked rice, salt, and cracked black pepper. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
4. Make Bouillon Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot water and Better Than Bouillon roasted chicken base. Stir until fully dissolved and evenly mixed.
5. Add Sauce Components: 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 smooth and creamy with everything fully combined.
7. Combine Sauce and Casserole: Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the baking dish contents and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients well.
8. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
9. Bake Initial Phase: Place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for 30 minutes until bubbling and cheese begins to melt.
10. Prepare Crust Mixture: While baking, mix the crushed Cheez-Its and melted butter together in a bowl until evenly coated.
11. Add Crust Topping: Remove casserole from oven after 30 minutes and evenly sprinkle the buttery Cheez-Its mixture over the top.
12. Bake Final Phase: Return casserole to the oven and bake for another 5 to 10 minutes until the crust is golden and crispy.
13. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole set for 5 minutes out of the oven to firm up before serving. Enjoy your comforting meal!

Notes

• You can substitute fresh broccoli for frozen if preferred; just steam lightly before adding.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
• Adjust the amount of Cheez-Its topping based on your desired crust thickness.
• For a spicier kick, add more Tony’s Creole seasoning or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Cover the casserole loosely with foil during the initial bake if you want a moister dish.

Keywords: Broccoli chicken casserole, cheesy chicken rice bake, rotisserie chicken casserole, easy dinner casserole, comfort food casserole, one dish meal