Print

Comforting Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Easy Recipe with Ritz Topping

cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole - featured image
Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy chicken and broccoli rice casserole topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crumb topping, perfect for quick, comforting family meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets, fresh or frozen
  • 1½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 cup whole or 2% milk (or almond/oat milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted (plus extra for greasing and topping)
  • 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Cook the rice: In a medium saucepan, combine 1½ cups uncooked rice and 3 cups chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer, cover, and cook for 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed.
  3. Prepare the broccoli: If using frozen, thaw and drain excess water. If fresh, steam for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp.
  4. Mix the creamy base: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup milk, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste until smooth.
  5. Combine main ingredients: Add the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and broccoli into the creamy mixture. Fold in 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese and stir until evenly coated.
  6. Transfer to the baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
  7. Make the Ritz crumb topping: Crush about 1½ cups Ritz crackers finely and mix with 4 tablespoons melted butter until crumbs are moist and clump slightly.
  8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole surface.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and the topping is crisp and golden brown. Tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  10. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Avoid overcooking broccoli to maintain texture. If casserole seems dry after baking, stir in a splash of milk before serving. For gluten-free, substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed pork rinds. Leftovers reheat well in microwave or oven; broil briefly to crisp topping if needed.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, broccoli rice casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, Ritz topping, family meal

Find it online: https://katedishes.com/comforting-cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-easy-recipe-with-ritz-topping/