Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole – If you’re in search of a hearty, comforting dish. Perfect for any family dinner. Look no further than this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole. Packed with tender chicken. Creamy cheese. And fresh broccoli. This recipe promises a delicious. And satisfying meal.

The first time I made this casserole. It was a chilly evening. That demanded something warm. And filling. As I watched the cheese bubble. And the aromas filled the kitchen. My excitement grew. The true test came when my husband. And our little one. Took their first bites. The smiles. And quick reach for seconds. These were all the reviews I needed. Now, it’s our go-to comfort meal. That brings everyone to the table. Eager and happy.

What makes this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole truly stands out?

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole stands out. For its ease of preparation. And adaptability. Making it ideal for busy weeknights. Or using up leftovers. The dish combines. The comforting flavors of tender chicken, creamy cheddar, and fresh broccoli. In a dish that cooks up quickly. And pleases a crowd. Its versatility also allows for modifications. Such as substituting different vegetables or proteins. Ensuring it can be a favorite. For any family’s taste preferences.

What You Need To Make This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Butter: Starts everything off by adding richness. And helping to cook the chicken perfectly.

Chicken: Use either fresh or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. To make the dish hearty. And filling.

Italian Seasoning: This blend of herbs. Adds a touch of Italian flair to the dish.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for enhancing. All the other flavors in the casserole.

Chicken Broth: Helps cook the rice. And adds depth to the overall taste.

Olive Oil: Prevents the rice from sticking. And contributes a slight richness.

Rice: White long-grain rice is ideal. For soaking up all the delicious flavors. And keeping the texture light.

Broccoli: Adds a burst of color. And packs a nutritional punch.

Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: The key to the creamy texture. Making the casserole smooth. And rich.

Milk and Sour Cream: These ingredients soften the richness with their creamy, tangy notes.

Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the casserole. For that irresistible cheesy goodness.

Optional Seasonings (Thyme & Garlic Powder): Give an extra layer of flavor. To tailor the dish to your taste.

Steps To Make Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole:

Step 1: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden. Remove and set aside if using uncooked chicken.

Step 3: Pour in the chicken broth and olive oil, add the rice, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook for 6 minutes. Then, add the broccoli and continue to cook covered until the rice is tender.

Step 4: Stir in the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese. Transfer everything into a greased casserole dish, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top, and bake covered for 15 minutes.

Step 5: For the topping, mix the melted butter with crushed crackers and sprinkle over the casserole. Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Tip:

For an even creamier texture. And a boost of flavor. Try using sharp. Or extra sharp cheddar cheese. The stronger cheese flavor. Complements the mildness of the chicken. And broccoli beautifully. Additionally, you can slightly undercook the broccoli. Before adding it to the casserole. This way. It retains a bit more crunch. And vibrant color. Providing a pleasant textural contrast. To the creamy rice and chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this casserole vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken. For a plant-based protein. Like tofu. Or a mix of additional vegetables. Like carrots and peas.

What can I use instead of Ritz crackers for the topping?

You can use any cracker you like. Or even breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of parmesan. For a crunchier texture.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the casserole without the topping. Cover. And refrigerate. Add the topping just before baking. To keep it crisp.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole

This Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole. Is like a warm hug. On a cool evening. Imagine tender chunks of chicken. And fresh, bright broccoli. Nestled in a bed of fluffy rice. All smothered in a rich, velvety cheddar sauce. Every bite. Is a delightful mix of creamy texture. And comforting flavors. Perfect for gathering the family. Around the dinner table. It’s not just a meal. It’s a moment to pause. And savor the simple joys. Of homemade comfort food.

5 from 1 vote

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 50 minutes minutes

Total Time: 1 hour hour

Servings: 6 PEOPLE

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 c diced rotisserie chicken
• 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 1/2 c chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1/4 c white long grain rice uncooked
• 2 c fresh broccoli florets uncooked
• 10.5 ounces Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• ½ c milk
• ½ c sour cream
• 2 c shredded cheddar cheese separated

Optional Seasonings:

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Casserole Topping:

• 1 c Ritz crackers crushed
• 2 tbsp melted butter

Instructions

• Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F.

Prepare the Chicken:

• If using fresh chicken. Cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
• In a pot. Melt butter over medium heat. Cook the chicken. Until golden brown. About 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• If using rotisserie chicken. Skip the cooking step. And just prepare it for the casserole.

Cook the Rice:

• In the same pot. Add chicken broth and olive oil. Bring to a boil.
• Add rice. Reduce heat. Simmer covered for 6 minutes.
• Add broccoli. Cover again. Continue cooking for 9 more minutes. Or until the rice is tender. And the liquid is absorbed.

Combine Ingredients:

• Turn off the heat. Mix in the cooked chicken (if using rotisserie chicken, add it now), cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.

Assemble the Casserole:

• Transfer the mixture. To a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Bake:

• Cover the dish. And bake for 15 minutes.
• While it bakes. Prepare the topping by mixing crushed crackers with melted butter.
• Remove the cover. Add the cracker topping. Bake uncovered. For an additional 10 minutes. Until the topping is golden.

Serve:

• Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving. To set the flavors and texture.

Notes

To enjoy a gluten-free version. Of this Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Casserole. You’ll need to make a couple of simple swaps. First, replace the regular condensed cream of chicken soup. With a gluten-free alternative. Which is readily available in most health food sections. At grocery stores. For the topping. Instead of using Ritz crackers. Opt for your favorite gluten-free crackers. Crush them up. For that delightful crunch. Lastly, ensure that your chicken broth. And any other packaged ingredients. Are certified gluten-free. With these adjustments. You can relish this comforting casserole. Without any gluten concerns. Keeping the same delicious taste. And texture. That everyone can enjoy!