Chicken Broccoli Casserole Simple and Comforting Meal
**Introduction**
Warm, bubbly, and brimming with home-cooked goodness, Chicken Broccoli Casserole is the epitome of a hearty and comforting meal. This classic dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and creamy rice, all enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce and topped with a golden, buttery crunch. It’s a timeless recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, satisfying even the pickiest of eaters. What makes it truly special is its incredible simplicity and reliability. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you need a nourishing dinner on the table without fuss, for a potluck where you need to feed a crowd, or for a quiet weekend meal that soothes the soul. This is the kind of dependable, flavorful dish that becomes a cherished part of your family’s recipe rotation.
**Perfect for:**
Busy Weeknight Dinners
Comfort Food Cravings
Family Gatherings and Potlucks
Meal Prep for the Week
Using Up Leftover Chicken
**Why You’ll Love This Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe**
**Ultimate Comfort Food:** The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a crispy topping is universally loved. It’s a nostalgic, satisfying dish that provides a deep sense of comfort with every bite.
**Simple and Straightforward:** With minimal prep work and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole comes together without any complicated techniques. It’s an accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
**A Complete Meal in One Dish:** This casserole is a full meal by itself, featuring protein, vegetables, and grains all baked together in a single pan. This means less time cooking and even less time cleaning up.
**Excellent for Making Ahead:** You can assemble the entire casserole hours or even a day in advance and simply pop it in the oven when you’re ready. It also stores and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for planned leftovers.
**Preparation and Cooking Time**
Total Time: 50 minutes
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 480-520 calories
**Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Estimate):**
**Calories:** 480-520 kcal
**Protein:** 35g
**Carbohydrates:** 35g
**Fat:** 22g
**Fiber:** 3g
**Sugar:** 5g
**Nutritional Disclaimer**
aileen recipes is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
**Ingredients**
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (from a rotisserie chicken or about 2 breasts)
* 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
* 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice
* 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* ½ teaspoon black pepper
* ½ teaspoon salt
* 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed (about 1 sleeve)
* 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
**Step-by-Step Instructions**
1. **Preheat and Prepare:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. **Par-Cook the Broccoli:** Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
3. **Combine the Base:** In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, par-cooked broccoli, and uncooked rice.
4. **Make the Sauce:** In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. **Assemble the Casserole:** Pour the sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
6. **Add the Topping:** Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
7. **Bake:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
8. **Rest and Serve:** Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly for easier serving.
**How to Serve Chicken Broccoli Casserole**
**As a Standalone Main Course:** This casserole is a complete meal with protein, veg, and starch, needing no accompaniment other than a spoon.
**With a Fresh Side Salad:** A simple salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich and creamy casserole.
**Alongside Fresh Bread:** A warm, crusty baguette or soft dinner rolls are perfect for scooping up every last bit of the creamy sauce.
**For a Potluck or Holiday Meal:** This dish is a crowd-pleaser that travels well and can easily be doubled to feed a larger group.
**Additional Tips for Chicken Broccoli Casserole**
* To save time, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store.
* Ensure the broccoli is only par-cooked. It will finish cooking in the oven, and this prevents it from becoming mushy.
* If the topping is browning too quickly, loosely place a sheet of foil over the top for the remainder of the baking time.
* For a deeper flavor, you can substitute 1 cup of sautéed sliced mushrooms for one cup of the broccoli.
**Recipe Variations of Chicken Broccoli Casserole**
**Gluten-Free Version:** Use a certified gluten-free cream of chicken soup and substitute the Ritz crackers with crushed gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
**”Everything” Version:** Add 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (thawed) to the mixture along with the broccoli for extra color and vegetables.
**Cheesy Bacon Version:** Stir ½ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the casserole filling and sprinkle another ¼ cup on top with the cracker crumbs for a smoky, savory twist.
**Freezing and Storage for Chicken Broccoli Casserole**
**Storage:** Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through.
**Freezing:** Assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed, adding 10-15 minutes to the covered baking time if needed.
**FAQ Section about Chicken Broccoli Casserole**
**Can I use frozen broccoli?**
Yes, you can. There is no need to thaw it completely; just make sure to break up any large clumps before mixing it in. You may need to add a minute or two to the baking time.
**Do I have to precook the rice?**
No, that is the beauty of this recipe. The uncooked rice absorbs moisture from the sauce and broth as it bakes, becoming perfectly tender and infusing it with flavor.
**Why is my casserole still watery after baking?**
This can happen if the casserole hasn’t baked long enough for the rice to fully absorb the liquid, or if it wasn’t given time to rest after coming out of the oven. Letting it sit for 10 minutes is crucial for the sauce to set.
**Conclusion of Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe**
Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a reliable, comforting classic that never goes out of style. Its creamy, cheesy interior and satisfyingly crunchy topping create a perfect textural harmony, while its straightforward preparation makes it a stress-free choice for any day of the week. This dish is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something truly wonderful and deeply satisfying. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will earn its place in your kitchen as a trusted recipe you’ll return to for years to come, always delivering warmth and comfort straight from the oven to your table.