Broccoli Rice Chicken Cheese Bake Recipe
This Broccoli Rice Chicken Cheese Bake is a comforting, one-pot casserole featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli, all smothered in melted cheese. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it’s a hearty, family-friendly dish that’s both simple to make and satisfyingly delicious.
Equipment
- Sharp knife
- Oven
- Large pot
- Baking dish
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1¼ cup white long grain rice, uncooked
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 10½ oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncookedSalt/Pepper, to taste
- 2½ chicken broth
Casserole Topping
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
Optional Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat and cook the chicken until golden on all sides, about 5 minutes.
- Set the chicken aside.
- In the same pot, combine chicken broth, olive oil, and rice.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.
- Add the broccoli, cover again, and cook for an additional 9 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender.
- Return the chicken to the pot, stir in cheese, and mix well.
- Transfer everything to a baking dish and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and skip the initial sautéing step.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream before baking.
- Swap white rice for brown rice, but adjust the cooking time accordingly.