Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole - A cozy loaded dinner casserole made with chicken, broccoli and rice tossed in a creamy cheese sauce and finished with a crunchy cheddar topping. Serve as an easy family-friendly dinner.

My Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food perfect for any time of year. Not only is this casserole delicious, it's perfect for serving large crowds.

This casserole will serve about 6-8 people depending on everyone's appetite. You can double the recipe and bake two casseroles if you are cooking for a larger crowd.

Ingredients You Need To Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

Chicken Breast - We use about three cups of cooked chopped chicken which is equivalent to one pound. You can also use rotisserie chicken.

Rice - You'll need two cups of cooked white rice. We like to use jasmine rice but you can use basmati or your preference.

Broccoli - Use one pound of broccoli which is equivalent to 4-5 cups. You can use fresh or frozen.

Butter - We use butter in the cheese sauce and to lightly butter the ritz cracker topping.

All-Purpose Flour - Use regular all-purpose flour to make the roux for the cheese sauce.

Chicken Broth - The chicken broth goes into the cheese sauce. Vegetable broth or whole milk can be used in substitution.

Half and Half - Half and half goes into the cheese sauce. You can use whole milk as a substitute.

Cream Cheese - Use full fat or half fat cream these. This will give your cheese sauce and even creamier and delicious texture.

Cheese - Use mild or sharp cheddar cheese. You'll need 2 ½ cups.

Ritz Crackers - Crushed ritz crackers go on top of the casserole prior to baking. We use one cup crushed crackers which is equivalent to about a half roll.

Seasonings - Mustard, Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder.

How To Make Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Bring chicken breast to a boil in a large saucepan and cook until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees (about 10 minutes). When done, carefully remove chicken, let cool and cut into bite-size chunks. Or use 3 cups leftover rotisserie chicken.

Prepare cooked white rice in a rice cooker or on the stove by following package cooking instructions.

Add broccoli to a large skillet with one cup of water. Cover and cook until fork-tender but still crisp (about 10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Prepare the cheese sauce by adding butter to a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and seasonings. Slowly stir in chicken broth and half and half. Continue to whisk until sauce lightly thickens. Melt in cream cheese and mustard. Remove from heat and stir in 1 ¾ cups cheese.

In a small bowl combine melted butter and crushed ritz crackers.

Prepare your casserole by lightly greasing a 9x13 baking dish. Gently stir together rice, broccoli and chicken in a large bowl. Pour in cheese sauce and stir to combine. Dump mixture into casserole dish. Sprinkle top with remaining cheddar cheese and ritz crackers.

Bake casserole uncovered for 35 minutes. When done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tools You Need to Make A Casserole:

• Casserole Dish 
• Skillet 
• Saucepan or Dutch Oven 
• Cutting Board and Chef Knife 

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• Shepherd's Pie Recipe - My Shepherd's Pie casserole is made with ground beef, carrots, peas and onions in a flavor-packed gravy. Top with creamy, buttery mashed potatoes and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
• Tater Tot Sausage Breakfast Casserole - Super easy and delicious breakfast casserole made with sausage, peppers, onions, eggs and cheese topped with tater tots.