Chicken and Rice Casserole Recipe

This Chicken and Rice Casserole is a true weeknight superhero – creamy, comforting, and bursting with flavor in every bite! The combination of tender chicken, fluffy rice, and perfectly cooked broccoli comes together under a crispy, buttery cracker topping that will make everyone at your table ask for seconds. Best of all, it takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect solution for busy evenings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Family-Friendly Comfort Food: This casserole brings together universally loved ingredients in one dish. Even picky eaters won’t be able to resist the cheesy goodness and crispy topping!
• Time-Saving Shortcut Options: Using rotisserie chicken cuts your prep time significantly, and you can even prepare components ahead of time for an even quicker assembly.
• Versatile and Adaptable: Don’t have broccoli? No problem! This forgiving recipe works beautifully with whatever vegetables or cheese varieties you have on hand.
• Complete Meal in One Dish: With protein, vegetables, and grains all in one casserole, you don’t need to worry about preparing separate side dishes – though a simple salad pairs wonderfully if you’d like!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ritz crackers: Creates that irresistible golden, buttery crunch on top that takes this casserole to the next level.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory note to the topping that complements the creaminess below.
• Butter: Brings everything together and helps create that perfect crispy topping texture.
• Paprika: That touch of smoky flavor that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is!
• Chicken broth: Forms the flavorful foundation for cooking the rice, infusing it with savory goodness.
• Long-grain white rice: The perfect canvas for soaking up all the delicious flavors while maintaining its texture.
• Frozen broccoli: Adds color, nutrition, and texture without requiring any pre-cooking.
• Sweet curry powder: Just enough to add depth without overpowering; it’s the unexpected flavor that makes this casserole special.
• Rotisserie chicken: The time-saving hero that brings pre-cooked, seasoned protein to the dish.
• Onion and garlic: The aromatic base that builds layers of flavor throughout the casserole.
• Half-and-half: Creates the creamy, velvety sauce that binds everything together.
• Cheese: Whether you choose cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend, the melty cheese brings richness and comfort to every bite.

Variations

Different Protein Options

Try swapping the chicken for leftover turkey after Thanksgiving, or use ham for a different flavor profile. For a seafood twist, cooked shrimp or canned tuna can be delicious alternatives.

Vegetable Swap-Outs

Not a broccoli fan? Try cauliflower, peas, asparagus, or mixed vegetables instead. For a heartier version, mushrooms add wonderful umami flavor and meaty texture.

Make It Spicy

Add a kick with a pinch of red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a few dashes of hot sauce mixed into the casserole before baking.

Gluten-Free Version

Use gluten-free crackers for the topping and ensure your broth is gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients naturally fit a gluten-free diet.

How to Make Chicken and Rice Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Topping

Mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and smoky paprika in a bowl until well combined. This simple mixture creates that irresistible golden crust that makes everyone fight for the corner pieces!

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Broccoli Base

Bring your chicken broth to a boil, then add rice, frozen broccoli, salt, pepper, and curry powder. After a quick stir, cover the pot, reduce the heat, and let it simmer until tender – about 20 minutes. This one-pot cooking method infuses the rice with flavor while perfectly steaming the broccoli.

Step 3: Prepare the Chicken

If using rotisserie chicken, simply shred or cube the meat. For chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, then cook in oil for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest before cutting into bite-sized pieces for maximum juiciness.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet used for the chicken, sauté diced onions until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 30 seconds. These aromatics will build a flavor foundation for your casserole.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Mix your cooked rice and broccoli with the chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, half-and-half, and shredded cheese. The hot rice mixture will help melt the cheese, creating a creamy, cohesive filling.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, sprinkle with the cracker topping, and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbling. The aroma will have everyone gathering in the kitchen before the timer even goes off!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Toast the Rice: For extra flavor, sauté the dry rice in a little butter before adding the broth.
• Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: Since it will continue cooking in the oven, you want it just tender when mixing with the rice.
• Layer Your Cheese: Reserve some cheese to sprinkle on top before adding the cracker mixture for an extra gooey middle layer.
• Let It Rest: Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking to set up properly, making it easier to serve neat portions.
• Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Buy rotisserie chicken specifically for this recipe, and use the carcass to make homemade broth for your next casserole!

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

This casserole shines alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables or steamed green beans also make excellent accompaniments.

Bread Options

Warm dinner rolls, crusty bread, or garlic bread are perfect for sopping up the creamy sauce that makes this dish so irresistible.

Beverage Suggestions

A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complements the creamy flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lemon or iced tea works wonderfully.

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead Options

Prepare the casserole up to the baking stage, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, simply add the topping and bake, adding about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve overnight, making this a fantastic meal prep option.

Freezing Instructions

Freeze the unbaked casserole (without the cracker topping) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the fresh topping, and bake as directed, adding extra time as needed.

Reheating Tips

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger amounts, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. Add a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry.

FAQs

Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice requires a longer cooking time and more liquid, so increase the broth to 5 cups and cook the rice for 35-40 minutes before adding the other ingredients. The nuttier flavor adds a wonderful dimension to the casserole.

How can I make this casserole healthier?
Try using brown rice, increasing the vegetables, reducing the cheese by half, and using milk instead of half-and-half. The Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for some of the half-and-half, adding protein while maintaining creaminess.

Can I assemble this casserole the night before?
Yes! This casserole is perfect for prepping ahead. Assemble everything except the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Add the fresh topping just before baking and extend the cooking time by 10-15 minutes since you’re starting with cold ingredients.

My family doesn’t like broccoli – what can I substitute?
No problem! Cauliflower, peas, green beans, or mixed vegetables all work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure they’re cut into bite-sized pieces and, if using frozen, that they’re thawed and drained well to prevent excess moisture.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken and Rice Casserole isn’t just a meal – it’s a warm hug at the end of a long day. With its perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and that irresistible crunchy topping, it’s the kind of dish that creates memories around the dinner table. Whether you’re feeding a family on a busy weeknight or bringing comfort to a friend in need, this recipe delivers satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try tonight – your kitchen will smell amazing, and your taste buds will thank you!

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