Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a fresh take on a classic! No canned soups, just real ingredients, all made in one pot just as fast.
author’s note
Modern Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!
My mom used canned cream soups all the time, so they’re pure nostalgia for me. It is satisfying to any cheesy, creamy casserole—especially with rice, chicken, and broccoli.
Tuna Casserole was a staple growing up, but chicken casserole? That was a big deal with nine of us to feed. Casseroles kept everyone happy!
Now, I’m giving the classic casserole a modern twist with a few updates:
- No Ritz Topping: Cracker toppings are great but messy. I’ll share how to add them if you want, but most of the time, I skip them!
- One-Pot Cooking: This entire casserole comes together in one pot in 30 mins or less!
- No Canned Soups: Ever wonder what’s really in those cans? Skipping them completely—no complicated cream sauce needed, just simple ingredients.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Tips or straightforward Swaps |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Boneless skinless chicken breasts cook quickly and stay tender. Rotisserie chicken also works great if you want to save time. |
| Long Grain Rice | Long grain or basmati rice cooks fluffy and separate. Avoid minute rice or short grain rice which can turn mushy. |
| Broccoli | Fresh broccoli works best. Chop it small so it cooks quickly with the rice. |
| Onion & Garlic | These add flavor to the base of the casserole and help replace the flavor normally found in canned soups. |
| Milk | Whole milk gives the creamiest sauce. |
| Chicken Broth | Adds savory flavor while the rice cooks and keeps the dish from feeling heavy. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Freshly shredded cheese melts much smoother than pre shredded cheese. |
What About A Ritz Cracker Topping?
I usually skip the topping, but for extra crunch on this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole, here’s how:
- Mix ¾ cup crushed Ritz or Panko with 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
- Heat the butter over medium-high, add the crumbs, and stir until lightly browned. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer.
chelsea’s recipe tip
Serve Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole With:
Pair your chicken and rice casserole with some satisfying sides to round out the meal:
- Everyday Salad: Toss some greens with your favorite dressing and whatever veggies you’ve got lingering in the fridge.
- Caesar Salad: This is a classic that always pairs well with a hearty casserole.
- Roasted Veggies: Yes, we’ve already got broccoli, but more is more when it comes to veggies, right?!
- Dinner Rolls: reliable for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Variations
Customizing Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
- Extras: Mix in mushrooms, peas, carrots, or any favorites.
- Protein Swaps: Use turkey, ham, or tuna. Crumbled bacon adds a savory crunch.
- Sour Cream: Adds tang, but the sauce is already rich—you may not need it.
Storage
Leftover Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole?
- Fridge: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a little milk or broth when reheating.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight, then warm on the stove with a little milk or broth.
Storage
