Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake
Welcome to a comforting world of Cheesy Broccoli Chicken, a hearty casserole that combines juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheddar.
Ingredients
Butter (2 tbsp)
- Adds richness while sautéing or warming chicken.
Chicken (about 2 cups, cubed or shredded)
- Use fresh or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp)
- Infuses the dish with a blend of dried herbs.
Salt & Pepper (to taste)
- Essential seasonings to enhance flavor.
Chicken Broth (2½ cups)
- Cooks the rice and brings savory depth.
Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
- Prevents rice from sticking and contributes a slight richness.
White Long-Grain Rice (1¼ cups, uncooked)
- Absorbs the tasty liquids forming a hearty base.
Broccoli Florets (2 cups, fresh)
- Provides a pop of color and nutrients.
Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz can)
- The creamy comforting core of the casserole.
Milk (½ cup)
- Adds smoothness to the sauce.
Sour Cream (½ cup)
- Contributes a slight tang balancing the richness.
Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided)
- Melts into a gooey topping and flavors the interior.
Optional: Thyme (½ tsp), Garlic Powder (½ tsp)
- Sprinkle for extra herbal or garlicky nuance.
Topping
- Crushed Ritz Crackers 1 cup
- Melted Butter 2 tbsp
Instructions
Preheat & Prep
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh chicken, cube it and toss with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Cook Chicken (If Fresh)
- Melt butter in a pot over medium heat. Cook chicken until golden, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Start Rice
- In the same pot, bring chicken broth and olive oil to a boil.
- Stir in rice, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer 6 minutes.
Add Broccoli
- Lift the lid, add broccoli florets, cover again.
- Cook about 9 more minutes until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
Assemble the Casserole
- Turn off heat. Gently stir in cooked chicken (or rotisserie chicken), condensed soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half the cheddar cheese.
- Spoon into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top.
Bake & Top
- Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, mix crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Uncover, add cracker topping, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Serve & Savor
- Let it rest for 5 minutes. Dish up and enjoy the creamy, cheesy harmony of chicken and broccoli.
Notes
Use Sharp Cheddar
For extra bold flavor, opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It cuts through the creamy sauce, amplifying that signature cheesy taste while balancing the mild chicken and broccoli.
For extra bold flavor, opt for sharp or extra-sharp cheddar. It cuts through the creamy sauce, amplifying that signature cheesy taste while balancing the mild chicken and broccoli.