Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole brings caramelized onions, sweet garlic, and sautéed chicken together with long grain rice and steamed fresh broccoli in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, all topped with a buttery cracker topping. This no canned soup recipe requires a little more effort, but with some helpful tips, even the novice cook can handle this comfort food recipe. My family just loves this recipe, and it is always a welcome dish, even with my picky son.
I am not a huge fan of cream-of-anything soup, including cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup. I have never been. To me, they taste so bland, so I like to make my sauces from scratch. King Ranch Chicken, Salisbury Steak, and Chicken a la King are just a few of our favorite recipes made without canned soup.
How to make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Start by melting a little butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Then add the onions and sauté for a few minutes. Next, add the chicken and cook until browned, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Work in batches with the chicken cooking it on one side of the pan and the onions on the other side. Plate the cooked chicken as you go. Then add the garlic, cooking for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the chicken, onions, and garlic.
Meanwhile, add the water, butter, salt, and long-grain rice to a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook until boiling and then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Then steam the broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Now melt the butter in the same skillet over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously while cooking for 2-3 minutes. Then add the crushed red pepper, onion powder, dried marjoram, and dried thyme. Next, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, alternating between the two. Continue whisking and cooking until smooth and slightly thickened. Then turn the heat to low and whisk in 1 1/4 cups cheddar. Now add the cooked chicken, cooked rice, and steamed broccoli and stir to coat.
Spoon 1/2 the chicken mixture into a baking dish and top with 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Then spoon the rest of the chicken mixture in and top with the remaining cheese. Combine the crackers and melted butter. Now sprinkle it over the casserole and bake.
Recipe notes and helpful tips
- Cut the chicken into thin bite-size pieces, so it cooks evenly and quickly.
- The onions and chicken can be cooked at the same time by pushing the onions off to one side of the pan and working in batches with the chicken. If needed, add a little butter or olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Brown rice can be substituted for the white rice.
- Cook the rice and broccoli at the same time right in a steamer over the rice pot. It only takes about 5 minutes, so add the steamer basket full of broccoli to the pot as soon as you turn it to simmer. Cover and steam until tender. Then remove from the rice pot and cover the rice pot with the lid. Work quickly so as not to interrupt the rice cooking.
- Use good quality cheddar cheese and grate it fresh. The expense and effort are well worth the added flavor.
- Other veggies to add to this recipe include mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini.
- You could also top the casserole with cornflakes, panko bread crumbs, or Italian breadcrumbs.
- For a low-carb keto casserole, leave out the rice and make it chicken broccoli casserole.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in a heavy-duty container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave at a reduced power level.
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes, you can but be sure to thaw it and remove any excess moisture. Frozen broccoli is already blanched, so there is really no reason to steam it.
Can I use already-cooked rotisserie chicken?
This is a great time saver, and these delicious rotisserie chickens are available almost everywhere. Simply remove the skin and cut about 2 cups of chicken off the bone into bite-size pieces. Then stir it into the cheese sauce with the onions, garlic, broccoli, and rice.
Can this casserole be prepped in advance?
This dish can be prepped up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the fridge. However, hold off the mixing of the crackers and butter until right before baking. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 30 -40 minutes before baking to bring it to room temperature. Then add the buttery cracker topping and bake.
More chicken recipes you will love!
Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
A scrumptious cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole made from scratch without canned creamed soup and topped with a buttery cracker topping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: main meal chicken
- Method: stovetop/bake
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1.5 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breast cut in bite sizes pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice
- 4 cups broccoli florets cut in bite size pieces
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried marjoram
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 ¼ cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers crushed (32 crackers)
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and cook for 2 minutes. Move the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken and cook until browned, flipping halfway through to brown both sides. Work in batches with the chicken, removing the cooked pieces to a plate and stirring the onions on the other side of the skillet. Once all the chicken has been cooked, add the garlic; cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Plate the onions and garlic.
- Meanwhile, add the water, butter, salt, and long-grain rice to a saucepan. Heat until boiling, and then cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the water is absorbed. Steam the broccoli on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously while cooking for 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed red pepper, onion powder, dried marjoram, and dried thyme. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, alternating between the two. Continue whisking and cooking until smooth and slightly thickened. Turn the heat to low and whisk in 1 1/4 cups of cheddar. Add the cooked chicken, rice, and broccoli and stir to coat.
- Spoon 1/2 the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish and top with 1/2 cup cheddar. Spoon the rest of the chicken mixture in and top with the remaining cheese. Combine the crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle it over the casserole and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is browned and the cheese is melted.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into thin bite-size pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly.
- The onions and chicken can be cooked at the same time by pushing the onions off to one side of the pan and working in batches with the chicken. If needed, add a little butter or olive oil to keep the chicken from sticking.
- Brown rice can be substituted for the white rice.
- Cook the rice and broccoli at the same time right in a steamer over the rice pot. It only takes about 5 minutes, so add the steamer basket full of broccoli to the pot as soon as you turn it to simmer. Cover and steam until tender. Then remove from the rice pot and cover the rice pot with the lid. Work quickly so as not to interrupt the rice cooking.
- Use good quality cheddar cheese and grate it fresh. The expense and effort are well worth the added flavor.
- Other veggies to add to this recipe include mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini.
- You could also top the casserole with cornflakes, panko bread crumbs, or Italian breadcrumbs.
- For a low-carb keto casserole, leave out the rice and make it chicken broccoli casserole.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Freeze in a heavy-duty container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave at a reduced power level.
Keywords: chicken broccoli cheese rice casserole, chicken and broccoli casserole, chicken and broccoli, chicken rice casserole
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Johna
Man. This was tasty! My husband grilled the chicken, otherwise I pretty well followed this recipe to a T & it turned out perfectly!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Johna! So glad that you liked it!
Karen
Could you add another vegetable with the broccoli,, like zucchini?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you can but I think I would saute the zucchini just a little bit. Steaming zucchini makes it too soft. You could saute the broccoli as well with the zucchini instead of steaming it.
Wendy
No salty canned soup, easy, flavorful chicken and rice casserole from scratch. I’ve tried many versions of this recipe and this one is a keeper!
It was a thumbs up from my family of seven.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Wendy! So happy that you and your family liked it!
Rosey
Broccoli is a veggie that holds up nicely in a casserole too. I’d like to try this, sounds good.
Risa Lopez
Thank you for sharing your own recipe. I can’t wait to try it! It looks so flavorful.
★★★★★
Melanie E
It is both tasty, and easy to make. Thanks for the great recipe. I will make it again soon.
★★★★★
Tammy
Such a comforting meal and perfect for the whole family. I love casseroles and they are even better leftover. Perfect dinner idea for the weekend 😀
★★★★★
Natasha Mairs
This recipe sounds so nice. Will give this a try, but change the chicken for Quorn,
Rhian Westbury
I’m not the biggest fan of broccoli but as a base to add other things to this sounds and looks really tasty. My fiance would love this just as it is x
Lisa
I’d never think of putting together chicken rice and broccoli together in a casserole but it was scrumptious. It was easy enough to make for a weeknight meal.
★★★★★
Talya Stone
Oh my this looks so good! Wondering whether you think we would be able to make this with rice alternatives like red rice of lentil rice? I might try and see.
Beth Pierce
I am not sure. Please let us know the results if you try.
Samantha Donnelly
This was absolutely yummy. I don’t like cream of anything soup either. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe. I will make this again.
★★★★★
Luna S
This is one of my favorite dishes, I love how easy it is to make and how filling it is. Thanks for the great recipe.
Stephanie
My family loves everything in this casserole! What a perfect dinner, I can’t wait to try it.
★★★★★
Karen
Sounds delicious. Do you use old cheddar cheese? (or mild or medium?)
Beth Pierce
You can use any of those but I like medium and sharp best.
WanderlustBeautyDreams
This looks divine and easy to make! I think I well attempt to make this tomorrow since I have the ingredients in hand. This is the perfect Sunday comfort food recipe!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! I sure hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ntensibe Edgar
Nnniiiccceeeee….this is a completely new one to me! I love the sound of it, in my mind. Thanks for sharing your recipe.
Kristy Bullard
This casserole is so good! I make this at least once a week – it is so delicious and the perfect comfort food!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kristy! So glad that you like it!
briannemanzb
I always get fresh broccoli from my sister’s farm and sometimes I don’t know what to do with them. This is such a great recipe. I will have to try it.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!!
Eileen M Loya
I saved your recipe. I am making this casserole next weekend when my sister comes over to visit. I am sure she will be super impressed with this dish.
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Eileen! Enjoy!
Melanie Edjourian
This was a delicious casserole. My family really enjoyed it!
★★★★★
Neely Moldovan
Oh this sounds so yummy! We love a good casserole!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! Enjoy!
Caroline
I love chicken broccoli rice casserole. It’s one of my favorite dishes
Mahy
I’ve been meaning to make a new casserole dish for so long. This is the perfect recipe for it!
★★★★★
Kechi
I made this recipe last Sunday and it was phenomenal! Making it again this weekend; and I can’t wait!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks! So happy that you liked it! Enjoy!!
Tania
This is the most perfect cozy recipe for this time of the year! All the family really enjoyed it!
★★★★★
Hayley Dhanecha
I’m a huge fan of broccoli and this one did not disappoint. So comforting and delicious.
★★★★★
Louise
Super yummy and so easy to make. My family gobbled it up.
★★★★★
Swathi
This chicken broccoli rice casserole looks delicious ultimate comfort food any day.
★★★★★
Janeane M Davis
is recipe looks and sounds delicious. I would like to try making this for my family.
Monica Simpson
This looks like one of those comforting meals the whole family will enjoy!
Rose Ann Sales
Oh my! This looks really tasty, this is such a really great recipe I would really love to try this out!
★★★★★
Marysa
I like how easy this dish is, and a perfect combination of flavors. Great for a busy weeknight!
Richelle Milar
This is such a really amazing recipe! It looks absolutely delicious! I would really love to try this one!
★★★★★
MELANIE EDJOURIAN
This sounds tasty and also different. I’ve never thought to add rice to a casserole. Didn’t even know that was a thing.
★★★★★
Jenn @ EngineerMommy
This casserole sounds amazing to me. I would love to try this chicken broccoli casserole.
briannemanz
This is the ultimate comfort food recipe for this season. My family loves it.
★★★★★
Amber Myers
I love casseroles! I will have to try this out for dinner one night. It looks delicious.
Kerra
This is my all-time favorite recipe! I am hooked on it. Delicious! My s/o loves it as well!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Kerra! So glad that you both like it!
Melissa
This is a total hit with my large family of varied tastes and picky eaters. Also, leftovers usually don’t get eaten in my house with the exception of this! It’s a little time consuming for a weeknight meal, but not a problem for a weekend. I don’t usually take time to write reviews, but this is a fantastic recipe. Thank you!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Melissa! So glad that you and the family liked it. The pleasure was all mine!!
Suzan
It does take some time.
Debra Lewis
I made this but talk about good and creamy I replaced milk with half & half…yum yum yum
Kara
So much tastier than the versions I’ve tried with cream of chicken soup! It was a hit with the entire family, so I’ll be making it often!
★★★★★
Lisalia
Thrilled to find a recipe for this favorite dish … that’s NOT made with Cream Of Soup! This tasted way better and honestly, less salty than the cream of version. Thanks Beth!
★★★★★
Allyson Zea
The flavors in this dish are exceptional! I absolutely loved it!
★★★★★
Sarah Jane Skaggs
My mouth was watering when I saw this, and it did not disappoint! So good and a crowd-pleaser for my family.
★★★★★
Sandra
Such a really comforting meal! It quickly became a favorite at my house!
★★★★★
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole looks like the perfect meal!! Incredibly delicious!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
My family would love this dish! The perfect weeknight meal!
★★★★★
Erin | Dinners, Dishes and Dessert
This Scrumptious Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole needs to happen at my house very soon!!
★★★★★
Krystle
We love the cheesy sauce and crunchy topping, it is the only way my kids will eat broccoli.
★★★★★
Amanda
This looks like it would be perfect for through the week. My family will love this!