Disclaimer: Our editors have used AI to create or enhance parts of this article and some images. All content has been fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy.
Hey friends!
Who’s ready for a cozy comfort food recipe? I’ve got something special for you today!
It’s a broccoli rice casserole with cream of chicken soup—super creamy and packed with flavor.
This dish is perfect for dinner or even as a side at your next gathering.
Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!
Let’s dive into this deliciousness!
Ingredient Substitutions
For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with diced firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock and swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery soup. These changes maintain protein content while altering the flavor profile slightly.
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa, adjusting cooking time accordingly. Replace the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Use a gluten-free condensed soup or make a homemade version using gluten-free flour.
For a dairy-free option, replace the milk and sour cream with unsweetened non-dairy milk and vegan sour cream. Substitute the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. These swaps maintain the creamy texture while accommodating lactose intolerance or vegan diets.
| Preparation Time | 15-20 minutes |
| Cooking Time | 40-50 minutes |
| Total Time | 55-70 minutes |
| Level of Difficulty | Medium |
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 2200-2400
- Protein: 150-160 g
- Fat: 130-140 g
- Carbohydrates: 180-200 g
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups of diced cooked chicken)
- 1 teaspoon italian herbs
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 2 1/2 cups chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/4 cups uncooked long-grain white rice
- 2 cups raw broccoli florets
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup crushed ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Season the chicken with Italian seasoning and your desired amount of salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted.
Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
If you’re using cooked rotisserie chicken, you can skip this step.
Step 2: Cook the Rice and Broccoli
In the same pot, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice according to your rice package instructions for liquid amount and cooking time.
Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
Cover tightly and let it cook for 6 minutes.
Add broccoli florets, replace the cover, and cook for an additional 9 minutes or until no liquid remains and the rice is tender.
If the rice is not fully cooked, cover and simmer for another 5 minutes as needed.
Once done, turn off the heat and let the rice stand with the lid on for 10 minutes.
Do not stir during this time to allow any rice on the bottom to release.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Once the rice has rested, add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, any optional seasonings you prefer, and half of the grated cheddar cheese.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture from the pot to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish.
Spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Topping
While the casserole is baking, melt some butter and crush some crackers to create the topping mixture.
After the initial 15 minutes of baking, remove the cover from the casserole and sprinkle the crumbled cracker topping over the top.
Return the casserole to the oven and bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
After baking, let the casserole stand for 5 minutes to cool slightly before serving.
This allows the flavors to meld together and makes serving easier.
Enjoy your comforting, one-pot casserole dish!
