Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prep & Cook Chicken
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Cook Rice & Broccoli
- Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and 1 ¼ cups of uncooked white long-grain rice to the same pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cover the pot tightly and let it cook for 6 minutes. After 6 minutes, stir in the 2-3 cups of fresh broccoli florets. Replace the cover and continue to simmer for another 9 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. If the rice isn't fully cooked, replace the lid and let it simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
Rest the Rice
- Crucially, keep the pot covered and remove it from the heat. Let it stand undisturbed for 10 minutes. This resting period allows the steam to finish cooking the rice and prevents a mushy texture.
Combine Ingredients
- Gently stir in the cooked chicken, 10.5 oz. condensed Cream of Chicken soup, ½ cup milk, ½ cup sour cream, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Stir in half of the 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until well combined. Ensure the chicken and broccoli are evenly distributed.
First Bake
- Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased 9x13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
Add Topping & Final Bake
- While the casserole bakes, combine 1 cup of crushed Ritz crackers with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. After the initial 15 minutes of baking, remove the foil, sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
Serve
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this comforting meal!
Nutrition
Notes
This Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a comforting and easy meal, perfect for any occasion. For best results, ensure all ingredients are measured accurately and follow the cooking times closely. The resting period for the rice is crucial for achieving the right texture.
Nutrition information is estimated based on common ingredients and serving sizes and may vary.