Recipe: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
Description: This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is an easy make ahead meal that you can assemble and bake another day! Your family will love the buttery, crunchy Ritz topping!
Ingredients: [{"text": "2 Tablespoons butter"}, {"text": "2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken)"}, {"text": "1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning"}, {"text": "Salt/Pepper (to taste)"}, {"text": "2 1/2 cups chicken broth"}, {"text": "1 Tablespoon olive oil"}, {"text": "1 1/4 cups white long grain rice (uncooked)"}, {"text": "2 cups fresh broccoli florets (uncooked)"}, {"text": "10.5 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup"}, {"text": "\u00bd cup milk"}, {"text": "\u00bd cup sour cream"}, {"text": "2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (separated)"}, {"text": "1/2 teaspoon dried thyme"}, {"text": "1/2 teaspoon garlic powder"}, {"text": "1 cup Ritz crackers (crushed)"}, {"text": "2 Tablespoons melted butter"}]
Instructions: Note: This recipe is designed to allow you to prepare all of the casserole ingredients in one pot before transferring to a casserole dish for baking. Before you begin, refer to your rice package for the amount of liquid (we&#39;ll use chicken broth) and cooking time. I use white long grain rice and the cooking time/liquid amount below works perfectly.
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with Italian seasoning and desired amount of salt and pepper.
Heat butter in a large pot over medium heat until melted. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside. Note: This step is not needed if using a cooked rotisserie chicken.
Add the chicken broth, olive oil, and rice to the pot and bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
Cover tightly and cook for 6 minutes.
Add the broccoli and replace the cover. Cook for 9 more minutes, or until no liquid remains in the pot and the rice is cooked through. (If it&#39;s not cooked through yet, quickly replace lid and simmer 5 more minutes, or until cooked through.)
Turn off the heat and leave the cover on. Let the rice stand for 10 minutes, do not stir. Any rice on the bottom of the pot will release.
Add the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, optional seasonings, and half of the cheddar cheese.
Add to a lightly greased 9 x 13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.
Cover and bake for 15 minutes.
