Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—no canned soup needed. It’s made from scratch and baked to golden perfection, making it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

For more easy dinner ideas, check out my Mexican Rice Casserole or Ultimate Chicken Casserole—both perfect for when you need something hearty and satisfying with minimal prep.

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Why This Recipe Delivers

Like my Creamy Chicken Casserole or Chicken Pot Pie Casserole, this recipe brings simple ingredients together for a rich, balanced one-pan dish. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh broccoli, and melted cheese over soft rice creates a familiar, comforting flavor the whole family will love—especially served alongside some buttery Garlic Bread.

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🧾 Main Ingredients

• Chicken: Chicken tenders work great, but you can also use chicken breasts, boneless thighs, rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken.
• Rice: Long grain white rice is ideal, but leftover or brown rice also works well.
• Chicken Broth: Low-sodium preferred for better control of seasoning.
• Broccoli: Fresh is best, but frozen broccoli can be substituted if needed.
• Cheese: Colby is a creamy favorite, though cheddar adds a sharper bite.
• Cracker Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers tossed in melted butter create a golden, crunchy topping.

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👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Rice:
   In a medium saucepan, combine rice and broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer. Once cooked, remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
2. Steam the Broccoli:
   Lightly steam fresh broccoli until just tender.
3. Prepare the Topping:
   In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter. Set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet with olive oil, sauté diced chicken until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
5. Make the Sauce:
   In the same skillet, melt butter and cook diced onions until soft. Add garlic and cook briefly, then whisk in flour.
6. Build the Creamy Base:
   Slowly add chicken broth and whisk until slightly thickened. Stir in milk and seasonings.
7. Combine the Casserole:
   Return chicken to the skillet, then add broccoli, rice, and cheese. Mix until everything is coated in sauce.
8. Assemble and Bake:
   Top with more shredded cheese and the buttered cracker topping. Bake at 350°F until bubbly and golden brown on top.

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💡 Recipe Tips

• Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
• Make the rice in advance with a rice cooker or use pre-cooked rice to save time.
• Don’t have an oven-safe skillet? Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish before baking.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Try topping with crushed potato chips, Panko, cornflakes, or crispy fried onions for a different crunch.