This chicken broccoli rice casserole is an easy and delicious recipe that’s topped with a cheesy and crumbly Ritz cracker topping. The perfect “all in one” meal that’s great for busy weeknights.

Chicken broccoli rice casserole with buttery Ritz cracker topping in a casserole dish with serving spoon.

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Chicken Broccoli Ritz Casserole

Busy weeknights call for easy dinners, and this chicken broccoli rice casserole is one of our family favorites. It’s cozy, filling, and topped with buttery Ritz crackers for an irresistible crunch. I admit, growing up I wasn’t a broccoli fan, but over the years I’ve come to love it!

If you love creamy bakes like my chicken divan, broccoli cheese casserole, or poppy seed chicken, this recipe will be right up your alley. I usually make it with a homemade cream sauce, but using a can of cream of chicken soup is a great shortcut!

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“I make this at least once a month, and my family loves it! I made it just this week and when my husband took a bite he said, “Oh, you make such good food!” I can only take credit for the elbow grease 😉 I add more/different seasonings, but even my almost 3 year old will eat it, which is a win! ❤️”

Melinda

Ingredients

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Cooked rice: This can be day old cooked rice from another meal or cook it right before adding it into the casserole. Long grain white rice is what I used for this recipe.
  • Raw broccoli: Chop fresh broccoli into small or big pieces depending on your kids preference.
  • Cooked chicken: A shredded rotisserie chicken or leftovers are the best way to make this chicken and broccoli casserole. Chicken breasts or chicken thighs are delicious and tender parts of the chicken that will have the most moisture.
  • Butter: This will be used at two different times. The unsalted butter is used making a roux with the flour as well as giving the Ritz crackers a buttery flavor.
  • Flour: This is to help thicken the casserole and make a roux with it.
  • Chicken broth: Adds flavor to the casserole as well as the liquid to soften the chicken and broccoli as it is baking.
  • Sour cream: Gives the broccoli rice casserole a creamy flavor and texture.
  • Italian seasoning: Make it easy and only use one bottle of seasoning instead of a few to create an Italian seasoning.
  • Sharp cheddar cheese: Grate the cheese to sprinkle over top the casserole. The cheese will give it a good cheese pull after it is baked!
  • Ritz crackers: Crumble the crackers to make bread crumbs texture.

How to Make Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

The steps to making chicken broccoli rice casserole in a four photo collage.
  1. Prepare. Spread the cooked rice out evenly in the bottom of the baking dish and then place the chopped broccoli on top of the rice. Set aside.
  2. Make the sauce. Whisk the flour and melted butter and mix until combined. Then slowly whisk in the chicken broth. Add in the Italian seasoning and then stir until slightly thickened. Next mix in sour cream and half cup cheese. Whisk until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add chicken. Next, add the shredded chicken to the cream mixture and pour it over top of the broccoli. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top. Mix the ritz crumbs with the remaining butter and sprinkle over top.
  4. Bake. Bake uncovered for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Chicken broccoli rice casserole in a white baking dish.

Substitutions and Variations

These are all great ideas to make this chicken broccoli rice casserole the perfect fit for your family!

  • Rice ideas: Use brown rice or quinoa for other types of flavors within rice.
  • Veggies: Use less rice and more vegetables like carrots, mushrooms, sliced celery, and/or bell peppers would be great.
  • Protein: Add more chicken for extra protein. Try it with ham too! This is a delicious comfort food.
  • Low-fat: Use low-fat sour cream and cheese to make it a bit healthier.
  • Seasoning: Change the seasoning with garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor or with what you have on hand.
  • Breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers. Panko will work too!

Serving Suggestions

Although we often eat this chicken broccoli Ritz casserole as a complete meal, you can definitely still add some sides if you’re trying to bulk it up a bit.

Close up of chicken broccoli rice casserole with Ritz topping showing tender broccoli, creamy texture and crunchy topping.

More family friendly dinners we love include goulash recipe and easy tater tot casserole!

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chicken broccoli rice casserole

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

5 from 46 votes
Recipe by: Jamielyn Nye
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
This chicken broccoli rice casserole is an easy recipe topped with a cheesy and crumbly Ritz cracker topping. A weeknight staple made in one pan!
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Ingredients 

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 2 cups chopped raw broccoli
  • 2 cups cooked chicken (I like to use shredded rotisserie or leftovers)
  • 6 Tablespoons butter (divided)
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 teaspooons Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (grated)
  • 12 ritz crackers

S&P to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8" pan with non-stick spray. 
  • Place 2 cups cooked rice in the bottom of the pan. Then place 2 cups chopped broccoli on top of the rice. Set aside. 
  • Melt 4 Tablespoons butter in a pan over low heat. Slowly whisk in 1/4 cup flour and mix until combined. Then slowly whisk in 1 1/2 cups chicken broth. Add in 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning. Stir until slightly thickened (about 2 minutes). Next mix in 1/2 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup cheese. Whisk until smooth. Salt and pepper to taste. 
  • Add the shredded chicken into the cream mixture and then pour over top of the broccoli. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over top. Mix the Ritz crumbs with the remaining butter and sprinkle over top. 
  • Bake casserole uncovered for 30 minutes, or until bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving. 

Last step: Please leave a comment and rating after you make the recipe.

Notes

Note: If you don’t want to make your own cream sauce, you can omit the 4 Tablespoons butter, flour, chicken broth and Italian seasoning.
Instead mix together: 1 (10-ounce) can cream of chicken soup with 1/2 cup sour cream and cheese. Then salt and pepper to taste. 
Freezer instructions:
  1. Prepare casserole in a dish that can go in both the oven and the freezer. I like foil pans for freezing. 
  2. Make the recipe up until baking. Then instead of baking you’re going to cover the dish with foil, then slide into a freezer bag or wrap with plastic or foil. Make sure that the casserole is stored in a flat, level spot in the freezer.
  3. To thaw, place in the refrigerator the night before serving.
  4. Once ready to bake, remove the foil and bake at 350°F until it’s warm all throughout (about 30 minutes). If the Ritz crumb topping starts to burn, feel free to cover with foil while reheating.

Nutrition

Calories: 448kcal, Carbohydrates: 25g, Protein: 19g, Fat: 29g, Saturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 95mg, Sodium: 544mg, Potassium: 312mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 885IU, Vitamin C: 31.4mg, Calcium: 203mg, Iron: 1.8mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Recipe FAQs

Can you put raw chicken in the casserole dish?

No, you will want to cook the chicken ahead of time or use a rotisserie chicken to add to the casserole dish.

How to store leftover casserole?

Place the homemade casserole into an airtight container in the refrigerator for four to five days long. When you are ready to enjoy, place in the microwave or in the oven to warm up until it is cooked through again.

Can you freeze chicken broccoli rice casserole?

Yes! Place the chicken broccoli rice casserole in an aluminum pan. Either bake it and store it in the freezer or freeze the ingredients prior to baking. These options are great for sharing and using for another meal. Bake from frozen in the oven for 60 minute at 350 degrees or until it is baked through.