Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
There is something incredibly comforting and downright delicious about the Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe. This dish effortlessly combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness all in one bake, making it a perfect weeknight meal or potluck star. It’s a wonderful balance of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds, and it delivers that warm, satisfying feeling only a home-cooked casserole can bring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color contrast that makes this casserole so special. From the savory chicken to the crunchy cracker topping, every bite is thoughtfully crafted.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and is perfect for browning the chicken with a golden crust.
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups rotisserie chicken: The heart of the dish, providing tender protein and flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a warm, herby depth to the chicken.
- Salt & pepper to taste: Basic but vital for enhancing every layer of the recipe.
- 2½ cups chicken broth: Gives moisture and infuses the rice with savory goodness.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps cook the rice evenly and adds a subtle earthy flavor.
- 1¼ cups white long grain rice: The filling base, absorbing all the delicious flavors.
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets: Adds bright color, nutrition, and a tender-crisp bite.
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup: Provides creaminess and richness that ties everything together.
- ½ cup milk: Lightens the mixture and keeps it luscious.
- ½ cup sour cream: Adds tangy creaminess for complexity.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Cheese heaven — half melted inside and half on top for a bubbly golden crust.
- ½ tsp dried thyme (optional): A subtle, fragrant herb that complements the flavors beautifully.
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional): A hint of warmth and depth without overpowering.
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed: The crunchy topping that elevates every forkful.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Binds the cracker crumbs and adds an irresistible buttery flavor to the crust.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Chicken
Start by melting butter in a skillet to beautifully brown your chicken breasts seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This caramelization locks in the juices and flavors. Once golden and cooked through, set the chicken aside to rest — this ensures tender bites later.
Step 2: Simmer Rice and Broccoli
In the same pan, add chicken broth, olive oil, and the rice. Let it simmer gently for 6 minutes — this jumpstarts the cooking of the rice. Then, stir in the broccoli florets and simmer for another 9 minutes. The broccoli will soften just enough, staying bright and vibrant while the rice nearly finishes cooking.
Step 3: Allow the Rice to Rest
Remove the pan from the heat and cover it, letting the rice sit for 10 minutes. This resting step helps absorb the liquid fully, ensuring fluffy rice that’s perfectly tender.
Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Creamy Ingredients
Chop or shred the reserved chicken and fold it into the rice along with the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This luscious mixture creates the creamy, savory heart of the dish that’s utterly irresistible.
Step 5: Bake the Casserole
Transfer everything to a casserole dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top. Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes. This melts the cheese inside and melds flavors beautifully while keeping moisture locked in.
Step 6: Add the Crunchy Cracker Topping
Mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then scatter the buttery crumbs evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes to get a golden, crunchy topping that perfectly contrasts the creamy filling underneath.
Step 7: Cool Slightly and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve while still warm, comforting, and full of flavor.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens every bite. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick if you enjoy a little heat alongside the creamy dish.
Side Dishes
This casserole holds its own wonderfully, but if you’d like extra veggies, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully. Alternatively, roasted carrots or a simple cucumber tomato salad can add fresh textural contrast without overpowering the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation or scoop it into baked bell peppers for a stunning, colorful twist. You could also turn it into a buffet option by garnishing with different toppings like crispy bacon bits, sliced olives, or diced tomatoes for guests to personalize their portions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or quick dinners on busy days.
Freezing
You can freeze the assembled casserole before baking by wrapping it well with foil and plastic wrap. It will maintain quality for up to 2 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding extra baking time if needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. A quick microwave reheat works too, but the oven helps keep that lovely crispy cracker topping intact.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut and saves time. Just shred it and add it after the rice and broccoli have cooked, mixing it in with the creamy ingredients before baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free cornflakes for the topping. Just ensure all other ingredients, like the cream of chicken soup, are labeled gluten-free.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Brown rice has a different cooking time and texture, so it might require longer simmering and more liquid. It’s best to cook brown rice separately and then combine with the other ingredients to maintain the creamy casserole consistency.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, make a quick homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. This will add freshness and control over ingredients while keeping the casserole creamy.
How do I make sure the broccoli stays bright and not mushy?
Adding broccoli where the recipe suggests, midway through the rice cooking process, helps it stay tender but vibrant. Avoid overcooking by not adding it too early and steaming it just enough.
Final Thoughts
This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe is truly a home-cooked hug in meal form — rich, cheesy, and loaded with wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping ahead for busy nights, it’s sure to become one of your go-to comfort foods. Don’t hesitate to try it out and share that cozy, delicious feeling with everyone at your table.
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Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken, fluffy rice, fresh broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection with a crunchy Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it’s flavorful, easy to make, and packed with wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper to taste
Rice and Broth
- 2½ cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1¼ cups white long grain rice
- 2–3 cups broccoli florets
Creamy Sauce
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Cracker Topping
- 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Brown the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts seasoned with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden brown on both sides and fully cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken, shred and skip this step.
- Cook Rice and Broccoli: In the same skillet, add chicken broth, olive oil, and white long grain rice. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 6 minutes. Then add broccoli florets and continue simmering for an additional 9 minutes, until rice is tender and broccoli is bright green and slightly softened.
- Let Rice Rest: Remove the skillet from heat, cover it with a lid, and let the rice and broccoli sit for 10 minutes. This allows the rice to finish cooking and absorb the liquid evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the cooked shredded chicken (or rotisserie chicken), cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, dried thyme, and garlic powder if using. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes.
- Add Cracker Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Remove the foil from the casserole and sprinkle the cracker mixture over the top. Bake uncovered for an additional 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly for 5 minutes before serving. This will help it set and make serving easier.
Notes
- Substitute rotisserie chicken to save time if desired.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets depending on availability.
- Adjust seasoning like salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning according to your taste preference.
- For a lower-calorie version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Make sure to let the rice rest covered after cooking to get perfectly fluffy rice texture.
- You can add extra veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers to enhance the nutritional value and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Casserole, Main Dish
- Method: Baking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, chicken rice bake, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, Pioneer Woman recipe
