Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
• Salt/Pepper, to taste
• 2 1/4 cups chicken broth, low sodium
• 1 1/4 cups white long grain rice, uncooked
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, uncooked
• 10.75 oz. Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, separated
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Casserole Topping

• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• 2 Tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

1.      Note: These instructions were updated on 1/26/20 to include an improved cooking method that allows you to cook and assemble this casserole in a single pot before transferring to a casserole dish. (Quicker, easier, less dirty dishes.)
2. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
3. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with desired amount of salt and pepper.
4. Heat 2 tablespoons 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.
5. Add the chicken broth and rice to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover tightly for 7 minutes.
6. Remove the lid and use a silicone spatula to give it a stir and loosen it from the bottom. Add the broccoli florets and replace the lid. Cook for more 8 minutes.
7. Stir the rice/broccoli and turn the heat off. Add the cooked chicken, soup, milk, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
8. Lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish and pour in the rice mixture.
9. Top with remaining cheddar cheese.
10. Cover and bake for 20 minutes.

Add the Topping:

1. Melt the butter and crumble up the crackers. Combine to form the topping for the casserole.
2. Top the casserole with the crumbled cracker topping and bake uncovered for 10 additional minutes.
3. Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes prior to serving.

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