If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes—creamy, cheesy, with a satisfying crunch—then this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch is exactly what your weeknight dinners need. It’s a one-dish wonder that combines tender shredded chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and a golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping that makes every bite irresistible. Whether you’re feeding your family or meal prepping for the busy week ahead, this casserole delivers on flavor, ease, and that cozy, homestyle charm.
Why It’s My Go-To
This dish has earned a permanent spot in my rotation because it’s versatile, straightforward, and so comforting. I love that it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that most of us already have in the fridge or pantry. The combination of shredded chicken and steamed broccoli mixed with creamy cheddar cheese and a touch of cream of chicken soup creates this luscious texture that’s creamy without being heavy.
What really seals the deal is the Ritz cracker topping—two cups of crushed crackers mixed with melted butter, baked to a golden, crispy perfection. It adds a buttery crunch that elevates the whole dish from everyday to something special. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without anyone complaining, thanks to that cheesy sauce.
If you enjoy dishes like the Smoky Paprika Chicken And Rice Bake, then you’ll find this recipe just as satisfying but with a milder, creamy twist that’s perfect for the whole family.
Ingredient List
- 2 cups cooked white rice – Use freshly cooked or leftover rice for best texture.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Rotisserie chicken or poached chicken breasts work great.
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed – Slightly tender but still vibrant green.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded – Sharp or mild depending on your preference.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup – Provides creamy binding and flavor.
- 1/2 cup milk – Helps loosen the soup to create a smooth sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Complements the garlic for balanced flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers – For that irresistible crunchy topping.
- 1/2 cup butter, melted – Binds the cracker topping and adds richness.
Toolbox for This Recipe
- 9×13 inch baking dish – Perfect size for even cooking and a crispy top layer.
- Mixing bowls – For combining the rice, chicken, broccoli, and sauce.
- Steamer basket or microwave-safe bowl – To steam the broccoli.
- Measuring cups and spoons – For precise ingredient amounts.
- Fork or two forks – To shred the cooked chicken.
- Spatula or wooden spoon – To mix everything gently but thoroughly.
- Aluminum foil (optional) – To cover the casserole if you want to prevent over-browning.
Stepwise Method: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Steam the Broccoli
Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green, about 4-5 minutes. You can do this on the stove with a steamer basket or in the microwave with a little water in a covered bowl. Set aside.
Step 3: Combine the Base Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well combined. This mixture is creamy and hearty, the perfect base for our bake.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
Step 5: Prepare the Ritz Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a golden, crunchy crust once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Ritz topping is golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for clean, hearty servings.
Vegan & Vegetarian Swaps
- Replace shredded chicken with cooked chickpeas or cubed tofu for a plant-based protein boost.
- Use dairy-free cheddar-style cheese and plant-based milk to keep it vegan-friendly.
- Swap cream of chicken soup with a vegan cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup alternative.
- Substitute butter with vegan margarine or olive oil for the Ritz topping.
- For the Ritz crackers, choose a vegan-certified cracker or make your own breadcrumb topping seasoned with nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
Don’t Do This
- Don’t skip steaming the broccoli — it ensures the florets cook through without turning mushy in the oven.
- Don’t overload the casserole with too much cheese or the topping may burn before the bake is heated through.
- Don’t substitute regular milk with water — this will make the dish less creamy and flavorful.
- Don’t stir the casserole after baking — it needs to rest to firm up for clean slices.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch is fantastic for meal prep. You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it, then bake it fresh the next day. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Store leftover bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat individual servings in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- This dish freezes well too — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch FAQs
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Absolutely! Brown rice will add a nuttier flavor and a bit more chew to the dish. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before assembling the casserole, as it takes longer to cook than white rice.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or need a lighter option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth seasoned with garlic and onion powder. Alternatively, canned cream of mushroom or celery soup works well too.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping out the Ritz crackers for gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs, you can easily adapt this casserole. Make sure to also use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup or homemade sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
Definitely! Feel free to add diced carrots, peas, or corn for extra color and nutrition. Just steam or cook them beforehand to ensure they’re tender in the final bake.
You Might Also Like
- Smoky Paprika Chicken And Rice Bake – A bold and flavorful twist on a classic chicken and rice casserole.
- Cheesy Chicken And Rice Stuffed Peppers – A colorful, cheesy, and satisfying dinner idea that’s just as comforting.
Bring It Home
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s simple to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and has that perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. Whether you’re whipping it up for a busy weeknight or serving it at a casual gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone asks for again and again. Keep this recipe handy, because it’s one of those reliable dishes that never disappoints—and it’s so delicious you’ll find new ways to enjoy it every time.
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Bake with Ritz Crunch
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease your 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the casserole doesn't stick.
- Steam the broccoli florets until they are tender but still bright green, about 4-5 minutes. You can do this on the stove with a steamer basket or in the microwave with a little water in a covered bowl. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Gently fold everything together until well combined. This mixture is creamy and hearty, the perfect base for our bake.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even layer.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to form a golden, crunchy crust once baked.
- Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the Ritz topping is golden brown. If you notice the topping browning too quickly, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil and continue baking.
- Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set for clean, hearty servings.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu, use dairy-free cheese and plant-based milk, and swap butter with vegan margarine or olive oil.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Steaming the broccoli beforehand prevents mushy texture in the final bake and preserves vibrant color.
