Heartwarming Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Recipe

Broccoli chicken rice casserole from pioneer woman whispers comfort with every delectable bite, transforming simple ingredients into a culinary symphony.

Tender chicken chunks mingle with vibrant broccoli florets, creating a harmonious dance of flavors and textures.

Creamy sauce embraces each grain of rice, promising a soul-warming experience that transcends ordinary weeknight meals.

This delightful one-pan wonder combines nutrition and indulgence in perfect proportions.

Families gather around, drawn by the irresistible aroma and promise of a satisfying dinner.

Wholesome ingredients blend seamlessly, crafting a meal that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

One forkful will have everyone asking for seconds, making this casserole a guaranteed dinner champion.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 460 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

• Chicken: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts or grab a rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
• Milk: Select whole milk for richer, creamier texture.

• Cream Of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream: Opt for low-sodium soup to control salt levels.
• Cheddar Cheese: Pick sharp cheddar for a bold, tangy flavor punch.

• Rice: Use long-grain white rice for perfect fluffy texture.
• Broccoli: Select bright green, firm florets for maximum nutrition.
• Chicken Broth: Go for low-sodium version to manage overall saltiness.
• Crackers: Grab buttery, crisp crackers for an irresistible golden topping.
• Olive Oil, Butter: Choose unsalted butter for precise seasoning control.

• Italian Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground black pepper for enhanced aroma.

Tools to Use When Making Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

• Oven: Standard kitchen oven for baking the casserole.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Rectangular pan for assembling and baking the casserole.
• Large pot: For cooking chicken, rice, and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
• Cooking spray or butter: To grease the baking dish.
• Foil: To cover the casserole during initial baking.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Cutting board and knife: If needed for preparing fresh chicken.
• Cheese grater: Optional, for freshly grated cheddar cheese.
• Mixing bowl: For preparing the cracker topping.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

Whip Up A Comforting Chicken Casserole

• Prep The Cooking Space

Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray. This sets the stage for a delicious meal that’ll make everyone smile.

• Cook Chicken And Create Flavor Base

Sizzle chicken in a large pot with butter until golden and fully cooked. Season generously with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to build deep, mouth-watering flavors. If using rotisserie chicken, skip the cooking step.

• Build The Hearty Foundation

Add chicken broth and rice to the same pot, bringing everything to a rolling boil. Toss in broccoli and simmer until rice becomes tender and absorbs all the delicious liquid. This creates a rich, satisfying base for your casserole.

• Combine And Mix Ingredients

Turn off the heat and stir in cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Blend everything until the mixture looks creamy and irresistible. The combination creates a luxurious, velvety texture that screams comfort food.

• Bake And Transform

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and cover with foil. Bake for 15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together perfectly. Then remove the foil and add a crunchy cracker topping mixed with melted butter.

• Final Touch And Serve

Bake uncovered for another 10 minutes until the top turns golden and crispy. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes, allowing it to set and become even more delicious. Serve hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement!

Tasty Twists and Tips for Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

Replace chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein twist that keeps the meal exciting and versatile.

Experiment with different cheese varieties like pepper jack for heat, Swiss for subtle flavor, or a blend of monterey jack and mozzarella to create your signature cheesy profile.

Enhance nutritional value by adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach during the mixing stage, transforming this classic casserole into a more robust and colorful dish.

Prepare the entire casserole up to the point of final baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, remove from refrigerator 30 minutes prior to baking and extend cooking time by 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough heating.

Serving Ideas for Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

• Elevate Your Chicken Casserole Experience
• Pair with Fresh Salad: Toss a crisp green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.
• Complement with Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and add extra texture.
• Drink Pairing Delight: Enjoy a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or a light beer that cuts through the casserole's richness and enhances the meal's flavors.
• Garnish with Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and a hint of brightness to the dish.

Storage and Reuse Tips for Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Cook chicken and rice a day before assembling the casserole to reduce day-of cooking time and streamline your meal preparation process.
• Refrigerator Storage Solution: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking. Properly stored casserole stays fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Technique: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F oven covered with foil for 15-20 minutes until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out and maintain the creamy texture.

Comforting Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole brings classic comfort to family dinner tables. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken combine with wholesome rice and crisp broccoli for a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces (or 2 cups of diced rotisserie chicken)
• 2 ½ cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 2 tbsps butter
• 2 tbsps butter, melted
• 1 ¼ cups uncooked white long-grain rice
• 1 cup Ritz crackers, crushed
• ½ cup milk
• ½ cup sour cream
• 10.5 oz (298 g) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Chicken Searing: Season chicken with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté chicken until golden and fully cooked, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Rice and Broccoli Cooking: In the same skillet, combine chicken broth and olive oil with rice. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 6 minutes. Add broccoli florets, replace lid, and continue cooking for 9-10 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
4. Mixing Ingredients: Remove skillet from heat and blend in cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, whole milk, sour cream, garlic powder, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese, ensuring even distribution.
5. Initial Baking: Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish, top with remaining cheddar cheese, cover with foil, and bake for 15 minutes.
6. Cracker Topping: Crush buttery crackers and mix with melted butter to create a crispy garnish.
7. Final Baking and Serving: Remove foil, sprinkle cracker mixture over casserole, and bake uncovered for 10 minutes until topping is golden and crisp. Let rest 5 minutes before serving to enhance texture and allow setting.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Tip: Ensure chicken is fully cooked and golden brown to maximize flavor and prevent any raw meat risks.
• Rice Moisture Secret: Watch rice carefully during simmering to achieve perfect tenderness without becoming mushy or dry.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Stir cheese thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy texture throughout the entire casserole.
• Cracker Topping Trick: Crush crackers into fine, even pieces to guarantee a uniform, crispy golden-brown crust that adds delightful crunch.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg