There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole, and this Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Inspired by Ree Drummond’s hearty, family-friendly cooking style, this dish combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s the perfect one-pan meal for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table without a lot of fuss. This recipe is all about simple ingredients coming together to create something truly special and satisfying for the whole family.
We’re taking classic flavors and making them shine. This isn’t just another casserole; it’s a dish that brings everyone to the table, creating memories with every cheesy bite. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and rewarding.
Why This Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is a Weeknight Winner
This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to assemble. Using pre-cooked chicken and instant rice saves a ton of time. Second, it’s a complete meal in one dish, packing protein, carbs, and veggies. The creamy cheese sauce makes it a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Plus, the crunchy topping adds a wonderful texture that takes it over the top. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ready for the oven! This is where the magic happens.
The Hearty Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. The beauty of this Pioneer Woman-style casserole is its simplicity and robust flavor.
For the Casserole
Chicken: Cooked and shredded. A rotisserie chicken works beautifully here.
Rice: Long-grain white rice, cooked.
Broccoli Florets: You can use fresh or frozen; just be sure to thaw and drain the frozen kind.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The classic creamy base for any great casserole.
Milk: Adds richness and thins the sauce to the perfect consistency.
Cheddar Cheese: Freshly grated is always best for melting!
Onion & Garlic Powder: For that essential savory flavor foundation.
Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.
For the Crunchy Topping
Ritz Crackers: Crushed for that buttery, crunchy topping.
Butter: Melted, to bring the topping together and make it golden brown.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole Step-by-Step
Bringing this cheesy casserole to life is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time. The key is in the layering of flavors and textures.
Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets. Mix them gently so everything is evenly distributed.
Create the Creamy Sauce: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine and Assemble: Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Look at that cheesy goodness! Every bite is packed with flavor.
Add the Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
Top and Bake: Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This helps it set up, making it easier to scoop and serve.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Want to guarantee a flawless casserole every time? Here are a few expert tips.
Don’t Overcook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam or blanch it first so it’s tender-crisp, not mushy.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating your own from a block makes a huge difference.
Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted chicken or turkey. It’s a great way to give leftovers a delicious new life, much like in this amazing spatchcock turkey recipe.
Fun Variations to Try
While this classic Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole is fantastic as is, feel free to customize it! For a different flavor profile, you could try making a Morton's Chicken Christopher inspired version. Here are a few ideas:
Change the Cheese: Try a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar, or add some Gruyère for a nutty flavor.
Add More Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers would be delicious additions.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for a little kick.
Different Topping: Panko breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions can be used instead of crackers for a different crunch.
Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is just as good the next day, and it freezes beautifully.
Storing: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the assembled, unbaked casserole. Cover it tightly with both plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen, adding about 20-30 minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or a larger portion in a 350°F oven until warmed through.
If you enjoy make-ahead meals, you’ll love having this on hand. For another great freezer-friendly option, check out these amazing 30-minute dinner rolls to serve alongside it.
Yes, absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s going into the oven straight from the fridge.
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, then slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups of milk or chicken broth, whisking until thick. Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder.
Yes, fresh broccoli works wonderfully. We recommend steaming or blanching the florets for 2-3 minutes first to ensure they are tender-crisp after baking. This prevents them from being too crunchy in the final dish.
The key to a creamy casserole is having enough sauce. Our recipe has a balanced ratio of sauce to solid ingredients. Also, be careful not to overbake the casserole, as this can cause the sauce to break or evaporate, resulting in a drier texture.
Yes, but it may require adjustments. Brown rice will work, but it needs to be fully cooked beforehand. We don’t recommend using uncooked rice directly in this recipe as it won’t cook through in the given time and will absorb too much liquid, making the casserole dry.
The Ultimate Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole
This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a solution for busy evenings, a comforting dish for a chilly day, and a crowd-pleaser for any gathering. It’s hearty, delicious, and embodies the spirit of simple, home-cooked food. We hope you love this Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your creation on Pinterest! Your feedback helps our community of home cooks grow.
Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole (The Ultimate Comfort Dish)
A hearty and delicious Pioneer Woman Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole, made with tender chicken, broccoli, and rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. The perfect easy weeknight dinner for the whole family!
4cupsbroccoli floretsfresh or frozen (thawed and drained)
1can (10.5 oz)cream of chicken soup
1/2cupmilk
2cupsshredded cheddar cheesedivided
1tsponion powder
1/2tspgarlic powder
1/2tspsaltor to taste
1/4tspblack pepperor to taste
1cupRitz crackerscrushed
4tbspbuttermelted
Equipment
1 9x13 inch Baking Dish
1 Large Mixing Bowl
Method
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked rice, and broccoli florets.
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture. Stir until everything is well-coated. Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crumbs are moistened.
Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the cheese layer. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 450kcalProtein: 28gFat: 25gFiber: 3g
Notes
Don't Overcook the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, lightly steam or blanch it first so it's tender-crisp, not mushy. Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover roasted chicken or turkey.
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
