Looking for a cozy, comforting dish to make for your client? This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Bake is hearty, nutritious, and perfect for sharing. It combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy, cheesy goodness all layered with rice and topped with a buttery cracker crust. It’s a recipe that feels like home—and one that’s sure to bring a smile to the table.
Ingredients
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6 Tbsp. salted butter, plus more for baking dish
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8 cups small broccoli florets
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2 Tbsp. olive oil
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4 (6-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
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1 clove garlic, grated
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 tsp. dry mustard
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1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
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4 cups whole milk
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4 oz. cream cheese, cubed, at room temperature
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1/2 cup finely grated parmesan
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1/2 tsp. kosher salt
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1 tsp. black pepper
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1/2 tsp. paprika
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8 oz. processed cheese (Velveeta), cubed
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1 (8-oz.) block sharp cheddar, freshly grated (about 2 cups)
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3 cups cooked long-grain rice
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1 cup crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
Directions
1. Prep the dish
Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter a 13×9-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, about 2 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 2 Tbsp. butter and the olive oil. Once hot, add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through, 5–7 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate, let cool slightly, then shred. Wipe out skillet.
4. Make the sauce
Add 2 Tbsp. butter to skillet over medium-high. Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened, 3–4 minutes. Add flour, dry mustard, and cayenne; stir 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened, about 4 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low. Whisk in cream cheese and parmesan. Stir in salt, pepper, paprika, and processed cheese until melted. Add half the cheddar, whisking until smooth. Fold in broccoli and shredded chicken.
5. Prepare the topping
Melt remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and stir into crushed crackers.
6. Assemble the casserole
Spread half the rice in the baking dish, top with half the broccoli-chicken mixture. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar and finish with the cracker topping.
7. Bake
Bake for 30 minutes, rotating halfway through, until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.
