Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping is a comforting and creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and fluffy rice or pasta, all smothered in a luscious cheese sauce. The golden, buttery Ritz cracker topping adds a crunchy contrast that perfectly complements the creamy interior.

This casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner—hearty, satisfying, and full of homestyle flavor. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight meal, a potluck dish, or something cozy for a cold evening, this casserole checks all the boxes for comfort food perfection.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures everything I adore about comfort food—creamy, cheesy, warm, and full of texture. The chicken and broccoli blend seamlessly with the smooth cheese sauce, while the buttery cracker topping delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite.

It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and appeals to both adults and kids. Another reason I cherish this dish is its make-ahead convenience—it can be prepared in advance and baked later, making it ideal for busy schedules.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a must-try because it’s both comforting and crowd-pleasing. Here’s why:

• Balanced flavors: Creamy cheese sauce meets the freshness of broccoli and the savoriness of chicken.
• Perfect texture combination: A creamy base topped with a crispy, buttery cracker crust.
• Customizable: You can swap ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Simple and quick: Uses pantry staples and comes together in under an hour.
  It’s one of those dishes that makes any meal feel special, even on the busiest nights.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes

Servings and Calories

• Servings: 6 servings
• Calories: Approximately 480 calories per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American Comfort Food

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (or cooked pasta)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers), crushed
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Cook broccoli: Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender, then drain well.
4. Mix casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Add topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Cool slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease your casserole dish.
2. Step 2: Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes and drain.
3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Mix everything together until well combined.
5. Step 5: Spread mixture evenly into the greased dish.
6. Step 6: Crush Ritz crackers and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
7. Step 7: Bake for 25–30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven, cool briefly, and garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve

Serve the casserole hot as a main dish. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a heartier meal, serve with mashed potatoes or a light soup starter.

Recipe Tips

• Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra flavor.
• Sharp cheddar gives a deeper flavor, but you can mix in Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder taste.
• Make sure to drain broccoli well to prevent a watery casserole.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream or an additional ½ cup of sour cream.
• If you like extra crunch, double the amount of cracker topping.

Variations

• Low-Carb Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and use low-fat sour cream.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce.
• Different Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, ham, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Cream of Mushroom Substitute: Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a deeper umami flavor.
• Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella, Swiss, or Gruyère cheese for a gourmet twist.

Freezing and Storage Time

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes.
• Freezer: Freeze the baked or unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. If freezing unbaked, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight before baking.

Special Equipment Needed

• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Steamer or saucepan (for broccoli)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Oven-safe spatula or serving spoon

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping is a timeless comfort dish that combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a satisfying crunch. It’s hearty, flavorful, and simple enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for gatherings. With its creamy interior and golden topping, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite. Whether you make it for your family or bring it to a potluck, it’s a dish that warms hearts and fills bellies every single time.

Print Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping

Author: Laura Bennett Cuisine: American Courses: Chicken

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 50 mins

Servings: 6 Calories: 480 calories per serving

Description

Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping is a comforting and creamy baked dish that combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and fluffy rice or pasta, all smothered in a luscious cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Casserole:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed and drained)
• 2 cups cooked white rice (or cooked pasta)
• 1 can (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Topping:

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30 crackers)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
3. Cook broccoli: Steam broccoli for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender, then drain well.
4. Mix casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
5. Transfer to baking dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish.
6. Add topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
7. Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.
8. Cool slightly: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole with Ritz Cracker Topping