Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3½-4 cups fresh broccoli, cut into small pieces (about 11 ounces, 2 florets)
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken preferred)
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or cream of celery soup as alternative)
- 1 (8 oz) container sour cream
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
Topping
- 1 sleeve (about 32) buttery round crackers, such as Ritz, crushed
- ½ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add about 1 teaspoon of salt per 4 cups of water. Add the chopped broccoli and cook for 3 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp. Drain the broccoli thoroughly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cooked rice, and poppy seeds. Stir well to evenly incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping: Place the buttery crackers into a plastic bag and crush them gently using your hands or a rolling pin. Pour the melted butter into the bag with the crushed crackers, seal it, and shake well to coat the crumbs evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the casserole surface.
- Bake Covered: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Broil for Crispiness: Remove the foil and broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes, watching closely until the topping turns golden brown and crisp. Be careful as it can burn quickly.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and make serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if preferred or if dietary restrictions require it.
- For a lighter option, use reduced-fat sour cream or lower-sodium soups.
- Ritz crackers provide a buttery, crisp topping; alternatives like breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can also be used.
- Broiling is a quick step to crisp the topping—don’t leave unattended to prevent burning.
- Use freshly cooked rice or leftover rice for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
