Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Rice and Chicken

If you haven’t already, cook the rice according to package instructions. For the chicken, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, boil and shred chicken breasts, or cook them in a skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Broccoli

Blanch fresh broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then drain. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it’s thawed and drained before adding to the mix.

Step 4: Mix the Casserole Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir well to combine.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Step 6: Add Cheese and Topping

Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole for a crunchy topping.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm!