This comforting and hearty Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is perfect for a family dinner. It combines tender chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce, all topped with buttery cracker crumbs for a delightful crunch.

#### Ingredients:

- 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or 2 large chicken breasts

- 1 sleeve buttery round crackers (like Ritz)

- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

- 2 cups chopped broccoli florets

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 1 stalk celery, chopped

- 1/4 cup Velveeta cheese

- 1 bag boil-in-bag rice

- 1/2 tsp pepper

- 1/4 tsp salt

- 1/4 cup milk

- 4 tbsp butter, divided

#### Directions:

1. **Cook the Chicken**:

   - Bring a medium-sized pot of water (about 6 cups) to a boil.

   - Boil the chicken until cooked through, then remove to a plate to cool.

   - Once cooled, shred the chicken.

2. **Cook the Rice**:

   - Add the boil-in-bag rice to the same boiling water used to cook the chicken.

   - Cook for 8 minutes, then remove the rice and set it aside with the shredded chicken.

3. **Cook the Broccoli**:

   - Add the broccoli to the same pot and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.

4. **Sauté the Vegetables**:

   - In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

   - Sauté the chopped onion and celery until softened, about 3-4 minutes.

5. **Combine Ingredients**:

   - In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, sautéed onion and celery, and cooked broccoli.

   - Add the Velveeta cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted.

   - Add the cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.

6. **Assemble the Casserole**:

   - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   - Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into a lightly greased casserole dish.

   - Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

7. **Bake**:

   - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.

8. **Prepare the Topping**:

   - While the casserole is baking, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter.

   - Crush the sleeve of crackers and mix with the melted butter.

9. **Add the Topping**:

   - After 20 minutes of baking, remove the casserole from the oven.

   - Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs evenly over the top.

   - Return to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cracker topping is golden brown.

10. **Serve**:

   - Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.

Enjoy this delicious and comforting Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole!