Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and crisp broccoli, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This hearty casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner, offering a delicious way to enjoy a balanced meal with plenty of flavors. Plus, it’s an easy, one-dish recipe that can be prepped ahead of time for those busy weeknights.
Equipment:
- Large skillet
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan (optional, for cooking rice)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
Tips:
- Chicken Options: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover grilled chicken, or even canned chicken for convenience.
- Vegetable Variations: You can substitute or add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or cauliflower for more variety.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole is a warm, comforting dish that brings together the best of classic flavors. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners, meal prepping, or when you need a quick and hearty meal. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and nourishing ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- Large skillet
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Saucepan (optional, for cooking rice)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 2 cups cooked rice white or brown
- 2 cups broccoli florets steamed or blanched
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Onions and Garlic:
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat until the mixture is smooth and heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- If using, sprinkle the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake:
- Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Notes
Garnish with fresh parsley or extra cheese, if desired.
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