Description
A comforting and hearty Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners, delivering a balanced meal with a cheesy, flavorful twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until just tender)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If desired, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for a crispy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. This allows flavors to meld and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Substitute the white rice with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier alternative.
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for a quick and convenient protein option.
- Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture if you prefer a bit of heat.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for meal prep.
