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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 149 reviews

This Ultimate Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for feeding a family, this casserole delivers satisfying flavor with a golden, crispy topping that can be customized with buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs.

Ingredients

Protein and Vegetables

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets, chopped (or frozen, undrained)

Rice

  • 3 cups cooked rice (long-grain white or brown)

Sauces and Dairy

  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
  • 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of celery soup, undiluted
  • ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt, or to taste
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Optional Topping

  • ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Other

  • Olive oil or butter, for greasing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken and Broccoli: If using raw chicken breasts, cook them thoroughly by boiling or baking until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then cool and shred to make approximately 3 cups. For fresh broccoli, blanch 4 to 5 cups of florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, then drain well. If using frozen broccoli, ensure it is fully thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture.
  2. Cook Rice: If not using leftover rice, cook 1½ cups uncooked rice with 3 cups water or broth according to package instructions to yield 3 cups cooked rice. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork to prepare for layering.
  3. Mix Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the undiluted cream of mushroom soup, cream of celery soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, and milk until smooth. Add onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring until well combined.
  4. Add Cheese to Sauce: Fold 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce mixture until just incorporated. Set aside the remaining ½ cup of cheddar for topping the casserole.
  5. Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  6. Layer Ingredients: Spread the cooked rice evenly along the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top the rice with the shredded cooked chicken, then evenly scatter the prepared broccoli over the chicken layer.
  7. Add Sauce Mixture: Pour the creamy soup and cheese sauce evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring everything is well coated.
  8. Top with Cheese and Optional Crunch: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. For a crunchy topping, mix ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and the top cheese is melted and golden brown. If the topping starts to brown too fast, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set for easier portioning. Serve warm, optionally alongside a simple green salad or crusty bread.

Notes

  • You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier flavor and added protein.
  • Use either fresh or frozen broccoli; just ensure frozen broccoli is well drained.
  • Leftover cooked chicken and rice can speed up preparation time significantly.
  • Adding buttery cracker or panko topping adds a crunchy texture but can be omitted for a softer casserole.
  • Feel free to adjust seasonings to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
  • This casserole can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving, or refrigerated and baked within 24 hours.
  • Leftovers reheat well in the oven or microwave.

Find it online: https://mealsbykate.com/cheesy-chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe/