Description
This comforting Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a delicious and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked chicken, fluffy rice, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce, this easy-to-make casserole is baked to golden perfection with an optional buttery crumb topping for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (lightly steamed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for even baking.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole. If using, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese topping has melted and begun to brown slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice or use rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture if you prefer a mild kick of heat.
- This casserole is freezer-friendly—assemble it ahead of time, freeze before baking, and bake directly from frozen, adding extra baking time.
