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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 114 reviews

This Ultimate Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make weeknight meal featuring tender chicken, fresh or frozen broccoli, and fluffy rice all baked together in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a golden, crispy topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, it combines convenience with hearty flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken and Vegetables

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

Base

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

Sauce

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

Cheese and Topping

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • Optional: ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs, mixed with 2 tbsp melted butter
  • Olive oil or butter, for greasing

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken and Broccoli: If starting with raw chicken breasts (1.5-2 lbs), cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, either by boiling or baking. Once cooked, cool and shred to measure 3 cups. For fresh broccoli, blanch 4-5 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 of excess moisture.
  2. Cook Rice: If you do not have leftover cooked rice, cook 1½ cups uncooked rice with 3 cups water or broth according to package instructions to yield 3 cups cooked rice. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  3. Make Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the undiluted cans of cream of mushroom and cream of celery soups with the sour cream or Greek yogurt and milk until smooth. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
  4. Incorporate Cheese into Sauce: Fold 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the prepared creamy soup mixture until just combined. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese for topping the casserole later.
  5. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  6. Assemble Layers: Spread the cooked rice evenly across the bottom of the greased baking dish. Layer the shredded cooked chicken over the rice evenly. Scatter the blanched or drained broccoli florets over the chicken layer to create an even distribution.
  7. Pour Sauce Over Layers: Carefully pour the creamy soup and cheese mixture evenly over the chicken and broccoli layers, ensuring they are thoroughly coated with the rich sauce.
  8. Add Cheese and Optional Topping: Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. If desired, for added texture and flavor, mix ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes. Bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese topping is melted and golden brown. If the topping begins to brown too rapidly, loosely cover with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
  10. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow it to set slightly for easier serving. Dish out generous portions and serve with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Using leftover cooked chicken and rice helps reduce prep time.
  • Blanching fresh broccoli prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
  • Using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream adds protein and reduces fat.
  • For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free cream soups and skip the cracker topping or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Keep foil handy to prevent over-browning during baking.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.

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