Description
This hearty Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole is a deliciously comforting one-dish meal that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice baked to perfection. Perfect for family dinners or meal prepping, this casserole delivers a balanced blend of protein, veggies, and carbs with a cheesy, savory flavor that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
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
Sauce and Seasonings
- 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
Cheese and Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked white rice, shredded or cubed chicken breast, steamed broccoli florets, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly until the mixture is well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixed casserole filling evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a cheesy crust.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this buttery topping over the cheese layer for extra crunch and flavor.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving warm. This helps the casserole firm up for easier slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute brown rice or quinoa for white rice for a healthier twist.
- Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut if you want to save time.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to bake, making it perfect for meal prep.
