Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, steamed broccoli, and cooked rice in a rich mixture of cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and an optional buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly meal or cozy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli until evenly combined.
- Add Creamy Mixture: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, ensuring the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer your mixture into it, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Topping (Optional): If desired, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld and to avoid burns.
Notes
- You can use fresh or frozen broccoli; just be sure to steam it first for best texture.
- The Ritz cracker topping adds a nice crunch but can be omitted for a softer casserole.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven.
- For a lighter version, use reduced-fat mayonnaise and sour cream and a low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- This casserole is versatile and can be customized with other veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.
