Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a potluck centerpiece, it’s a complete meal in one dish!
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4–5 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- garlic powder to taste
- onion powder to taste
- a pinch of paprika
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prepare Your Components: First things first, get your ingredients ready. Cook your chicken, rice, and blanch your broccoli if using fresh. Ensure everything is cooled slightly. This prep work makes assembly a breeze. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sauté Aromatics (Optional, but Recommended): In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: If using canned soup, skip to the next step. If making homemade sauce: Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of butter in the saucepan with the cooked aromatics. Whisk in the 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the 3 cups of milk and 1 cup of chicken broth. Continue whisking constantly until the sauce thickens and comes to a gentle simmer, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat. Stir in 1.5 cups of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste.
- Combine Everything: In a very large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, cooked rice, and the creamy cheese sauce. Mix thoroughly but carefully, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated without mashing the rice or broccoli too much.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese with the 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the casserole dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: This casserole is excellent for meal prepping! You can assemble it a day in advance and refrigerate. Feel free to experiment with seasonings and add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for variety.