Broccoli Rice Cheese and Chicken Casserole

Recipe Details

• Author: deesviral
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Main Course / Casserole
• Keywords: Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole, Easy Casserole Recipe, Chicken Bake, deesviral
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
• 2 cups broccoli florets (lightly steamed or thawed if frozen)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus ½ cup for topping)
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the cooked rice, chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to combine.
4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
5. Top with remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese and optional crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Let sit for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Troubleshooting & Consistency Tips

• Too dry? Add an extra splash of milk or sour cream to loosen the mixture before baking.
• Watery casserole? Make sure the broccoli isn’t overly wet—drain well before mixing.
• Rice undercooked? Always use fully cooked rice; raw rice won’t soften properly in the oven.

Storage & Make-Ahead

• Refrigerator: Store tightly covered for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day ahead (without toppings), refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of creamy soup, tender chicken, and savory cheese turns this casserole into a complete meal in one pan. It’s flexible (use rotisserie chicken or leftover rice), kid-friendly, and always comforting. deesviral makes it approachable for weeknights and satisfying enough for gatherings.

Expert Tips

• Use sharp cheddar for bolder flavor, or mix in Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• For a homemade touch, substitute the canned soup with a quick homemade cream sauce.
• Add cooked mushrooms, bell peppers, or even chopped spinach to boost nutrition.
• Broil the topping for 1–2 minutes after baking for an extra crisp finish.