Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy rice in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to bubbly perfection with a golden cheese topping and optional crispy fried onions, it’s an easy, hearty meal perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
Base
- 2 cups cooked rice
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to get it ready for baking the casserole to a bubbly, golden finish.
- Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: In a large bowl, mix together the diced cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and cooked rice ensuring even distribution.
- Prepare Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Mix Sauce into Casserole: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken mixture. Add 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and stir everything thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish and pour the combined mixture into it, spreading evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and starting to brown.
- Add Crispy Onions: If using, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp them up.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set before serving for easier slicing and better flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a healthier version.
- Frozen broccoli florets can be used—just thaw and drain before adding.
- For extra creaminess, add a little more sour cream or cheese according to taste.
- The crispy fried onions topping is optional but adds a nice crunchy texture contrast.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking for convenience.
