Description
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken and Rice Casserole is a cozy, family friendly dinner that layers tender chicken, fluffy rice, and vibrant broccoli under a blanket of creamy, melted cheese. This easy dinner recipe is perfect for quick weeknight meals, simple meal prep, and comforting casserole nights when you need no fuss dinner ideas and food ideas that everyone will happily eat.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
3 cups small broccoli florets fresh or frozen
3 cups cooked white rice
1 can 10.5 ounces condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
2 cloves garlic minced
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
nonstick cooking spray for the baking dish
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F 175°C and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
2. If using fresh broccoli, cut it into small florets and steam or microwave for 2 to 3 minutes until bright green and slightly tender, then drain well. If using frozen broccoli, thaw completely and pat dry.
3. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth until smooth.
4. Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese along with the garlic, chopped onion, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly combined.
5. Add the cooked shredded chicken, cooked white rice, and prepared broccoli to the bowl and gently fold until the rice and chicken are well coated and the broccoli is evenly distributed.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. In a small bowl stir together the melted butter and panko breadcrumbs, then sprinkle the buttery crumbs evenly over the cheese layer.
9. Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the edges are bubbling, the top is lightly golden, and the center is heated through.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping or slicing and serving warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, sauté the chopped onion and garlic in 1 tablespoon of butter until softened and lightly golden before adding them to the sauce.
Make sure the rice and chicken are fully cooked before they go into the casserole, since the baking time is mainly for heating through and melting the cheese.
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly, and refrigerate; add 5 to 10 minutes to the baking time if going into the oven cold.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 35
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 900
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 11
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 45
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
- Cholesterol: 110
Keywords: cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole, easy dinner, weeknight meal, comfort food, family dinner, casserole recipe, chicken and rice