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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
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Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A creamy and cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole made with tender chicken, fluffy rice, broccoli, and sharp Cheddar cheese. A comforting one-dish dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights and family meals.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time55 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 8
Calories: 425kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked long-grain white rice
  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded or chopped
  • 3 cups broccoli florets fresh or frozen
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese divided
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Optional Topping
  • ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup buttery breadcrumbs or panko

Instructions

  • Prepare the oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • Prepare the broccoli: Steam or blanch fresh broccoli until just tender. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain thoroughly.
  • Sauté the aromatics: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3–4 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  • Make the sauce: Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk. Cook, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
  • Add cheese and seasonings: Reduce heat to low. Stir in sour cream and 1½ cups Cheddar until melted. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Combine: Stir the cooked rice, chicken, and broccoli into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.
  • Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining Cheddar. Add breadcrumbs on top if desired.
  • Bake: Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until hot and bubbling and the cheese is melted.
  • Brown the top: For a golden topping, broil for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully.
  • Rest and serve: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Drain broccoli thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
  • Freshly shredded Cheddar melts especially well.
  • Rotisserie chicken can be used as a convenient shortcut.
  • Let the casserole rest before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.
  • If using a  cold make-ahead casserole, allow extra baking time.

Nutrition 

  • Calories: 425 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Sugar: 5 g