Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a hearty, comforting one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with shredded chicken, tender broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce baked to bubbly perfection, it’s a family-friendly recipe that combines wholesome ingredients for a satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 2 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets (steamed until tender)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt if needed. Stir everything together until evenly mixed.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese has melted and browned slightly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken and microwaveable rice to save time without compromising flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Steaming broccoli ahead ensures it cooks evenly and retains a nice texture in the casserole.
- The buttery cracker topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch; omit for a softer casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated for an easy meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 610 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
