Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Dish

 



Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish or baking pan lightly with cooking spray or butter.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken and Rice

  1. If you’re starting with raw chicken, cook it first. You can bake, grill, or sauté the chicken, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the rice according to package instructions if you're using precooked rice. For uncooked rice, proceed with the next steps.

Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a paste.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
  3. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

  1. In the prepared casserole dish, layer the cooked rice (or uncooked rice if using that option).
  2. Add the shredded chicken and broccoli florets on top of the rice. Spread them evenly.
  3. Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice, ensuring everything is well coated. If using uncooked rice, make sure the sauce fully covers the rice to allow it to cook properly.

Step 5: Add Toppings

  1. Sprinkle additional shredded cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes if using cooked rice, or 45-50 minutes if using uncooked rice (until the rice is tender and the casserole is bubbling).
  2. Remove the foil for the last 10 minutes of baking to let the cheese on top turn golden brown.

Step 7: Serve

  1. Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the layers set and makes it easier to serve.
  2. Scoop into bowls or plates and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

  • Vegetable Variety: Swap out broccoli for other vegetables like cauliflower, green beans, or peas if you prefer a different flavor.
  • Protein Options: Use rotisserie chicken, leftover turkey, or even diced ham for a twist.
  • Rice Variations: Try wild rice or a rice blend for added texture and flavor.
  • Make It Creamier: Add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
  • Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter over the top before baking for a crispy crust.