Description
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, delicious one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights. Loaded with shredded chicken, tender broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to golden bubbly perfection, it’s simple to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Topping
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy clean-up.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together shredded cooked chicken, cooked white rice, steamed broccoli florets, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika until well incorporated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, leveling the top for uniform baking.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a golden, crunchy topping.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set, then serve and enjoy your hearty, cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked brown rice for a healthier alternative.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Steaming the broccoli before adding prevents it from becoming mushy during baking.
- Chicken can be replaced with turkey or omitted for a vegetarian version using a suitable cream of mushroom soup.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
