Description
This comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines tender cooked chicken, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy cooked rice in a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and seasonings. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and optional crispy fried onions, it’s a delicious and easy-to-make casserole perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup crispy fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the casserole.
- Combine Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, broccoli florets, and cooked rice, mixing gently to evenly distribute ingredients.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well incorporated.
- Mix Sauce with Chicken Mixture: Pour the prepared sauce over the chicken, broccoli, and rice mixture, then add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly.
- Transfer to Casserole Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter, then pour the entire mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Add Fried Onions and Continue Baking: If using, sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top of the casserole and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the onions and enhance the flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and allow flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli; steam slightly if frozen to remove excess moisture before adding.
- For a lighter version, substitute reduced-fat cheese and sour cream.
- Crispy fried onions add a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a gluten-free option.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat covered to retain moisture.
- You can prepare this casserole in advance and bake it just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
