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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 85 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, nutritious broccoli, flavorful seasonings, and a rich blend of cheeses. It’s an easy one-dish meal perfect for weeknights, featuring cooked rice mixed with a creamy combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Velveeta, and topped with sharp cheddar cheese for a golden finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables

  • 1 pound frozen broccoli

Dairy & Cheese

  • 10 ounces cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, chopped into very small pieces
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Protein

  • 3 cups diced, cooked chicken

Grains

  • 3 1/2 cups cooked white rice

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Cook Broccoli: Cook the frozen broccoli according to the package instructions, typically boiling or steaming. Once cooked, drain any excess liquid thoroughly and transfer the hot broccoli to a cutting board. Use a knife to chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces for better texture in the casserole.
  3. Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cooked broccoli with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and the finely chopped Velveeta cheese. Stir well to create a creamy mixture that will bind the casserole.
  4. Add Rice, Chicken, and Seasonings: Add cooked white rice, diced cooked chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cracked pepper to the creamy broccoli mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients and flavors.
  5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Sample the mixture, and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If your chicken was already seasoned, the current levels should be sufficient; otherwise, feel free to add a bit more salt, pepper, or seasoning to suit your taste.
  6. Assemble Casserole: Spoon the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out smooth and level to ensure even baking. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top as a savory topping.
  7. Bake Covered: Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep moisture in and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This allows the casserole to heat through without drying out.
  8. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes. This step melts and browns the cheddar cheese topping for a delicious crust.
  9. Serve Hot: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm as a hearty main dish perfect for family dinners.

Notes

  • You can use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken if preferred; just dice into bite-sized pieces.
  • Sour cream adds creaminess but can be substituted with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Velveeta cheese melts smoothly and adds creaminess, but you may substitute with processed cheese or more cheddar if desired.
  • Make sure to drain broccoli well to avoid a watery casserole.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner, family meal

Find it online: https://topreci.com/chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe/