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Creamy Loaded Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

creamy loaded chicken and broccoli rice casserole - featured image
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A comforting and creamy casserole combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a blend of cheeses, perfect for easy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until just tender
  • 1 ½ cups cooked white rice (long grain or jasmine preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup or homemade béchamel sauce
  • ¾ cup whole milk or 2%
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion, sautéed
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced and sautéed
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning
  • Optional topping: ½ cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Cook 1 cup long-grain white rice with 2 cups water: bring to boil, reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 18 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  2. Steam 2 cups fresh broccoli florets until just tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add ½ cup finely chopped onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt.
  4. Stir in 1 can condensed cream of chicken soup and ¾ cup milk into the skillet with onions and garlic. Heat gently, stirring until smooth and warmed through. Avoid boiling.
  5. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and the creamy sauce mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried thyme or Italian seasoning. Mix until evenly coated.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased 9×13 inch casserole dish, spreading evenly. If using, sprinkle the panko breadcrumb topping mixed with melted butter evenly over the casserole.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use cooked rice instead of raw rice baked in the dish to keep rice fluffy and prevent mushiness. Steam broccoli until just tender to maintain color and texture. Warm sauce gently to avoid curdling. Tent casserole with foil if topping browns too quickly. For richer casserole, add cream cheese or sour cream to sauce. Panko topping can be substituted with crushed crackers or cornflakes. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking. Leftovers freeze well for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, creamy casserole, family dinner, easy dinner, comfort food, chicken and rice casserole

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-loaded-chicken-and-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-family-dinners/