Description
Southern comfort rises with this hearty broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole, blending creamy textures and savory flavors. Home cooks will appreciate its simple preparation and satisfying results that bring warmth to family dinner tables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 298 g) cream of chicken soup (or homemade equivalent)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsps butter, melted
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly.
- Broccoli Readiness: Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until vibrant green, or completely thaw frozen broccoli and drain excess moisture.
- Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, rice, broccoli, cream soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl, blending ingredients until uniformly distributed.
- Casserole Assembly: Pour mixture into prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle buttered breadcrumbs and additional cheddar cheese across the top for a crispy, golden finish.
- Baking and Serving: Bake for 25-30 minutes until surface turns golden brown and edges bubble with intensity. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve alongside a fresh green salad or warm dinner rolls for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Blanch Broccoli Carefully: Quick 2-3 minute boiling preserves vibrant green color and prevents overcooking, maintaining crisp texture and nutritional value.
- Balance Moisture Levels: Drain blanched or thawed broccoli thoroughly to prevent watery casserole and ensure creamy, cohesive consistency.
- Customize Protein Options: Substitute shredded chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences or restrictions.
- Enhance Cheese Combination: Experiment with different cheese blends like smoked gouda, monterey jack, or gruyere to add depth and unique flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg