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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

A warm and comforting all-in-one meal featuring tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy rice baked in a creamy cheese sauce.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced You can use leftover cooked chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
  • 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen, lightly steamed Make sure your broccoli is cooked but still slightly crisp.
  • 1.5 cups cooked rice You can use white, brown, or jasmine rice.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Divided: 1/2 cup for the sauce, 1/2 cup for topping.
  • 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese For topping.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter For greasing the pan and making the sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour Can use gluten-free flour as a substitute.
  • 1.5 cups milk Whole or 2 percent.
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp paprika Optional.
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs Optional, for topping.
  • 2 tbsp melted butter Optional, for mixing with breadcrumbs.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, add garlic, and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute while whisking constantly.
  4. Gradually add milk and continue whisking until smooth.
  5. Add sour cream, salt, pepper, and paprika; then remove from heat.
  6. Fold in 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
  7. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, rice, and prepared sauce. Mix until evenly coated.
  8. Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread evenly.
Baking
  1. Sprinkle remaining cheddar and mozzarella over the casserole.
  2. Optional: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
  3. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  4. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm right from the oven. Pairs nicely with a simple green salad or garlic bread. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or extra cheese for added flavor. To store leftovers, let cool completely and place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.