Description
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole is a comforting and rich oven-baked dish combining tender chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice, and a cheesy, creamy sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it features a crispy cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch to the savory, cheesy filling.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups fresh or frozen broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, and steamed broccoli, ensuring even mixing of these base components.
- Add Creamy Sauce and Seasonings: Add the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper into the bowl. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy and flavorful mixture.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, enhancing cheese flavor and texture.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, making sure it is evenly spread for consistent cooking.
- Add Crunchy Topping: If desired, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole to add a crispy texture when baked.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the casserole is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance flavors.
Notes
- Steaming the broccoli prevents it from becoming too soft during baking.
- Using cooked chicken (rotisserie or leftover) saves time and enhances flavor.
- The optional cracker topping provides a delightful crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- To make the dish gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or omit the topping.
