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Cozy Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Rice Casserole

cheesy broccoli chicken rice casserole - featured image
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A quick and easy casserole combining tender chicken, bright broccoli, creamy cheese sauce, and fluffy rice for a comforting and hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until just tender (or thawed frozen broccoli, drained well)
  • 1½ cups cooked white or brown rice (day-old rice preferred)
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1½ cups whole milk or 2% milk (dairy-free milk can be used)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or panko (optional topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. If not using leftover rice, cook ¾ cup dry rice according to package instructions to yield about 1½ cups cooked. Spread on a plate to cool.
  3. Steam broccoli florets in a steamer basket over boiling water for 3-4 minutes until bright green and just tender. Drain well and set aside.
  4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until soft and translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
  5. Sprinkle flour over onions and garlic, whisking constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes until bubbly and slightly nutty but not browned.
  6. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook and whisk until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using.
  8. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and cheese sauce. Adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle crushed crackers or panko on top if desired.
  10. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  11. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or poach raw chicken gently to keep it juicy. Day-old rice prevents mushiness. Steam broccoli just until tender to keep a slight snap. Whisk constantly when making cheese sauce to avoid lumps. Add crushed crackers or panko topping for crunch. If sauce is too thick, add more broth or milk. Leftovers taste better the next day. Can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://chloeplate.com/cozy-cheesy-broccoli-chicken-rice-casserole-recipe-easy-hearty-dinner/