Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup uncooked rice (or 3 cups cooked rice)
• 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs for topping

Instructions

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare the rice: If you are using uncooked rice, cook it according to package instructions. If using leftover or pre-cooked rice, proceed to the next step.
3. Blanch the broccoli: In a pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
4. Mix the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are incorporated.
5. Add chicken, rice, and broccoli: Add the cooked chicken, prepared rice, and blanched broccoli to the mixture. Gently stir until everything is well-coated with the creamy sauce.
6. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
7. Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole!

Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in some cooked bacon bits or sprinkle chopped green onions on top. This dish also works well with frozen broccoli, just be sure to thaw and drain it first.

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a satisfying and hearty meal that’s perfect for the whole family. With creamy, cheesy flavors and a variety of textures, it’s comfort food at its best!