Description
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole combines seasoned chicken, tender broccoli, and fluffy rice in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s layered with more cheese and baked until golden and bubbling for the ultimate comfort food dinner everyone loves.
Ingredients
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets, finely diced (1 fresh bunch)
Seasoned Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 teaspoon seasoning salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Rice:
- 2 cups water
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup long-grain rice (Basmati recommended)
Cheese Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- ¼ cup onions, finely diced
- ¼ cup celery, finely diced
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
- 1½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (sharp recommended)
Mixed Cheese Topping:
- 2½ cups freshly shredded mixed cheese (½ mozzarella, ½ sharp cheddar)
Instructions
1. Place the cooked, chopped broccoli into a large bowl and set aside.
2. Dice the chicken into small pieces. Mix seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning, then toss with chicken to coat.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until done. Add to the bowl with broccoli.
4. Add water, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to a pot and bring to a boil. Stir in rice, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes until tender. Let sit covered for another 10 minutes, then add to the bowl with broccoli and chicken.
5. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter.
6. Melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add onions and celery, cook until tender. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
7. Add remaining 4 tablespoons butter, melt, then whisk in flour and cook 2–3 minutes until golden.
8. Slowly pour in chicken broth while whisking. Stir in pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Add milk and simmer until thickened like chowder.
9. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
10. Pour cheese sauce into the bowl with chicken, broccoli, and rice. Toss to coat well.
11. Spread half the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half the mixed cheese topping. Repeat the layers.
12. Place baking dish on a sheet pan (to catch any bubbling) and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Broil on low until cheese is lightly golden, watching closely.
14. Let cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or sour cream into the sauce.
Add a sprinkle of crushed Ritz crackers on top for a crunchy finish.
This casserole freezes beautifully — bake, cool, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat covered at 350°F until warmed through.
You can substitute rotisserie chicken for an even faster prep time.