Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

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This savory casserole blends tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, fluffy rice, and ooey‑gooey cheese—all held together by a creamy, flavorful sauce. Ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or make‑ahead meals.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves ~6–8)

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen

  • 3 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup

  • ½ cup sour cream

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt & pepper, to taste

  • Optional topping: ½ cup breadcrumbs + 2 Tbsp melted butter

🔪 Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish.

  2. Prep broccoli: If using frozen, thaw & pat dry; fresh can be lightly steamed—prevents sogginess.

  3. Mix base: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, broccoli, rice, and cheddar (reserve ~½ cup for topping).

  4. Combine sauce: Whisk cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt & pepper. Pour over the base, mix thoroughly.

  5. Assemble: Spread mixture into dish. Top with remaining cheese. If using, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over.

  6. Bake: 25–30 min until bubbly and cheese is melted. Optionally broil for 1–2 minutes to brown the topping .

  7. Rest & serve: Let cool for ~5 min, then scoop into hearty portions and enjoy!

💡 Tips, Variations & Community Wisdom

  • Shortcut alert: Use pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie) and instant rice for a quickfix—30–35 min total.

  • Crunch factor: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz/cornflakes—mix with cheese & butter for a crispy top.

  • Jazz it up: Add sautéed onion, celery, peppers, or mushrooms for depth. A dash of poultry seasoning or nutmeg gives a surprising flavor boost—per Reddit tips .

  • Soup variations: Cream of mushroom can be swapped in or partially combined with chicken soup, as noted in several community versions .

  • Make‑ahead & freeze: Assemble but don’t bake—freeze for up to a month. Bake from frozen, covered, until warmed through.

🕒 Timing & Storage

Aspect Time / Info
Prep ~15 minutes
Bake 25–30 minutes (plus optional broil)
Total ~45 minutes
Servings 6–8 generous
Storage Fridge: airtight, up to 4 days
Freezer Freeze baked or unbaked (up to 2 months)

🥄 Why You’ll Love This

  • All‑in‑one meal: Protein, veggie, and starch—comfort in every bite.

  • Versatile: Adaptable with pantry/soup swaps and added vegetables.

  • Make‑ahead friendly: Preps easily for busy days.

  • Kid‑approved: Creamy, cheesy, and customizable for picky eaters.

📝 Community Voices

From r/EasyPeasyRecipes:

“I do a version of this… mixed rice … shredded cheddar… soup mixture… baked… sprinkle mozzarella on top”

From general cooking advice:

“Sauté … onions and carrots… add garlic powder… mustard… nutmeg… mix into soup”

✅ Final Take

Your Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole is a celebration of comfort with endless personalization. Whether you’re cooking for family or prepping meals, it delivers hearty satisfaction. Try the crunchy topping, sneak in extra veggies, or swap creamy base ingredients—dial it to your taste and enjoy!

Let me know if you’d like a low‑carb, dairy‑free, or spicy twist—I’d love to tailor it!

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