Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
A creamy, cheesy, and hearty casserole that’s perfect for a cozy evening meal. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful rice, and wholesome broccoli, it’s a dish the whole family will love!
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked, shredded chicken
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups quick-cooking rice
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can onion soup
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup milk
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- 1 (12–16 oz) bag frozen broccoli, thawed
- Panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or oil.
2. Cook the Rice
- Bring the chicken broth to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Stir in the quick-cooking rice, cover, and remove from heat.
- Let the rice sit for 5 minutes, then fluff it with a fork.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a medium pot, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add the Velveeta cheese, milk, heavy cream, cream of chicken soup, and onion soup.
- Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
4. Combine the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, thawed broccoli, and cheese sauce.
- Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- If desired, sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
6. Bake the Casserole
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and golden brown on top.
7. Serve and Enjoy
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy a satisfying, cheesy meal with your loved ones!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Use fresh broccoli instead of frozen if you prefer more texture. Blanch it briefly before adding to the mix.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
- Comforting and Delicious: The perfect balance of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and hearty rice.
- Quick and Easy: A straightforward recipe that’s ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults alike, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser.
