Broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese sauce. This comforting casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings with family and friends. With its delicious flavors and easy preparation, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 2 cups cooked rice
– 2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
– 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping)
– Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
**Step-by-Step Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, you can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts until fully cooked. Once cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
3. **Blanch the Broccoli:** Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and blanch for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
4. **Make the Cheese Sauce:** In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Whisk in the flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk until smooth. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes. Season with onion powder, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to taste.
5. **Assemble the Casserole:** In the prepared baking dish, layer the cooked rice, blanched broccoli, shredded chicken, and shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the top, ensuring all ingredients are coated.
6. **Bake the Casserole:** Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the casserole is heated through.
7. **Add Toppings (Optional):** If desired, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole during the last 5 minutes of baking for an extra cheesy crust. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
8. **Serve:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
**Tips:**
– You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
– Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the cheese for different flavor variations.
– Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce.
This broccoli, rice, cheese, and chicken casserole is a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and nutritious broccoli, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or as a dish to share with friends, this casserole is sure to be a hit!
