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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

4.5 from 150 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken thighs, nutritious broccoli, and fluffy white rice in a rich cheese sauce. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy, delicious family meal perfect for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 56 chicken thighs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tbs olive oil
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
  • 1 10.5 oz heavy cream (use the cream of chicken can to measure)
  • 1 1/2 cup mild or medium shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup Boursin cheese

Vegetables and Grains

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
  • 4 cups white rice, cooked
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 3 tbs Bayou City all-purpose seasoning, divided
  • 1 tbsp Bayou City garlic pepper
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning. Cook chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove cooked chicken from the skillet and allow to cool slightly. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic over medium heat and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  5. Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up brown bits from the skillet. Let it reduce for about 4 minutes to concentrate flavor.
  6. Make Sauce: Add canned cream of chicken soup with herbs and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  7. Add Cheeses: Stir in Boursin cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Add more cheese if you want a thicker consistency, saving some cheddar for topping.
  8. Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix sour cream into the sauce until fully blended.
  9. Combine Casserole Mix: In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over and stir until everything is evenly coated.
  10. Season Mixture: Add 3 tablespoons of Bayou City all-purpose seasoning (used throughout the recipe), 1 tablespoon garlic pepper, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne. Season further with salt and pepper to taste and mix well.
  11. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
  12. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  13. Bake Uncovered: Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  14. Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
  15. Optional Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • Use cooked broccoli and rice to ensure even cooking and proper texture in the casserole.
  • Shred or chop chicken to bite-sized pieces for easy serving and better flavor distribution.
  • Adjust cheese quantity to your preference for thickness and cheesiness.
  • Season to taste, especially after mixing ingredients, as pre-seasoned components can alter salt levels.
  • Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it to firm up and makes serving easier.

Keywords: Chicken casserole, Broccoli casserole, Rice casserole, Cheesy chicken bake, Comfort food