Broccoli Rice Cheese Chicken Casserole (Print-Friendly Version)

Cheesy casserole with chicken, broccoli, and rice for a comforting main that’s perfect for sharing.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Main Components

01 - 300 g cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 - 340 g cooked white or brown rice
03 - 200 g broccoli florets, fresh or thawed from frozen

→ Dairy and Sauces

04 - 295 g cream of chicken soup or equivalent homemade
05 - 240 ml sour cream
06 - 120 g shredded cheddar cheese, plus extra for topping
07 - 45 g grated Parmesan cheese
08 - 120 ml whole milk

→ Seasonings

09 - 1 tsp garlic powder
10 - 0.5 tsp onion powder
11 - 0.25 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
12 - Salt, to taste
13 - Ground black pepper, to taste

→ Topping (Optional)

14 - 30 g dry breadcrumbs
15 - 30 g butter, melted

# How to Prepare:

01 - Preheat oven to 175°C. Lightly grease a 23 x 33 cm baking dish and set aside.
02 - If using fresh broccoli, blanch florets in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until vibrant and slightly tender, then drain. If using frozen broccoli, thaw fully and drain off excess moisture.
03 - In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if desired), salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
04 - Spread the prepared mixture evenly into the greased dish. If desired, toss breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the surface. Layer with additional cheddar cheese for extra flavour.
05 - Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until golden and bubbling at the edges.
06 - Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving. Accompany with a fresh salad or crusty bread if preferred.

# Extra Tips:

01 - This casserole can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and chilled; add 5–10 minutes to baking time if cooking directly from refrigeration.
02 - Enhance with sautéed mushrooms, diced bell pepper, or a pinch of chilli flakes for more complexity.
03 - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.

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