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Casseroles have long been a staple in home-cooked meals, embodying the essence of comfort food. The appeal lies in their warmth, heartiness, and the ability to bring the family together around the dining table. They are versatile dishes that can incorporate a variety of ingredients, making them endlessly adaptable to individual tastes and dietary needs. Among the multitude of casserole recipes, the Cheesy Goodness Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole stands out as a quintessential family-friendly choice. This dish combines lean protein, nutritious vegetables, and wholesome carbs into a single, satisfying meal that is not only delicious but also easy to prepare.

Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Rice Casserole

Discover the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals with this Cheesy Goodness Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole. This family-friendly dish brings together tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese for a deliciously satisfying experience. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping, it’s a breeze to make and caters to picky eaters. With simple ingredients and easy prep, this casserole is sure to become a beloved favorite at your dining table. Enjoy a hearty meal that’s nutritious, versatile, and downright irresistible!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

    Prepare the broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam or blanch the florets for about 3-4 minutes until slightly tender, then drain. If using frozen, simply thaw and drain.

      Mix the casserole base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and dried thyme. Stir until well combined.

        Transfer to baking dish: Lightly grease a casserole dish (about 9x13 inches) with cooking spray or a little olive oil. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread it evenly.

          Add cheese: Sprinkle the cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

            Prepare the breadcrumb topping: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter until they are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.

              Bake the casserole: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.

                Serve: Let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes before serving to firm up slightly. Serve warm and enjoy!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 6 servings