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In the realm of home cooking, few categories resonate as deeply as comfort food. These dishes evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia, often reminding us of family gatherings and cozy nights in. One such dish that embodies the essence of comfort food is the Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole. This wholesome, satisfying meal is not only delicious but also a convenient way to bring the family together around the dinner table.

Broccoli Rice Cheese And Chicken Casserole

Looking for a comforting meal that the whole family will love? Try this delicious Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Rice Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, fluffy rice, and gooey sharp cheddar, it's a simple and satisfying dish that brings everyone to the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this casserole is easy to customize based on your preferences. Get ready to embrace the warmth of comfort food! #Casserole #ComfortFood #ChickenDinner #EasyRecipes #FamilyMeals

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)

2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or a homemade version)

1/2 cup milk

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for drizzling on breadcrumbs)

Instructions
 

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

    Prepare the Meat: If you haven’t already cooked the chicken, poach or roast chicken pieces until cooked through and shred them using two forks.

      Steam the Broccoli: If using fresh broccoli, steam the florets until they are tender but still bright green, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen, simply thaw and drain excess water.

        Mix the Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.

          Transfer to Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil. Pour the mixture into the dish and spread it evenly.

            Add Topping: If using, combine the breadcrumbs and olive oil in a small bowl, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole mixture. This will give it a nice crunch once baked. Top with remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

              Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

                Cool & Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This dish pairs well with a side salad or some crusty bread!

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6