Description
This Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting and hearty American main course featuring tender cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli, and fluffy white rice enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheese. Topped with melted cheddar, Parmesan, and buttery breadcrumbs, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection, perfect for family dinners or cozy meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 3 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed
Grains
- 1 cup cooked white rice
For the Sauce
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (about 10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese & Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with easy cleanup.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, lightly steamed broccoli florets, and cooked white rice until well combined for a balanced base.
- Prepare Creamy Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and evenly seasoned to create a rich flavorful sauce.
- Mix Sauce and Main Ingredients: Pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetable mixture, stirring until everything is fully coated. Then fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese to add creaminess throughout.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese and Breadcrumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and then sprinkle this over the cheese layer to form a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the top is nicely golden and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes; this helps it set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
- Brown rice or pasta can be used instead of white rice for variety.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a slight heat in your casserole.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut to using freshly cooked chicken.
