Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting one-dish meal combining tender chicken thighs, vibrant broccoli, and fluffy white rice, all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. Baked to perfection with a golden melted cheddar topping, it’s a hearty, flavorful casserole perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 5–6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp 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
Cheese and Dairy
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
- 1 10.5 oz heavy cream (use cream of chicken can to measure)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium, divided)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
Vegetables and Other
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
- 4 cups white rice, cooked
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose seasoning. Cook the chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Shred Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic over medium heat and cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits, and let it reduce for about 4 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Make Sauce: Add the cream of chicken soup with herbs to the skillet. Pour heavy cream into the cream of chicken can to measure, then add it to the skillet. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Add Cheeses: Stir in the Boursin cheese and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Add more cheddar if you prefer a thicker sauce, reserving some for topping.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Combine Rice and Broccoli: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked broccoli florets, and shredded chicken.
- Mix Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the rice mixture. Stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. Season with the remaining Bayou City all purpose seasoning, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into a large casserole dish, evenly spreading it out.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot.
- Optional Garnish: For added color and flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a dash of paprika on top before serving.
Notes
- Using cooked rice and broccoli saves time and ensures even cooking in the casserole.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper for your preferred level of heat.
- Shredding the chicken allows for better distribution throughout the casserole.
- Covering the casserole during the first part of baking prevents the dish from drying out.
- For a thicker sauce, add extra shredded cheddar cheese while making the sauce.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated, making this a great make-ahead meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, comfort food, cheesy casserole, baked casserole, easy dinner recipes
