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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish loaded with tender chicken thighs, fresh broccoli, and fluffy white rice, all baked together in a rich cheddar and Boursin cheese sauce. Perfect for a hearty family meal or potluck, this casserole combines savory spices with a luscious creamy texture to deliver a satisfying one-dish dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Dairy

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5–6 chicken thighs
  • 1 10.5 oz can cream of chicken with herbs
  • 1 10.5 oz heavy cream (use the cream of chicken can to measure)
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium, divided)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup Boursin cheese

Vegetables & Grains

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
  • 4 cups white rice, cooked

Seasonings & Oils

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chicken stock
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect baking temperature.
  2. Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all-purpose seasoning. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through.
  3. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly. Then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  5. Deglaze Skillet: Pour in chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom for flavor. Let it reduce for about 4 minutes.
  6. Add Cream Base: Stir in the cream of chicken soup with herbs, then add the heavy cream (measured using the soup can). Stir until well combined.
  7. Melt Cheeses: Add the Boursin cheese and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until all cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth. Add more cheddar if you prefer a thicker sauce, but reserve some for topping.
  8. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the cheese sauce.
  9. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken.
  10. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the rice mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Season with remaining Bayou City seasonings, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste.
  11. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish and spread it evenly.
  12. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top for a bubbly golden crust.
  13. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  14. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese topping is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
  15. Cool and Serve: Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve hot and enjoy!
  16. Optional Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for added color and flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • For a spicier casserole, increase the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
  • Using fresh cooked rice and broccoli yields the best texture in the casserole.
  • Make sure to deglaze the pan well to capture all flavor from the chicken drippings.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated; reheat covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli rice casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheddar cheese casserole, comfort food

Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe-2/