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Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: International
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups  cooked chicken, shredded or diced 
  • 3 cups  broccoli florets
  • 2 cups  cooked rice or pasta
  • 1 tablespoon  olive oil or butte
  • 1 small  onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves

For the sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons  butter
  • 2 tablespoons  all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ cups  milk (whole or 2%)
  • ½ cup  chicken broth
  • 1 cup  shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup  shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack
  • ¼ teaspoon  paprika

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish
  2. If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it for about 3–4 minutes until just tender. If using frozen, thaw and drain it well.
  3. Cook the rice or pasta if you’re adding it, and have your chicken ready to go
  4. In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. 
  6. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly 
  7. Gradually pour in the milk and chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Keep whisking until the sauce starts to thicken, about 3–5 minutes.
  8. Turn the heat to low and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper
  9. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, and rice (or pasta, if using). Pour the cheese sauce over the top and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  10. Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread it evenly.
  11. If you’re making the breadcrumb topping, mix the breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan in a small bowl. Sprinkle it over the casserole
  12. Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, until it’s hot throughout and the top is golden brown.

Notes

My Best Tips for Success

  1. Pre-cook the broccoli. This keeps it from releasing water into the casserole while baking.
  2. Use rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds great flavor.
  3. Don’t skip the roux. That flour-and-butter step is key to a smooth, creamy sauce.
  4. Mix cheeses. A blend of cheddar for sharpness and mozzarella for meltiness creates the perfect texture.
  5. Make it ahead. You can assemble the casserole up to a day ahead and bake when ready — just add 10 extra minutes of baking time.