Description
This creamy chicken casserole combines tender cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and rice in a rich cheese sauce, topped with crunchy crackers and baked to perfection. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Base and Filling
1/4 cup butter1/4 cup flour
1/2 cup diced onion
2 1/2 cups milk (whole milk recommended)
3 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
2 cups lightly steamed or blanched broccoli florets
3 cups cooked rice
3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
Topping
1 cup buttery crackers (such as Ritz), coarsely crushed2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Coat a 9″x13″ baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook Aromatics and Make Roux: Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Pour in the flour, stirring well to coat the onions; cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually whisk the milk into the saucepan, stirring constantly. Continue cooking and stirring for about 4-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the cream cheese, 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Mix until smooth and velvety.
- Combine Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked broccoli, rice, and chicken. Pour the cheese sauce over this mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread evenly, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top. Distribute the crushed crackers over the cheese layer, then spray lightly with cooking spray to encourage browning.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and the cheese has melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- Use cooked chicken leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Crushed buttery crackers like Ritz give a classic crunchy topping but can be substituted with other favorite crunchy toppings.
- This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add a few extra minutes if baking from cold.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 1/8 of the casserole)
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
