casserole season 🤍
Casserole season is officially in full swing 🥘✨ DAY 3 !!! Of 12 days of comfort ♥️🥰
This Chicken Broccoli Cheddar bake is everythinggggg 😍
Chicken Broccoli Rice & Cheddar Casserole 🧀🥦🍗
Oven: 375°F
🛒 Ingredients
Main:
•6 chicken thighs, cooked & shredded (about 4 cups)
•3 cups uncooked white rice
•6 cups chicken broth
•4 cups broccoli florets
•3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
•1 cup sour cream
•1 can cream of chicken soup
Cheese Sauce (made in the same pan):
•3 tbsp butter
•3 tbsp flour
•½ cup half & half
•2 cups milk
•1 tsp garlic powder
•½ tsp onion powder
•½ tsp paprika
• Salt and Pepper to taste
Chicken Seasoning:
• Olive oil
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper
Optional Topping:
• Crushed Ritz or panko + melted butter
⸻
👩🏽🍳 Instructions
1. Boil 6 cups chicken broth, add 3 cups rice, cover and simmer until fluffy.
2. Season chicken and sear in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Shred and set aside. Don’t wipe the pan!
3. Melt butter → whisk in flour (1 min) → slowly whisk in half & half + milk. Add seasonings and simmer until thick. Stir in 2½ cups cheddar, then add cream of chicken + sour cream.
4. Combine rice, chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce.
5. Pour into greased 9x13 dish. Top with remaining cheddar + optional cracker topping.
6. Bake at 375°F for 35–40 min until bubbly + golden.
7. Rest 10 min, then serve. Enjoy!!
#dinner #christmas #comfort foods
Casserole season is truly a wonderful time to enjoy hearty and comforting dishes like this Chicken Broccoli Rice & Cheddar Casserole. One of the reasons casseroles are so beloved is their versatility and convenience — combining proteins, vegetables, starches, and a creamy sauce in one dish that’s perfect for sharing. When preparing this recipe, the 12 days of comfort theme really highlights how casseroles can bring warmth and joy during colder months or festive gatherings. Using chicken thighs offers juicy flavor and tenderness, which pairs beautifully with sharp cheddar cheese to bring a rich, savory depth. The inclusion of broccoli not only adds a pop of color but also contributes essential vitamins and fiber, making the meal more balanced. The method of making a cheese sauce directly in the pan where the chicken was cooked helps to deepen the flavor by incorporating any browned bits left behind. Adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika provides a subtle smoky and aromatic profile that enriches the overall dish. For those who love a crunchy contrast, the optional Ritz cracker or panko topping with melted butter creates a delightful texture that complements the creamy casserole. Cooking the rice in chicken broth enhances the flavor of the grains and ensures the casserole is moist and fluffy once baked. Remember to let the casserole rest after baking; this allows the flavors to meld and the dish to set for easier serving. This recipe is highly adaptable — consider swapping in different cheeses like mozzarella for a milder taste or adding other vegetables such as mushrooms or carrots to vary the nutritional profile. It's also fantastic for meal prepping, as it reheats well and freezes nicely, making it convenient for busy weeknights. Overall, this Chicken Broccoli Rice & Cheddar Casserole represents the perfect blend of comfort, nutrition, and ease, ideal for anyone looking to indulge in a cozy home-cooked meal during casserole season.
