Ultimate Broccoli, Rice, Cheese & Chicken Casserole: Comfort Food Perfection!

OUSSA


 

1. Prep the Components (5 mins!)

  1. Cook rice (or use leftover). Steam broccoli until just tender.

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2. Make the Cheese Sauce

  1. Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux (1 min).

  2. Gradually add milk, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt & pepper. Simmer until thickened (~3 mins).

  3. Off heat, mix in 1 cup cheddar + Parmesan.

3. Assemble the Casserole

  1. In a greased 9x13" dish, layer rice, chicken, and broccoli.

  2. Pour cheese sauce evenly over top.

  3. Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar.

4. Add the Crunchy Topping

  1. Toss panko with melted butter, sprinkle over casserole.

5. Bake to Golden Perfection

  • 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 mins until bubbly and golden.

Pro Tips for the Best Casserole

🔥 Undercook the rice slightly – It absorbs sauce while baking.
🔥 Shortcut option – Use 2 cans cream of chicken/mushroom soup + ½ cup milk instead of homemade sauce.
🔥 Make ahead – Assemble (unbaked), refrigerate overnight, then bake 10 mins longer.

5 Delicious Variations

🍗 Buffalo Chicken – Add ¼ cup hot sauce + blue cheese crumbles.
🥓 Bacon Ranch – Mix in ½ cup cooked bacon + 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.
🍄 Mushroom Lover’s – Sauté 1 cup mushrooms into the sauce.
🌶 Tex-Mex – Use pepper jack cheese + add diced green chiles.
🚫 Low-Carb – Swap rice for cauliflower rice + almond flour in sauce.

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