1. Prep the Components (5 mins!)
Cook rice (or use leftover). Steam broccoli until just tender.
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2. Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to make a roux (1 min).
Gradually add milk, then stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt & pepper. Simmer until thickened (~3 mins).
Off heat, mix in 1 cup cheddar + Parmesan.
3. Assemble the Casserole
In a greased 9x13" dish, layer rice, chicken, and broccoli.
Pour cheese sauce evenly over top.
Sprinkle with remaining ½ cup cheddar.
4. Add the Crunchy Topping
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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