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Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, and Chicken Casserole

This cheesy chicken broccoli rice casserole is very easy to make. You can leave out the onion but it does add flavor. It can be made ahead and frozen.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine French
Servings 8 people
Calories 5907.2 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Medium Saucepan For preparing the instant rice.
  • 1 9x13 inch Baking Dish Standard size for casserole preparation.
  • 1 Chef's Knife and Cutting Board For chopping the onion.
  • 1 Large Mixing Spoon or Spatula For combining ingredients and stirring during baking.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups uncooked instant rice
  • 2 10 ounce cans chunk chicken, drained
  • 1 16 ounce package frozen chopped broccoli
  • 1 pound processed cheese food cubed
  • 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 10.75 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup milk
  • ¼ cup butter cubed
  • 1 small white onion chopped

Instructions
 

  • Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
  • Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan; stir in instant rice, cover, and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes. Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
  • Mix prepared rice, chicken, broccoli, processed cheese, condensed mushroom soup, condensed chicken soup, milk, butter, and onion in a 9x13-inch baking dish. Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted, about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir halfway through cooking to help cheese melt evenly. Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley
  • Enjoy! Stacy Allen / Food Styling: Julian Henserling / Prop Styling: Christina Daley

Notes

To elevate this classic, consider using freshly cooked, shredded chicken instead of canned for superior flavor and texture. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent before adding to the mix to deepen its sweetness and mellow its pungency. While convenient, processed cheese food can result in a greasier texture; a blend of sharp cheddar and a creamy cheese like Gruyère would provide a richer, more nuanced flavor and smoother melt. If using fresh broccoli, blanch it briefly to retain a slight bite. For an improved finish, sprinkle a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and melted butter over the top during the last 10 minutes of baking for a delightful crunchy crust. Ensure even stirring halfway through baking to prevent cheese from sticking and promote uniform melting.