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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 9x13 inch Baking Dish For mixing and baking the casserole.
  • 1 Medium Saucepan For preparing the instant rice.
  • 1 Large Mixing Spoon For combining ingredients and stirring during baking.
  • 1 Chef's knife For chopping the onion.
  • 1 Cutting Board For preparing the onion safely.

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 comfort dish, consider upgrading your ingredients. Substituting processed cheese food with freshly grated sharp cheddar or a blend of cheddar and Gruyère will yield a superior flavor and texture. For a creamier, more refined sauce, whisk together a simple béchamel instead of using canned soups; this allows for better control over seasoning. Sautéing the chopped onion in butter until translucent before mixing will deepen its flavor. For optimal texture, use pre-cooked, shredded chicken breast instead of canned. Finally, adding a crispy topping, such as toasted breadcrumbs or crushed butter crackers mixed with a touch of melted butter, in the last 10 minutes of baking will provide a delightful textural contrast. Ensure to stir thoroughly halfway through baking to achieve an even melt and avoid cheese clumping.