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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
  • 1 Medium Saucepan For preparing the instant rice.
  • 1 Large Mixing Spoon or Spatula For combining ingredients and stirring during baking.
  • 1 Measuring Cups For liquids and dry ingredients.
  • 1 Cutting Board and Chef's Knife For chopping the onion and cubing cheese if necessary.

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 casserole, consider sautéing the chopped onion in a tablespoon of butter before adding it to the mix for a deeper aromatic base. For richer flavor and texture, substitute the chunk chicken with freshly cooked and shredded chicken breast, and swap processed cheese food for a blend of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack. For a crispy topping, sprinkle a mix of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan over the casserole during the last 10 minutes of baking. Ensure the frozen broccoli is not overcooked to maintain its texture; if using fresh, blanch it briefly beforehand. Stirring halfway is crucial for even melting and to prevent a greasy film on top.