Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Cream Sauce
A comforting and flavorful casserole featuring chicken, broccoli, and rice, enveloped in a rich cream sauce, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (about 2 breasts)
- 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt to taste
For the Cream Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk (whole or low fat)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup additional shredded cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- If using fresh broccoli, wash and chop it into bite-sized florets. If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain any excess water.
- Prepare the rice according to package instructions if not already cooked and set aside.
- Cook and shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Cream Sauce
- Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes until slightly golden.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
- Once thickened, stir in the milk, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, cooking for another 3-5 minutes until creamy.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to taste, stirring well.
Assemble the Casserole
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, shredded chicken, broccoli, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese.
- Pour the cream sauce over the mixture, gently stirring until evenly coated.
Baking
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serving
- Let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and for easier portions.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation. Do not overcook broccoli to maintain its color and crunch. Customize your cheese with varieties like mozzarella or Monterey Jack. Top with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for added texture. Casserole reheats beautifully and is great for meal prep.