Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners or family gatherings. Tender shredded chicken, cooked broccoli, and fluffy white rice are combined in a rich cheese sauce made from cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, cheddar cheese, and sour cream. Seasoned with a special blend of spices and baked until bubbly and golden, this casserole is an effortless and delicious meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 5–6 chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Bayou City All Purpose seasoning (divided)
- 1 tbsp Bayou City Garlic Pepper
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce and Other Ingredients
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken with herbs
- 1 (10.5 oz) heavy cream (use cream of chicken can to measure)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium), divided
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
Vegetables and Rice
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
- 4 cups cooked white rice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Bayou City All Purpose seasoning. Cook chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, allow it to cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
- Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the browned bits from the bottom. Let it reduce for about 4 minutes to concentrate the flavor.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Add cream of chicken soup with herbs to the skillet. Pour heavy cream into the empty cream of chicken can and add it to the skillet. Stir to combine. Add Boursin cheese and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until fully combined with the sauce.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Season the Mixture: Season the mixture with the remaining 1 tablespoon Bayou City All Purpose seasoning, Bayou City Garlic Pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble in Casserole Dish: Transfer the mixture to a large casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Optionally, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.
Notes
- Make sure to cook the broccoli and rice ahead of time to speed up the assembly process.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper based on your heat preference.
- Using mild or medium cheddar cheese affects the sharpness of the casserole; choose according to your taste.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley and paprika adds a nice visual touch and subtle flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
Keywords: chicken broccoli casserole, creamy chicken casserole, chicken rice casserole, baked chicken broccoli rice, comfort food casserole
