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Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish that combines tender seasoned chicken thighs, fresh broccoli florets, and fluffy white rice in a rich cheese sauce made with cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, Boursin cheese, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it offers a delicious balance of flavors and textures topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 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

Sauce

  • 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 (measured using the cream of chicken soup can)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium), divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup Boursin cheese

Main Mix

  • 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
  • 4 cups cooked white rice

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
  2. Melt Butter and Season Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Season the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all purpose seasoning.
  3. Cook Chicken: Cook the chicken thighs in the skillet for 6-7 minutes on each side, until fully cooked through and browned.
  4. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it cool slightly, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  5. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  6. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the skillet. Let it cook and reduce for about 4 minutes while stirring to loosen all browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
  7. Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream (measured with the cream of chicken can), mixing well. Add the Boursin cheese and half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. Add more cheese if thicker sauce is desired.
  8. Mix in Sour Cream: Stir the sour cream into the creamy sauce until fully incorporated and smooth.
  9. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, cooked broccoli florets, and shredded chicken.
  10. Add Sauce and Seasonings: Pour the cheesy cream sauce over the rice mixture, stirring until everything is evenly coated. Season with the remaining Bayou City all purpose seasoning, Bayou City garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
  11. Transfer to Casserole Dish: Spread the rice mixture evenly into a large casserole dish.
  12. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
  13. Bake Covered: Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  14. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
  15. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving hot.
  16. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and a pinch of paprika on top to add color and extra flavor if desired.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred, but thighs provide more moisture and flavor.
  • Use freshly cooked rice and broccoli to prevent excess moisture in the casserole.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper according to your preference.
  • Boursin cheese adds a rich, herby flavor, but you can substitute with herbed cream cheese or omit if unavailable.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a gluten-free version, ensure the cream of chicken soup is gluten-free or make homemade sauce.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, add extra shredded cheddar cheese or reduce the heavy cream slightly.

Find it online: https://cookedbygrace.com/chicken-broccoli-rice-casserole-recipe/