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Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole Recipe

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4.2 from 2 reviews

A creamy and comforting Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole featuring tender chicken thighs, vibrant broccoli florets, and fluffy white rice, all combined in a rich cheese sauce and baked to bubbly, golden perfection. This hearty casserole makes a delicious family-friendly dinner or meal prep option.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 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

  • 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) can heavy cream (use the cream of chicken can to measure)
  • 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
  • 1 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (mild or medium, divided)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream

Main

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter to prepare for cooking the chicken.
  3. Season Chicken: Rub the chicken thighs with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of the Bayou City all-purpose seasoning evenly.
  4. Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked through.
  5. Shred Chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it cool slightly, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
  6. Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook over medium heat until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
  7. Deglaze Pan: Pour in the chicken stock and stir while scraping the bottom of the pan to release all flavorful browned bits. Allow the stock to reduce for approximately 4 minutes.
  8. Add Cream Ingredients: Stir in the cream of chicken soup with herbs. Then, fill the empty cream soup can with heavy cream and pour it into the skillet, mixing thoroughly.
  9. Melt Cheeses: Add the Boursin cheese and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until all cheeses have melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Add extra cheddar if a thicker sauce is desired.
  10. Add Sour Cream: Stir in the sour cream until fully incorporated into the sauce for a creamy texture.
  11. Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked rice, cooked broccoli, and shredded chicken until evenly combined.
  12. Mix with Sauce and Season: Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the rice mixture and stir well to coat everything evenly. Season with the remaining Bayou City all-purpose seasoning, garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  13. Assemble Casserole: Transfer the entire mixture to a large casserole dish and spread it out evenly.
  14. Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture.
  15. Cover and Bake: Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
  16. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is bubbly and slightly golden brown.
  17. Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.
  18. Optional Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of paprika for color and extra flavor before serving.

Notes

  • Make sure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before shredding.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
  • Cook rice and broccoli ahead of time to save prep time.
  • Adjust seasoning levels according to your heat tolerance, especially cayenne pepper.
  • Feel free to use different cheese blends to vary the flavor.
  • Let the casserole rest after baking for better texture and easier serving.
  • To make a lighter version, reduce the amount of cheese and sour cream.

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