Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole (From Scratch!)
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
20 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
596 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole (From Scratch!)
Description
The casserole begins by sautéing cremini mushrooms in butter until their moisture evaporates, intensifying their flavor. A roux is then made by cooking butter with flour until lightly browned, and milk is incorporated gradually, creating a smooth white sauce. Sharp cheddar cheese is melted into the sauce to add richness and depth. This cheese sauce is seasoned with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooked chicken pieces, broccoli florets, rice, and the sautéed mushrooms are mixed into the cheese sauce, providing protein, vegetable, and carbohydrate components evenly coated in the creamy mixture. The mixture is poured into a buttered casserole dish for baking.
Prior to baking, the casserole is topped with a mixture of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, melted butter, and plain breadcrumbs (or panko or crushed crackers) which browns in the oven, adding a crisp, golden top layer contrasting with the creamy interior. Baking at 400 degrees Fahrenheit thoroughly heats the casserole, melding flavors and textures for a satisfying dish suitable for family meals.
The recipe notes provide nutritional information per serving, highlighting the casserole’s balanced composition and portion size.
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 6 tablespoons butter divided, unsalted
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms sliced
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk whole
- 8 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (about 2 cups), divided, sharp
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
- 4 cups chicken 3-4 chicken breasts, cubed cooked
- 4 cups broccoli about 1 pound, florets
- 2 cups rice cooked
For the Topping
- 2 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (about ½ cup, sharp
- 4 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or Panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Butter a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter over medium heat and add the sliced mushrooms. Saute, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are cooked down and all of the liquid has evaporated. Transfer the mushrooms to a separate bowl.
- In the same pan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute, until the flour starts to brown a bit and smells nutty, whisking constantly. In a slow, steady stream, whisk in the milk. Allow the sauce to come to a simmer.
- Once the sauce comes to a simmer, whisk in the cheddar cheese, adding a handful at a time and whisking until completely melted before adding the next handful. Season with salt and pepper and turn off the heat.
- Add the chicken, broccoli, rice and cooked mushrooms to the sauce. Stir with a wooden spoon until everything is completely combined and evenly distributed. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs (or Ritz crackers).
- Sprinkle the casserole with the ½ cup of shredded cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top of the cheese.
- Bake until browned and bubbly, about 15 to 20 minutes. Allow to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Nutritional values are calculated per serving for this casserole.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 596 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 596kcal | 30% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 39g | 60% |
| Saturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 388mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 602mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 1280IU | 26% |
| Vitamin C | 40.6mg | 45% |
| Calcium | 416mg | 42% |
| Iron | 2.2mg | 12% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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