Description

An easy, budget-friendly one-pan weeknight dinner that uses leftover chicken and pantry staples to create a creamy, cheesy comfort food meal perfect for families.

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ cups uncooked long-grain white rice
2 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed and drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
½ cup sour cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
½ cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
½ cup extra cheddar cheese for topping

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Rinse the uncooked rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a large skillet or pot, combine rice and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes until tender and liquid is absorbed. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, thawed broccoli, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, and dried onion flakes. Stir until well combined.
Pour the rice mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, pressing gently into the mixture.
In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese layer, then top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.
Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Rinse rice thoroughly to prevent gumminess. Squeeze excess water from frozen broccoli to avoid a watery casserole. Shred your own cheese for better melting. Can be assembled up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerated before baking. Freezes well without the topping.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 600
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 40
Fiber: 3
Protein: 25

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli rice, easy dinner, family meals, comfort food, one-pan meal, budget dinner, weeknight dinner