Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 3 cups frozen broccoli florets, thawed (about 12 oz. bag)
- 2 cans (10.5 oz. each) condensed cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup
- 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 2½ cups cooked rice (white, brown, or minute rice all work)
Optional Topping
- Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter
- or French fried onions for extra crunch
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken, thawed broccoli florets, both cans of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soup, 2½ cups cooked rice, and 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese. Stir well until evenly combined. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen it.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a melty, cheesy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is heated through, bubbly, and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
- Add Crunchy Topping (Optional): For extra crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter or French fried onions on top of the melted cheese. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the casserole set, making it easier to serve.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to substitute cream of mushroom or chicken soup with your preferred condensed cream soup.
- If the casserole looks dry before baking, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to achieve a creamy consistency.
- Optional crunchy toppings like crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions add great texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
- Use cooked rice of any variety—white, brown, or minute rice all work well.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
