Ingredients
Scale
- 4 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 3 cups cooked white or brown rice
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed until tender-crisp
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided
- 1 cup buttery crackers (like Ritz), crushed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or a bit of butter. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Season the liquid base with salt and pepper according to your preference. This creamy sauce will act as the flavorful glue that holds your CasseroleQueen Easy Casserole Recipes Comfort Food Feed Crowd Make Ahead together.
- Gently fold the shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer using a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over the top. In a small bowl, toss the crushed crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer. Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the edges are bubbling vigorously.
- Once the casserole is golden brown and heated through, remove it from the oven. Resist the urge to dive in immediately! Let the casserole rest on the counter for about 5 to 10 minutes. This resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly, ensuring every scoop stays intact and creamy rather than runny. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you want a pop of color, then serve generous portions to your eager guests.
- Cook Time: 45 minutes