Description
This Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken thighs, fresh broccoli, and fluffy white rice all baked together with a rich blend of cheeses and seasonings. It’s perfect as a hearty family meal, delivering a satisfying blend of flavors and textures with a spicy, savory kick from bayou spices and cayenne.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 5–6 chicken thighs
Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups broccoli florets, cooked
Dairy & Creams
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken with herbs
- 1 can (10.5 oz) heavy cream (use cream of chicken can to measure)
- 1 1/2 cups mild or medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup Boursin cheese
Grains
- 4 cups white rice, cooked
Liquids
- 1/4 cup chicken stock
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Seasonings & Spices
- 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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all purpose seasoning, the garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook the chicken thighs until browned on both sides and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add unsalted butter and minced garlic. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Sauce: Add the chicken stock to the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the cream of chicken soup and heavy cream, mixing well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, cooked broccoli florets, sour cream, Boursin cheese, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 tablespoon Bayou City all purpose seasoning, and the prepared sauce. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour half of the rice-broccoli mixture into a greased casserole dish. Slice the cooked chicken thighs and arrange them evenly on top. Cover with the remaining rice mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese and 2 tablespoons of Bayou City all purpose seasoning over the top.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread.
Notes
- Be sure to fully cook the chicken thighs before assembling the casserole to ensure tenderness and food safety.
- Using cooked broccoli prevents excess moisture that could make the casserole soggy.
- You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the casserole may be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- For added flavor, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top before serving.
Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, rice casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken casserole