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## **How to Make Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole**
### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
### **Step 2: Prepare the Broccoli**
Steam or blanch your broccoli florets until they are tender but still slightly crisp. You want them to maintain their texture in the casserole. Drain well and set aside.
### **Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and mix well. The mixture should be creamy and well-coated with the soup and mayo.
### **Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**
Transfer the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly in the dish.
### **Step 5: Add Cheese and Bake**
Top the casserole with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using). The cheese will melt and become golden and bubbly during baking.
### **Step 6: Bake the Casserole**
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for **25-30 minutes**, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the casserole is heated through. If you want the top to be extra golden, you can broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end, but keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
### **Step 7: Serve and Enjoy**
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, cheesy dish with a side salad or your favorite vegetable.
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## **Tips and Variations**
– **Make it Healthier**: Use brown rice or cauliflower rice instead of white rice for a healthier, low-carb alternative. You can also use low-fat or fat-free cream of chicken soup and mayonnaise to lighten up the dish.
– **Add More Veggies**: Feel free to mix in other vegetables such as peas, carrots, or even spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.
– **Leftover Chicken**: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any other cooked chicken you have on hand. Shred it up and add it to the casserole for a quick and easy meal.
– **Spicy Twist**: For a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or stir in some diced jalapeños to the casserole mixture.
– **Freezing**: This casserole is freezer-friendly! To freeze, assemble the casserole but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 50 minutes, or until heated through.
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## **Why This Casserole Works So Well**
This **Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole** is the perfect balance of savory, cheesy goodness with just the right amount of creaminess. The chicken adds protein, the broccoli offers a nutritious green veggie, and the rice provides substance to fill you up. The cheese ties everything together, creating a mouthwatering dish that’s hard to resist.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting dish to enjoy on a cold evening, this **Broccoli Rice Chicken and Cheese Casserole** will quickly become a favorite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and versatile enough to fit any dietary needs or preferences. Plus, the leftovers taste just as great, making it a perfect option for meal prepping!
Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a go-to comfort food in your household!
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