Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for the Holidays!

Creamy Chicken Broccoli Cheddar Casserole - Easy Comfort Food for the Holidays! - Alright, my good people! Today on The Bleu Channel, we’re diving into a holiday side: Chicken Broccoli and Cheddar Casserole. This one’s simple, creamy, and packed with flavor. Perfect for when you're on the go—just toss it all in a pan, throw it in the oven, and let it do its thing. Inspired by a special request, I’m showing you how to make it without any canned soups, using fresh rotisserie chicken, cheddar, broccoli, and rice.

Ingredients:

*2 1/2 cups of water* (for making a broth)
*Seasonings* (for the broth) - Use your preferred seasonings. Some common options could be:
Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika

*1 cup uncooked rice* - Spread out in the baking dish.

**1/2 onion**, diced

*1 (12 oz) bag of broccoli florets* - Fresh or frozen. Use half the bag if you want less broccoli.

**Cheese**:
**Cheddar cheese**, shredded (use as much as you prefer)
**Velveeta cheese**, cut into cubes (optional, can be substituted with more cheddar for a richer flavor)

*1 whole rotisserie chicken* - Shredded, with bones removed. Use about one-third of the chicken or adjust based on preference.

*1/2 cup heavy cream* - For extra creaminess

*Additional cheese* (for topping after baking) - Use cheddar or a blend of your choice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. **Preheat Oven**: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. **Prepare the Broth**:
In a small pot, bring *2 1/2 cups of water* to a simmer.
Add your preferred *seasonings* to make a flavorful broth. You could use:
Salt and pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Stir well to dissolve the seasonings, creating a quick, seasoned broth.

3. **Assemble the Casserole**:
In a baking dish, spread *1 cup of uncooked rice* evenly across the bottom.
Pour the seasoned broth over the rice.
Add *1/2 diced onion* evenly over the rice.
Add *broccoli florets* (fresh or frozen). You can use half of a 12 oz bag or adjust to your preference.

4. **Add Cheese**:
Sprinkle a generous amount of *shredded cheddar cheese* on top of the broccoli.
Add *cubed Velveeta cheese* (optional) for extra creaminess. You can adjust the amount to taste or replace with more cheddar if you prefer.

5. **Add Chicken**:
Take about one-third of a *shredded rotisserie chicken* (remove bones) and spread it evenly over the cheese and vegetables.

6. **Drizzle with Heavy Cream**:
Pour about *1/2 cup of heavy cream* over the entire casserole. This will add richness and creaminess.

7. **Bake Covered**:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
Bake in the preheated oven for **30 minutes**.

8. **Add Extra Cheese and Finish Baking**:
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven.
Take off the foil and add an additional layer of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Place the casserole back in the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional *15-20 minutes* until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.

9. **Serve**:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy casserole with tender chicken, broccoli, and rice!

Tips:
**Experiment with Cheese**: You can use a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Gouda for added flavor.
**Broccoli**: Feel free to use more or less broccoli based on preference. Fresh or frozen both work well.
**Rice Texture**: If you prefer softer rice, you can adjust the initial water amount slightly or pre-soak the rice.

#chicken #casserole #chefgrubby

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