Out of all the bubbly bakes out there, this is The Chicken Casserole we claim is the best. Really! It’s got everything the regular casseroles have, but it’s just extra cheesy, extra bubbly, extra creamy, and extra filled with juicy chicken, tender veggies, and fluffy rice! Just think of your favorite bake and add extra of all your favorite parts, and that is The Chicken Casserole. Be prepared to be amazed by it! It’s just that incredible!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 3 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 2 ounces cream cheese, cut into small cubes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
- 3 cups rice, cooked
- 3 cups chicken, cooked, diced or shredded
- 1 cup buttery crackers, coarsely crushed
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped, for garnish
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 –Coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 3 –In a medium pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
Step 4 –Add the onion to the butter and cook until it is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5 –Add the flour to the onion mixture and cook, while stirring, until the onions are coated, about 1 minute.
Step 6 –Slowly whisk the milk into the onion mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 7 –Add 2 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese, the cream cheese, the salt, the pepper, the paprika, and the garlic powder to the sauce mixture and stir until it is smooth.
Step 8 –In a large bowl, add the broccoli, the rice, and the chicken and stir to combine.
Step 9 –Combine the chicken mixture with the sauce and toss to evenly coat.
Step 10 –Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth out the top.
Step 11 –Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the crushed crackers over top of the casserole.
Step 12 –Bake the casserole until it is bubbly, the topping is browned, and the cheese has melted, about 20 minutes.
Step 13 –Sprinkle the casserole with the parsley and serve.
