From the Cook
1/2
Chicken, Broccoli, and Rice Casserole From Scratch
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2
Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
3
Place the broccoli in a large microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water, and cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Microwave the broccoli on high until it is bright green and crisp-tender, 1 1/2-2 minutes. Set aside.
4
Finely chop the onion. Slice the mushrooms. Mince the garlic.
5
Set a large pot over medium-high heat and add the butter. Once melted, add the onions and mushrooms. Saute until the vegetables are browned and softened, 6-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
6
Sprinkle the flour into the pot and stir to coat the onions and mushrooms. Slowly pour the chicken broth into the pot, stirring to dissolve the flour. When no lumps remain, pour in the half-and-half while continuing to stir.
7
Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it begins to bubble and thicken. Once thickened, turn off the heat. Stir in the sour cream, shredded cheese, salt, and black pepper. Once the cheese is mostly melted, fold in the rice, chicken, and broccoli until thoroughly coated in sauce.
8
Pour the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9
Place the cracker crumbs, garlic powder, and shredded cheese in a mixing bowl. Pour in the melted butter. Mix with a fork until the crumbs are evenly moistened.
10
Sprinkle the crumbs in an even layer over the casserole.
11
Bake the casserole on middle rack of oven until topping is deeply golden and the dish bubbles at the edges, 35-40 minutes.
12
Check to see that casserole is done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.
13
Allow the casserole to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.
14
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Build a Silky Roux Base 🥛Toast your flour in butter for 1-2 minutes before adding the broth to create a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats the casserole beautifully without any grittiness.
- Sauté Mushrooms Separately 🍄Cook the cremini mushrooms in a hot pan until golden before adding to the casserole—this concentrates their umami flavor and prevents the dish from becoming watery.
- Don't Overcook the Broccoli 🥦Add broccoli florets in the last 10 minutes of baking so they stay tender-crisp rather than mushy, maintaining vibrant color and nutritional value.
- Toast the Cracker Topping 🥣Toss crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and bake separately for 3-4 minutes before topping the casserole to achieve a golden, crispy layer that won't absorb moisture.
- Reserve Pasta Water for Consistency 💧Keep a cup of reserved broth nearby to adjust the sauce thickness before baking—the casserole will continue to thicken as it bakes, so err on the side of slightly looser consistency.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Low Sugar
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.