Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

Step 1

Place the cooked, chopped broccoli into a large bowl. Set aside.

Step 2

Dice the chicken into small pieces.

Step 3

Mix seasoning salt, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle generously over the chicken, tossing to coat.

Step 4

Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet and add chicken.

Step 5

Cook until the chicken is done, and place it into the large bowl with the broccoli. Set aside.

Step 6

Add water, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder to a pot and bring to a boil.

Step 7

Stir in the rice.

Step 8

Cover and reduce heat to a simmer.

Step 9

Cook for 10-12 minutes or until most of the water is absorbed and the rice is tender.

Step 10

Remove from heat and let the rice sit covered for 10-12 minutes.

Step 11

Add the rice into the bowl with the broccoli and chicken and toss to combine. Set aside.

Step 12

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease a 2-quart casserole dish with butter and set aside.

Step 13

Melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large deep skillet.

Step 14

Add onions and celery and cook until tender.

Step 15

Add garlic and cook until fragrant.

Step 16

Add remaining butter (4 tablespoons).

Step 17

Once the butter is melted, whisk in the flour and cook until bubbling and golden (about 2-3 minutes)

Step 18

Slowly pour in chicken broth and stir in black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt.

Step 19

Pour in the milk and simmer until the mixture begins to thicken (the texture will be like a thick chowder)

Step 20

Stir in cheese.

Step 21

Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings if needed (Very important. The sauce should taste like a savory soup)

Step 22

Pour the sauce into the bowl with the broccoli, chicken, and rice and toss to coat.

Step 23

Spread half the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with half the mixed cheese topping. Repeat. (You can use more or less cheese if desired)

Step 24

Place the baking dish on a baking sheet in case it bubbles over a bit. Bake for 20 minutes, then broil on low until the cheese becomes slightly golden. (Keep an eye on it the entire time)