Step 1

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Step 2

Coat a 9x13-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.