Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole – Creamy, Comforting & Family-Friendly

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly from the start.

2️⃣ Prepare the Casserole Mixture:

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked white rice, steamed broccoli, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, and the shredded chicken if using.
2. Add the cream of chicken soup and milk. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together until thoroughly mixed into a creamy, cheesy filling.

3️⃣ Assemble the Casserole:

1. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
2. Spread the casserole mixture evenly into the dish, smoothing out the top.

4️⃣ Add the Cheese Topping:

1. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.

5️⃣ Bake: