Crafting Your Casserole Masterpiece: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps for a casserole that’s perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor.
Step 1: Prep Your Components
Preheat your oven to 375°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
If your chicken isn’t already cooked, this is the time to do it. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver! Also, chop your broccoli and onion, and mince your garlic.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics & Broccoli
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Add the fresh broccoli florets to the skillet with a splash of water or chicken broth. Cover and steam for 4-5 minutes until the broccoli is bright green and tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Create the FROM-SCRATCH Creamy Cheese Sauce (It’s Easy, We Promise!)
In the same skillet or a medium saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 full minute, until bubbly and golden. This is your roux and it cooks out the raw flour taste.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, continuing to whisk until it thickens noticeably, about 3-5 minutes.
Remove the sauce from the heat. Stir in 1 ½ cups of the shredded cheese, the sour cream, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper). Whisk until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glorious.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
In the prepared 9×13 baking dish, combine the uncooked rice, cooked chicken, and the sautéed broccoli and onion mixture. Pour the incredible homemade cheese sauce over everything and stir until all the components are evenly coated.
Cover the dish tightly with foil.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake, covered, for 30 minutes. Then, remove the foil, give the casserole a gentle stir, and top with the remaining ½ cup of cheese and the optional panko breadcrumbs.
Return to the oven, uncovered, and bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the sauce is bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Step 6: The Crucial Rest
Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up perfectly and makes serving much easier.
Pro-Tips for Casserole Perfection
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Don’t Skip Toasting the Roux: Cooking the flour and butter for a full minute is the secret to a rich, flavorful sauce with no chalky aftertaste.
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Use Uncooked Rice: The rice cooks perfectly in the liquid from the sauce and broth, absorbing all that amazing flavor. Using pre-cooked rice will make it mushy.
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Broccoli Texture is Key: Steaming it to just tender-crisp before baking ensures it doesn’t become mushy and overcooked in the oven.
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Make it Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole (without baking), cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
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