Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole Is the Comfort Food You’ll Crave All Season Long
Looking for a dish that’s holiday-worthy but easy enough for any day of the week? Say less. This Cheesy Chicken, Broccoli & Rice Casserole is about to become your new go-to comfort food. It’s creamy, loaded with flavor, and packed with tender chicken thighs, perfectly cooked broccoli, fluffy rice, and layers of melted cheddar cheese.
Created by the ever-talented @chefkolbykash, this recipe is built for the holiday table—Thanksgiving, Christmas, you name it—but trust, you’ll be making it all year long. From the seasoned, seared chicken to the creamy, cheesy sauce infused with garlic and herbs, every bite brings that “I need another plate” energy. This is the kind of dish that makes folks ask, “Who made this?”
Ingredients List
For the Chicken:
- Chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
- Olive oil
- Garlic pepper seasoning
- Onion powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Paprika
- Salt
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth (for deglazing)
- 1 can cream of chicken with herbs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Boursin cheese (or similar soft herbed cheese)
- ¼ cup sour cream
- Seasonings: garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, salt
For the Casserole:
- Cooked broccoli (chopped to preference)
- Cooked white rice
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- Coat the chicken thighs with olive oil,
- Season generously with garlic pepper, onion powder, cayenne, paprika, and salt.
2. Sear the Chicken
- In a pan with melted butter, sear the chicken thighs on each side for 5–7 minutes until golden and flavorful.
- Set aside.
3. Make the Cheese Sauce
- In the same pan, sauté garlic.
- Deglaze with chicken broth, scraping up all the browned bits (aka flavor!).
4. Build the Cream Base
- Add cream of chicken, heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Boursin cheese, and sour cream to the pan.
- Season and mix until smooth and thick.
5. Combine the Filling
- Chop the seared chicken and cooked broccoli.
- In a large bowl, combine them with cooked rice and enough cheese sauce to coat everything generously.
6. Assemble & Bake
- Layer the mixture into a baking dish, topping each layer with cheddar cheese.
- Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Double the sauce if you like it extra creamy.
- Swap Boursin for cream cheese in a pinch—it still slaps.
- Let it rest 10 minutes after baking for clean slices and a thick texture.
About the Creator
This recipe is by Kolby Kash, the culinary creative behind @chefkolbykash. Known for bold flavors and mouthwatering holiday favorites, Chef Kolby keeps it real with recipes that always hit. Follow him on IG for more Southern-inspired meals and festive must-haves.
Kolby Kash | @chefkolbykash