Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a large casserole dish (about 9×13 inches) with a bit of olive oil or non-stick spray.

2. Season the Chicken:

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.

3. Prepare the Broccoli:

If you’re using fresh broccoli, cut the broccoli florets into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the casserole.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Brown the Chicken:

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little more olive oil if needed. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are browned on the outside. You don’t need to cook the chicken all the way through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven.

2. Set the Chicken Aside:

Once the chicken is browned, transfer it to a plate and set it aside. You’ll add it back into the casserole later.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Layer the Rice:

Spread 1 cup of uncooked rice evenly over the bottom of the greased casserole dish. The rice will cook in the casserole as it bakes, absorbing the flavors of the chicken, broth, and cheese.

2. Add the Broth and Onion:

Pour 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth over the rice, ensuring the rice is fully submerged. Add the diced onion on top of the rice, spreading it out evenly.

3. Add the Broccoli:

Scatter the broccoli florets over the rice and broth mixture. The broccoli will cook and become tender as the casserole bakes.

4. Add the Chicken:

Place the browned chicken pieces on top of the broccoli. Distribute them evenly so that every bite of the casserole will have a mix of chicken, broccoli, and rice.

5. Cheese Layer:

Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese over the chicken and broccoli layer. This will create a delicious, gooey cheese layer as the casserole bakes.

6. Pour the Cream:

Drizzle 1/2 cup of heavy cream over the top of the casserole. This will add richness and help bind the ingredients together for a creamy texture.

7. Season with Paprika (Optional):

If you like a bit of extra flavor and color, sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of paprika over the top of the casserole before baking.

Step 4: Bake the Casserole

1. Cover and Bake:

Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil, making sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent moisture from escaping. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.

2. Uncover and Add More Cheese:

After 30 minutes, remove the foil and sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This extra layer of cheese will melt and become golden brown as it bakes.

3. Bake Until Golden:

Return the casserole to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender, the chicken is fully cooked, and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly. If you want the top to be extra crispy, you can turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning the cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Rest the Casserole:

Once the casserole is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle and makes it easier to serve.

2. Garnish:

Before serving, garnish the casserole with chopped fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

3. Serve:

Scoop out generous portions of the cheesy broccoli chicken and rice casserole onto plates. Serve it with crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.