Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will bake evenly and thoroughly.
Prepare the Rice Mixture: In a 13”x9” baking dish, whisk together both Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice packets, 14.5 ounces of chicken broth, 10.5 ounces of cream of chicken soup, and 1/2 cup of water. Stir in the thawed broccoli and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for the casserole.
Season the Chicken: Season the 2 1/2-3 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken (cut into 1/2-inch thick pieces) on both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This adds flavor to the chicken and ensures it cooks well with the rice mixture.
Assemble the Casserole: Place the seasoned chicken pieces into the rice mixture in the baking dish. Spread the chicken out evenly across the dish, making sure it’s fully coated in the creamy mixture. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
Cover and Bake: Cover the baking dish tightly with foil to trap moisture while baking. Bake for 1 hour, allowing the chicken to cook through and the rice to absorb the flavors.
Uncover and Finish Baking: After 1 hour, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is slightly brown and bubbling at the edges. This step allows the cheese to melt and become golden brown, giving the casserole a deliciously crispy top.
