Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

• Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather and prep your ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
• Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts. Aim for about 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut.
• Broccoli: Fresh or frozen, broccoli is the star of this casserole. Chop 2 cups of broccoli into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained of excess water.
• Brown Rice: You’ll need 1 ½ cups of cooked brown rice. It’s great for adding fiber and keeping the casserole hearty. If you’re short on time, consider using pre-cooked rice or substituting with cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version.
• Greek Yogurt: Adding ½ cup of plain Greek yogurt keeps the casserole creamy while adding a boost of protein without the heaviness of traditional cream.
• Shredded Cheese: About 1 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix) will melt beautifully on top. Choose reduced-fat cheese if you're looking to cut down on fat.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

• The sauce is what gives this casserole its comforting, creamy texture. Here’s how to whip it up:
• In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of low-sodium chicken broth with ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk, if preferred).
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and ½ teaspoon of onion powder. These spices will infuse the sauce with flavor.
• Let it heat on medium for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once it's warm, add in ½ cup of Greek yogurt. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The yogurt will add richness without the added calories of traditional heavy cream.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

• Now comes the fun part—mixing everything together! Here’s how to combine your casserole ingredients:
• In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked chicken, chopped broccoli, and brown rice.
• Pour the creamy sauce over the mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. You’ll notice the sauce helps bind the ingredients together and makes every bite rich and satisfying.
• Add ½ cup of shredded cheese to the bowl, mixing it in for added creaminess and flavor.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

• Now that the ingredients are prepped and combined, it’s time to bake! Here’s how to assemble your casserole:
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a bit of olive oil.
• Transfer the chicken, rice, and broccoli mixture into the baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheese on top. This will melt into a bubbly, golden topping that everyone loves.
• Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is heated through. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

• Once your casserole is out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This will give it time to set and make it easier to slice and serve. The result is a wholesome, comforting casserole that’s as nutritious as it is delicious!

Pro Tip: If you want a crispy top, you can broil the casserole for an extra 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning. The crispy cheese topping adds an extra layer of flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds!