Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole will cook evenly and thoroughly.

Prepare the rice: Cook your rice according to the package instructions. If using white rice, it should take around 15-20 minutes. For brown rice, it will take longer (about 40-45 minutes). You can also prepare the rice in advance to save time!

Cook the broccoli: If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam it until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. If using frozen, simply thaw and drain it. You want it tender but not mushy, so don’t overcook it.

Combine the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked rice, broccoli, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.

Transfer to a baking dish: Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish and pour the mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.

Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful, cheesy crust as it bakes.

Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, broil it for an additional 2-3 minutes—just keep an eye on it to avoid burning.

Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle, making it even more delicious.