Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole. This dish is the perfect blend of tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and gooey cheese, all baked to golden perfection. It’s an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole. The creamy sauce envelops each bite of chicken and broccoli, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Plus, the crispy, cheesy topping adds an extra layer of deliciousness that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole: A Todd Wilbur-Inspired Summary
Savor the ultimate comfort food with our Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole. This easy-to-prepare recipe features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce that will make your taste buds sing. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a quick weeknight meal, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
Family Favorite: An Exciting Story
One chilly evening, I decided to whip up this Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole for my family. The moment it came out of the oven, the house was filled with the irresistible aroma of melted cheese and savory chicken. My husband and kids couldn’t wait to dig in, and after the first bite, they were hooked. Now, this casserole is a staple in our home, especially on those busy weeknights when we crave something hearty and satisfying.
Why This Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole?
- Comforting Classic: A warm, cheesy casserole that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward preparation.
- Family-Friendly: A dish that both kids and adults will love.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein from the chicken and vitamins from the broccoli.
- Versatile: Can be customized with your favorite add-ins like bacon or mushrooms.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips For Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole
- Pre-Cook Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
- Blanch Broccoli: Blanching the broccoli ensures it stays crisp-tender in the casserole.
- Topping: Add a handful of crushed crackers or fried onions for extra crunch.
Substitutions and Variations
- Add-Ins: Mix in cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and soup.
- Low-Fat: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and light mayonnaise.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Carb: Use cauliflower florets instead of broccoli.
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free cheese and sour cream substitutes.
- Whole Grain: Use whole grain breadcrumbs for added fiber.
And there you have it! Don’t forget to let us know how your dish turns out, and consider checking out some of our other recipes this Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole
Frequently Asked Questions For Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole
Can I use frozen broccoli? Yes, but make sure to thaw and drain it well before using.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it. Bake it when you’re ready to serve.
How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, freeze it before baking. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup? Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor.
Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, try using Monterey Jack, Swiss, or Gouda cheese.
How can I make this casserole spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise? Use Greek yogurt or more sour cream as a substitute.
What if I don’t have breadcrumbs? Use crushed crackers or panko as a substitute.
Can I add rice to this casserole? Yes, cooked rice can be mixed into the casserole for a heartier dish.
Chicken and Broccoli Cheesy Casserole
Course: All Recipes, Casserole, Dinner Recipe, Lunch Recipe, Weight watchers4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalIngredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
4 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!