Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. A perfect harmony of tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. This casserole is not only delicious but also easy to make, making it the perfect dish for a cozy family dinner.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Family-Friendly: A hit with both adults and kids, pleasing even the pickiest eaters.
• Nutritious: Packed with protein and green broccoli, making it a balanced meal.
• Make-Ahead: Perfect for preparing ahead of time for a hassle-free weeknight meal.

Personal Story:
Growing up, casserole night was always my favorite. My mom would make this chicken broccoli casserole that became the comfort food of my childhood. As I learned to cook, it was one of the first recipes I asked her to teach me. Now, it’s a cherished dish in my own family, bringing the same warmth and smiles to our dinner table.

Key Features:

• Rich and creamy sauce
• Crunchy breadcrumb topping
• Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients
• Can be made ahead and frozen for later use

What I need to make Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Additions:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese for topping

How to make Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, and continue cooking, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
3. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blanched broccoli, and cheese sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
5. In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter (optional) and sprinkle over the casserole.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Cooking Tips For Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole:

• For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
• Add a splash of lemon juice or white wine to the sauce for an extra flavor boost.

Variations For Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole:

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for the topping.
• Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers.

Make It Healthier:

• Use whole wheat breadcrumbs for extra fiber.
• Substitute half of the cheese in the sauce with nutritional yeast for a lower fat content and added nutrients.

Closing For Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole:
This Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a warm hug in the form of food. It’s perfect for those nights when you need a little extra comfort on your plate. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or a special family meal, it’s sure to be a hit. Gather your ingredients and create a dish that’ll be remembered fondly, just like my mom’s recipe is for me.

Frequently Asked Questions For Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole:

Can I use frozen broccoli to male Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Yes, thaw and drain the broccoli before adding it to the casserole to prevent excess moisture.

How can I make this Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole in advance?
Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

Can I add rice or pasta to the Easy Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Absolutely! Add 2 cups of cooked rice or pasta to the casserole mixture for a heartier dish.

What can I use instead of chicken?
Turkey is a great substitute or for a vegetarian option, try using chickpeas or a plant-based chicken alternative.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Recipe by CutsfoodCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• cups broccoli florets, blanched

• cup shredded cheddar cheese

• cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• /2 cup mayonnaise

• /2 cup sour cream

• teaspoon Dijon mustard

• teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• /2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Directions

• Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
• In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken and blanched broccoli.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Pour the cheese mixture over the chicken and broccoli, stirring gently to coat evenly.
• Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
• If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a golden, crispy topping.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
• Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.