This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to perfection. It’s a great option for a family dinner and can be prepared in advance.
The recipe is simple and uses common ingredients, making it easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of cheese.
Overview of Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This comforting dish brings together tender chicken and fresh broccoli, enveloped in a creamy cheese sauce.
It’s a delightful option for family dinners, offering both nutrition and flavor in every bite.
The casserole is not only satisfying but also versatile, allowing for customization with various vegetables or cheese types.
Ingredients That Make It Special
The combination of cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
Adding cooked rice or pasta enhances the dish’s heartiness, making it a complete meal.
The golden breadcrumb topping, mixed with melted butter, adds a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Preparation Steps to Follow
To create this casserole, start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice or pasta, cream of chicken soup, and milk.
Mix in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for added flavor before transferring the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Baking and Serving the Casserole
Once assembled, sprinkle a generous layer of cheddar cheese on top, followed by the breadcrumb mixture.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Allow it to cool slightly before serving, ensuring the flavors meld beautifully.
Perfect Pairings and Variations
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or crusty bread.
For those looking to switch things up, consider adding other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra color and nutrition.
Experimenting with different cheese varieties, such as mozzarella or gouda, can also elevate the dish.
Nutrition and Serving Suggestions
Each serving of this casserole provides a balanced meal with approximately 450 calories, 30 grams of protein, and 20 grams of fat.
It serves four, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep for the week ahead.
Enjoy this dish as a hearty main course that satisfies both taste buds and hunger.
Easy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This casserole features layers of cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and a rich cheese sauce, topped with breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish. The dish takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, cooked rice or pasta, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Breadcrumbs: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 35g