When was dinner a monumental task?Chicken Broccoli CasseroleI have a secret weapon for those evenings, and honestly, it’s become my family favorite. Is it like a warm hug in your dish, far cry from those bland, dry casseroles you might remember? Think of it as the lasagna of the casserole world – layers of comforting goodness that even the most insecure of eaters can’t eat. What are the foods that the pickiest eaters Is this a game changer for busy families?
What is chicken broth?
What is chicken broccoli casserole?What is essentially a baked dish featuring chicken and broccoli? ), bound together by a creamy, cheesy sauce. Think of it as a deconstructed chicken pot pie, but with fewer ingredients and sturdier preparation. What is the best dose of veggies? It’s essentially comfort food at its finest, transforming simple ingredients into a satisfying and satisfying meal. What is the best meal What’s the best part about a guitar? Can you change the cheese, add different vegetables, or even make your own sauce? Unique version. Is it just a canvas for deliciousness, just waiting for your personal touch?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Why am I so obsessed with this subject?Chicken Broccoli CasseroleFirst and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of tender chicken, slightly sweet broccoli, and the rich, cheesy sauce is just right. Is it just about taste? Even on my busiest days, I can throw this together in under an hour. Let’s not forget about the cost. What are the ingredients for frozen broccoli? Is it perfectly fine to have a baby?
What I love about this book is the fact that it’s so good.Chicken Broccoli CasseroleIs its versatility? Can you serve it as a main course with steamed vegetables? Individual servings for easy lunches. My kids adore veggies. Is that a good thing? Can be a challenge. What is the best broccoli casserole? If you like this, you should also try my Tuna Noodle Casserole, it is very similar to this one and you can’t go wrong with it. Is it easy to prepare and delicious?
How do I make chicken broth casserole?
Quick Overview
Making this Chicken Broccoli CasseroleWhat are some ways to make a creamy cheese sauce with chicken and broccoli? Is it safe to bake it until golden and bubbly? Can you use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken? How can I save time? Don’t be intimidated by the number of steps; each one is simple and straightforward. What are some of the best family meals you have ever had?
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broccoli: What is the recipe?
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
* 2 cups broccoli florets, fresh or frozen (if frozen, thaw and drain well)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
What is the Creamy Cheese Sauce?
* 1/2 cup butter
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk (I’ve even used almond milk and it worked great!) * 2 cups water (it’s not a problem) * 1 cup rice flour
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)
Optional Topping:
* 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
* 2 tablespoons melted butter
How do I follow step
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. I usually use a little cooking spray, but butter works just as well. How do you clean a dish?
Step 2: Cook the Broccoli
If you’re using fresh broccoli, steam or boil it until it’s tender-crisp. Is it good to cook a chicken but still have bite? If you’re using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain any excess water. I’ve found that squeezing the water out with a paper towel helps prevent soaking.
Step 3: Make the Roux
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the flour until smooth and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This is called roux, and it’s the base of your creamy sauce. How do you cook roux for a minute?
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure to break up any lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Add to the mixture and stir well.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth. The sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasonings if needed. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper to my food.
Step 6: Combine
In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked chicken, cooked broccoli, and cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure that everything is evenly coated. What is the best way to add vegetables to a salad? Sliced mushrooms, diced carrots, or even some peas would be great additions.
Step 7: Add Topping (Optional)
If you’re using Ritz Cracker topping, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter in a small bowl. Set aside. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole. This adds a nice crunchy texture to any sandwich.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping (if using) is golden brown and bubbly. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken up a bit.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy! This chicken broccoli casserole is delicious on its own, but it’s also great with a side salad or some crusty bread for dipping. My family loves it, and I hope yours will too!
What to Serve It With
This chicken broccoli casserole is pretty hearty on its own, but I always like to have a little something extra on the side. For a light and refreshing option, a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is perfect. The acidity of the vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, some crusty bread or Garlic Bread is always a hit. It’s perfect for soaking up all that delicious cheese sauce.
For a complete meal, you could also add a side of roasted vegetables. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or even some roasted potatoes would be great choices. Sometimes, I’ll even add a simple fruit salad for a touch of sweetness. When I make this for a potluck, I usually pair it with a side of macaroni and cheese (because, why not?) and a big bowl of coleslaw. My family tradition is that we always have it with a simple tomato salad, it compliments the dish perfectly.
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks for making the absolute best chicken broccoli casserole. First, don’t overcook the broccoli. You want it to be tender-crisp, not mushy. Overcooked broccoli will turn the casserole into a soggy mess.
Another tip is to use good quality cheese. The cheese is a key component of the sauce, so using a high-quality cheddar or a blend of your favorite cheeses will make a big difference in the flavor. I’ve also found that using freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings. I like to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika to give the sauce a little extra depth of flavor. And finally, if you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water. As I mentioned before, squeezing the water out with a paper towel will help prevent a soggy casserole.
One of my favorite substitutions is to add cream cheese, a small block, to the sauce. It makes the casserole so creamy and adds a really subtle tang! I also like to broil the top for the last minute or two, it makes it bubbly and browned which looks great.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This chicken broccoli casserole is great for making ahead of time or for leftovers. If you want to make it ahead, you can assemble the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
For leftovers, store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If the topping starts to get too brown, cover the casserole with foil.
You can also freeze this chicken broccoli casserole for longer storage. Let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then bake as directed. I usually prefer to add the cracker topping after thawing, it makes it crispier. If adding the topping after thawing, bake it covered until heated, and then add the topping for the last 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This chicken broccoli casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, I’m confident that you’ll love this recipe. If you enjoyed this, you should try my easy mac and cheese recipe! It is so fast and easy, but also tasty!
I hope you give this recipe a try and that it becomes a staple in your home, just like it is in mine. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Please leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And if you have any variations or tips of your own, please share them. I’m always looking for new ways to improve my recipes!
Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast
- 1 head Broccoli Cut into florets
- 1 cup Cream of mushroom soup
- 0.5 cup Milk
- 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook chicken and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Steam or blanch broccoli until tender-crisp.
- Combine chicken, broccoli, soup, and milk in a baking dish.
- Top with cheese.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
