There’s just something so comforting about a cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole, isn’t there? I mean, it’s the kind of dish that wraps you up in a warm hug after a long day. I love how it brings everyone together around the dinner table, whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend family gathering. The tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and ooey-gooey cheese meld together into a deliciously satisfying meal that even the pickiest eaters can’t resist. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, so you can dive into family time without spending all night in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this casserole will become a staple in your home, just like it is in mine!
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients for a delicious cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole. Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go—it’ll make the cooking process so much smoother!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Feel free to use leftover chicken or grab a rotisserie chicken for convenience!
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli works wonders, but you can definitely use frozen if that’s what you’ve got on hand.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: I love sharp cheddar for that bold flavor, but you can mix in some mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a twist.
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup: This is the secret sauce that brings everything together—don’t skip it!
- 1/2 cup milk: Whole milk adds richness, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A little garlic goes a long way in enhancing the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: This adds a subtle sweetness; you could also use fresh onions if you prefer.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs: For that crispy, golden topping that makes every bite irresistible!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: This helps the breadcrumbs brown beautifully—don’t skip this step!
How to Prepare Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Alright, let’s get cooking! This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is super easy to make, and I promise, it’ll fill your kitchen with the most amazing aromas. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a heartwarming dish ready to serve in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole bakes evenly from the get-go.
- Mix it up: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix everything together until all the ingredients are well coated. It’s okay to get in there with your hands if you want to really mix it up!
- Transfer to the dish: Grab a greased casserole dish and pour your scrumptious mixture into it. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets a taste of that cheesy goodness.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil until they’re all coated. This will give you that crispy, golden topping we all love!
- Sprinkle it on: Now, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture generously over the casserole. It should look deliciously inviting already!
- Bake it: Pop your casserole in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the top is beautifully golden brown and bubbly. You’ll know it’s ready when the smell fills your home!
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before digging in. This little pause helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier.
And there you have it! A cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole that’s not just delicious, but also perfect for any night of the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is a total winner for so many reasons! Here’s why I can’t get enough of it:
- Quick Preparation: It comes together in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights!
- Hearty Flavor: With tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese, every bite is a comforting explosion of flavor.
- Family-Friendly: Even the pickiest eaters will love it—who can resist that cheesy goodness?
- One-Dish Wonder: Less mess in the kitchen means more time to enjoy with loved ones.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare it in advance and bake it when you’re ready to eat!
Tips for Success with Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
To make sure your cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, don’t skimp on the cheese—more cheese equals more deliciousness! If you can, let your chicken cool before shredding; it makes the process easier. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a sprinkle of your favorite herbs or spices, like thyme or paprika, into the mix. And remember, if you’re using frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture. Lastly, let it rest for a few minutes after baking to help everything set up nicely. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition in this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole! Each serving is estimated to have around 350 calories, which is pretty great for a hearty meal. You’ll find about 15 grams of fat, with 7 grams being saturated fat. It packs a protein punch with approximately 25 grams, thanks to the chicken and cheese! There are also about 30 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber in each serving. Just remember, these values can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use, but they give you a good idea of what to expect when you dig into this delicious dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a convenient option, and it works just as well in this casserole. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before mixing it in. This helps prevent excess moisture, ensuring your casserole stays nice and creamy without being watery. Trust me, it’ll taste just as delicious!
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Making this cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole ahead of time is a breeze! You can prepare the entire dish, then cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just pop it in the oven—no need to thaw! You might need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be chilled.
What kind of cheese works best?
I love using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor, but feel free to mix it up! You can use mozzarella for a milder taste, or even Monterey Jack for a creamier texture. Want to get fancy? Try adding some pepper jack for a little kick or a sprinkle of parmesan on top for an extra cheesy finish. The options are endless!
Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
This cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole is so satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal even more! I love serving it alongside a simple garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to add a refreshing crunch. If you’re in the mood for something warm, some buttery, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up all that cheesy goodness left on your plate. And don’t forget a glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine to wash it all down! Trust me, these pairings make for a delightful dining experience you won’t forget.
For more delicious recipes, check out this cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole or this easy chicken broccoli casserole for more comforting meals!
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Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A hearty and comforting cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, broccoli, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or peas.
- This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole
