Description
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and gooey cheese, making it a family favorite for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced
- Broccoli florets: 2 cups, fresh or frozen
- Cheddar cheese: 2 cups, shredded (divided)
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 can (10.5 oz or about 300 g)
- Rice: 1 cup, uncooked (white or brown)
- Chicken broth: 2 cups (or water)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (preferably seasoned)
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for greasing)
- Salt and pepper: to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by shredding or dicing cooked chicken or cooking raw chicken until fully cooked.
- Cook the broccoli by steaming or blanching fresh florets for 3-4 minutes or thawing frozen broccoli.
- Make the cheese sauce by combining cream of chicken soup with one cup of shredded cheddar cheese in a large mixing bowl.
- Combine the cooked rice, shredded chicken, steamed broccoli, and cheese sauce in the mixing bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil, pour in the mixture, and top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
Notes
- Overcooking the broccoli can make it mushy; aim for bright green and slightly tender florets.
- Season the mixture adequately with salt and pepper for enhanced flavors.
- Avoid adding too much liquid to prevent a soupy casserole.
- Do not skip the breadcrumb and cheese topping for a delightful crunch.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to help it set.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole, family favorite, comfort food, easy recipe