If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and healthy, then this healthier broccoli chicken casserole is just what you need! Trust me, it’s super easy to whip up and packed with flavor that everyone will love. I like to think of it as a hug in a dish—perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to enjoy a nutritious meal without all the fuss. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy sauce makes this casserole irresistible. So, let’s dive into this delicious recipe that proves healthy can also be incredibly tasty!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – I love using leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick start!
• 3 cups broccoli florets – Fresh or frozen work great, just make sure they’re tender!
• 1 cup brown rice, cooked – This adds a hearty base and is a healthier alternative to white rice.
• 1 cup low-fat cream of mushroom soup – A creamy, flavorful layer that holds everything together.
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese – I prefer cheddar, but feel free to mix it up!
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth – This keeps the casserole moist and adds extra flavor.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – For that delicious, aromatic kick!
• 1 teaspoon onion powder – It enhances the overall savory taste.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Always adjust according to your preference.

How to Prepare Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole

1. First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This way, your casserole will cook evenly and come out perfectly bubbly!
2. While the oven is heating up, grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cooked brown rice, low-fat cream of mushroom soup, and chicken broth. Wow, that’s a colorful mix!
3. Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder and onion powder, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything is well-coated and combined—you want every bite to be full of flavor!
4. Now, transfer that yummy mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly so it cooks just right.
5. Time to sprinkle the low-fat shredded cheese on top. I like to use a generous amount because who doesn’t love that melty goodness?
6. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and the casserole is heated through. Yum!
7. Once it’s done, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This is the hardest part—waiting to dig in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Full of flavor that even picky eaters will enjoy.
• Healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste.
• One-pan meal means less cleanup for you!
• Great for meal prep—leftovers taste amazing!

Tips for Success

To take your healthier broccoli chicken casserole to the next level, here are a few of my favorite pro tips! First, don’t hesitate to switch out the brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice if you’re looking for something lighter. Also, if you’re a fan of a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick! Make sure to steam your broccoli just until tender before mixing it in; this helps it hold its vibrant color and crunch. And remember, letting the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving helps everything set up nicely. Trust me, these small adjustments can make a big difference!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are tons of ways to mix up this healthier broccoli chicken casserole! Try adding some colorful bell peppers or sweet carrots for extra crunch and flavor. You could also throw in some cooked mushrooms for an earthy twist! For a burst of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh herbs like thyme or parsley right before serving. And if you want to jazz it up a little, a dash of curry powder can add a lovely warmth. The possibilities are endless!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To store your healthier broccoli chicken casserole, let it cool completely, then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days—perfect for quick meals later on! When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 2-3 minutes, or warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of this healthier broccoli chicken casserole: around 300 calories, 8g of fat, 25g of protein, and 36g of carbohydrates. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on your specific ingredients. It’s a satisfying dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals!

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli in this casserole?
Absolutely! Frozen broccoli is a fantastic option and can save you some time. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before adding it to the mix.

What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, you can use a homemade white sauce or even a can of low-fat cream of chicken soup. It’ll still taste delicious!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it, and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.

How do I make this casserole gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free healthier broccoli chicken casserole, simply use gluten-free brown rice and check the labels on your soup and broth to ensure they’re gluten-free.

Can I add more protein?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in some beans or chickpeas for an extra protein boost, or even toss in some cooked quinoa.

For more healthy recipes, check out this cheesy broccoli and chicken casserole or this easy chicken broccoli stir fry.

Healthier Broccoli Chicken Casserole: 7 Comforting Secrets

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

A healthier version of broccoli chicken casserole that is easy to make and full of flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 3 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1 cup low-fat cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup low-fat shredded cheese
• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, broccoli, brown rice, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until heated through and cheese is bubbly.
7. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can use leftover chicken for this recipe.
• Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or bell peppers.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: healthier broccoli chicken casserole, low fat casserole, chicken casserole recipe