Description
Hearty broccoli chicken casserole brings comfort and flavor to classic family dinners. Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken merge with fresh broccoli for a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Vegetables:
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
- Transform broccoli into a tender-crisp state by submerging florets in rapidly boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring to a colander to drain excess moisture.
- Craft a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Combine cooked chicken and blanched broccoli into the prepared sauce, gently folding to ensure every morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich, seasoned mixture.
- Create a textural topping by generously scattering shredded cheddar cheese across the surface, then enhance with a crispy breadcrumb layer moistened with melted butter.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to transform for 25-30 minutes until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the cheese reaches a golden, melted perfection.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the ingredients settle and makes serving easier and more cohesive.
Notes
- Customize the dish for dietary needs by using gluten-free cream of chicken soup and low-fat cheese options for a lighter version.
- Enhance nutrition by adding extra vegetables like cauliflower or spinach to boost the meal’s overall health benefits.
- Prep chicken ahead of time by roasting, grilling, or using rotisserie chicken to save cooking time and add extra flavor complexity.
- Create a crispy top layer by experimenting with different breadcrumb alternatives like crushed crackers, panko, or crushed cornflakes for varied texture and crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 305 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 590 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg