Chicken and Broccoli Casserole a Cheesy Dream Come True
Table of Contents
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Ready for Some Proper Comfort Food?
Fancy some good old comfort food? You know, the kind that reminds you of being wrapped in a warm blanket on a chilly evening? Then let me introduce you to my take on casserole recipes : the one and only, Chicken and Broccoli Casserole ! Honestly, this cheesy casserole recipe is proper lush.
This comfort food casserole is like a big hug in a dish. It is a modern twist on the classic American easy casserole recipes , perfect for a weeknight dinner or a Sunday lunch.
It is easy to throw together and absolutely everyone loves it, including picky eaters. This recipe makes enough for six hungry folks.
Why This Cheesy Casserole Recipe Is The Bees Knees
This family friendly casserole recipe is so good for you too! Broccoli cheese casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the broccoli.
This baked casserole recipe is perfect if you are looking for a quick, easy and crowd pleasing meal. My creamy chicken casserole uses simple ingredients.
Let's Talk Ingredients!
Ready to get started?
Let's Talk Casseroles: What You'll Need
Fancy making a truly spectacular chicken broccoli casserole ? Honestly, easy casserole recipes are my go-to for a comforting weeknight casserole dinners .
They are also the perfect comfort food casserole ! So, let’s get this show on the road.
Main Ingredients: The Foundation of Flavour
This cheesy casserole recipe relies on top-notch ingredients. Getting them right is half the battle. Here is what you'll need:
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped (about 1 cup or 150g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (around 2 teaspoons or 6g)
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (475ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup (235ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups (roughly 450g) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups (around 400g) broccoli florets, lightly steamed
- 2 cups (approximately 200g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (about 50g) shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup (50g) panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
For the chicken, grab a rotisserie one from the shop. It’s a total time saver when making chicken casserole recipes . Also, don't go for watery, sad broccoli.
It should be vibrant and have a firm texture. If not, frozen broccoli is a great alternative.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Life
Don’t underestimate seasonings! They elevate any baked casserole recipes . The garlic powder in this recipe is key. Also the cheesy casserole recipe uses salt and pepper, too.
Play around with a pinch of nutmeg for warmth, or even a dash of cayenne for some kick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don’t need fancy gadgets for this family friendly casserole recipes . Just a few essentials:
- A 9x13 inch baking dish
- A large skillet
- A whisk
If you don't have a whisk, a fork will do in a pinch. Got a slightly smaller baking dish? No worries! Just adjust the baking time a little.
Alright, let's dive into making this Chicken and Broccoli Casserole . Honestly, this is total comfort food casserole material. It's a family favorite here, especially on those dreary Tuesday nights.
It's perfect for a weeknight casserole dinners . I've tweaked this easy casserole recipes over the years to get it just right .
It really is a cheesy dream come true. So, let's get cracking.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Cheesy Dream Come True
Prep Steps Get Your Ducks in a Row!
First, the all-important mise en place . Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Steam your broccoli. Having everything prepped means smooth sailing.
Honestly, organization is the key to getting dinner on the table quickly. I like to get this done while the oven preheats to 375° F ( 190° C) .
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cheese, but for a cheesier touch, feel free to add 3, you know? Safety first : Always use oven mitts when handling hot dishes!
step-by-step to Casserole Perfection
- Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet. Sauté 1 chopped onion until softened, around 5 minutes. Then, add 2 minced cloves of garlic and cook until fragrant for about 1 minute.
- Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream .
- Bring to a simmer. Stir constantly until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt , 1/4 teaspoon of pepper , and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder .
- Combine 4 cups of cooked chicken , 4 cups of steamed broccoli , 2 cups of cheddar cheese , and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese in the skillet.
- Pour into a 9x13 inch baking dish .
- Combine 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs , 2 tablespoons melted butter , and 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese for the topping. Sprinkle this over the baked casserole recipes .
- Bake for 20- 25 minutes . Look for a golden brown, bubbly top. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for a Cracking Casserole
Want to make this cheesy casserole recipe even better? Try these tricks. First, don't overcook the broccoli! Slightly undercook it, it will continue cooking in the oven.
Using a rotisserie chicken can save you time when making chicken casserole recipes . If you like a seriously crispy topping, broil it for the last minute.
Watch it like a hawk though! Common mistake? Soggy casserole! Avoid it by not overcooking your sauce. You can make this a day ahead.
Just assemble it (without the topping) and pop it in the fridge. Add the topping right before baking. This creamy chicken casserole is guaranteed to be a winner for family friendly casserole recipes ! Serve and enjoy.
Recipe Notes for Your Perfect Casserole
Right, let's chat about some extra bits and bobs for this chicken broccoli casserole . These notes are gonna help you nail it.
Honestly, it's all about making it your own. You know?
Fab Serving Ideas
Plating this cheesy casserole recipe is a doddle. Think rustic. Straight from the oven to the table. A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley makes it look fancy.
For sides, how about a simple green salad? Keeps things light. A nice glass of white wine goes down a treat too. Sauvignon Blanc is always a winner.
Storing Like a Pro
Got leftovers? Of course you do! Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3-4 days. Ideal for lunch, innit?
Freezing is an option too. Divide it into portions for easy weeknight casserole dinners . Just make sure it's cooled completely first. Reheat in the oven for best results. Microwave works too.
Mix It Up a Bit
Fancy a change? Use sweet potato instead of broccoli for the seasonal twist. It is just wonderful.
gluten-free? Easy peasy. Use gluten-free flour for the sauce. And switch out the breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. Boom! Dietary needs sorted.
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
This comfort food casserole has about 450 calories per serving. It's packed with protein from the chicken. Good source of calcium from the cheese.
Not bad, eh? Remember, this is just an estimate and may vary.
Hey, listen, the most important thing is that you have a go at this easy casserole recipes ! This chicken casserole recipes are just a starting point.
Get creative! You got this. And if you think about a nice baked casserole recipes nothing bad can happen. Enjoy this creamy chicken casserole !
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prep this chicken and broccoli casserole recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire casserole, topping and all, a day or two in advance. Just cover it tightly and store it in the fridge. When you're ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the cooking time since it will be starting cold.
It's like prepping your Sunday roast on a Saturday saves a world of time!
What can I do to prevent my casserole from being watery?
Nobody wants a soggy bottom! To avoid a watery casserole, make sure your broccoli is only lightly steamed and drained well. Also, thickening the sauce properly by whisking the flour and cooking it out is crucial. Finally, avoid adding too much liquid during any step of the recipe preparation.
How should I store leftover chicken and broccoli casserole?
Leftovers are the best, aren't they? Allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with foil or transferring it to an airtight container. It'll keep in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the whole thing in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Just like a good shepherd's pie, it tastes even better the next day!
I'm looking for easy casserole recipes. Can I make this with rotisserie chicken?
You certainly can! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that cuts down on prep time. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it to the casserole as directed in the recipe.
It's a brilliant way to get a delicious, home cooked meal on the table quickly, perfect for those busy weeknights when you can't be bothered to cook from scratch!
Can I freeze this chicken and broccoli casserole recipe?
Yes, you can freeze this casserole, but the texture might change slightly. Assemble the casserole in a freezer safe dish, but don't bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed, adding about 15-20 minutes to the cooking time. Consider adding the breadcrumb topping after thawing for the best texture.
Is there a healthier version of this chicken and broccoli casserole recipe?
Definitely! To lighten it up, use low-fat cheddar cheese and milk instead of heavy cream. You could also add extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to boost the nutrient content. Using whole wheat breadcrumbs for the topping is another good move.
Remember, even comfort food can be good for you with a few clever tweaks!
Chicken And Broccoli Casserole A Cheesy Dream Co
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |