Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

It’s funny how some dishes just have a way of weaving themselves into the fabric of your family life. This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is one of those recipes for us. Honestly, I first made it on a whim, needing something comforting and quick on a busy weeknight. Little did I know it would become a repeat offender – in the best way possible! From the first bite, the creamy sauce enveloping tender chicken and perfectly cooked broccoli was a hit. Even my picky-eater, who usually eyes anything green with suspicion, devoured it! The cheesy, golden-brown topping adds that irresistible crunch that just seals the deal. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and leaves you feeling warm and satisfied, inside and out. If you’re searching for a dish that’s both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further. This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is about to become your new weeknight hero, just like it did for us.

Ingredients

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: 2 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes – the protein powerhouse of our casserole, providing a hearty and satisfying base.
• Fresh Broccoli Florets: 6 cups, cut into bite-sized pieces – adding a vibrant green color, essential nutrients, and a slightly crisp texture that complements the creaminess.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: 2 (10.75 ounce) cans – the secret ingredient for that classic creamy casserole sauce, providing richness and binding the dish together.
• Milk: 1 cup – thinning out the cream of chicken soup to create the perfect sauce consistency, making it luscious and not too heavy.
• Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup – adding a tangy creaminess and depth of flavor to the sauce, ensuring it’s not just creamy but also flavorful.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, divided – a generous portion of cheddar cheese for both inside the casserole, melting into the sauce, and sprinkled on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon – enhancing the savory flavors of the casserole with a subtle oniony note, adding a layer of complexity.
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon – complementing the onion powder and adding a warm, aromatic garlic flavor that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste – seasoning the dish to perfection, bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients and ensuring it’s not bland.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste – adding a subtle spice and depth of flavor, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce and cheese.
• Bread Crumbs (Panko or Regular): 1 cup – providing a delightful crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior of the casserole.
• Melted Butter: 2 tablespoons – drizzled over the breadcrumbs to help them brown and crisp up in the oven, adding flavor and texture to the topping.

Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup later.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the cubed chicken until it is no longer pink and cooked through. You want it to be nicely browned for added flavor. Season the chicken with a pinch of salt and pepper while cooking. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Steam the Broccoli (Optional): While the chicken is cooking, you can lightly steam the broccoli florets for about 3-5 minutes until they are slightly tender-crisp. This step is optional, but it helps to ensure the broccoli is cooked through in the casserole and retains a bit of texture. If you prefer a softer broccoli, steam for a bit longer, or you can skip steaming and use raw broccoli for a slightly firmer bite in the final dish.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, milk, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined, ensuring the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare Topping: In a separate small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Toss to coat the breadcrumbs evenly with the butter. This buttery breadcrumb topping is what gives the casserole that wonderful golden crust.
7. Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chicken and broccoli mixture in the baking dish. Then, sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese.
8. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, heated through, and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crispy. The cheese should be melted and nicely browned as well.
9. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the casserole to set slightly, making it easier to serve and preventing it from being too runny. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, approximate values – based on 6 servings)

• Servings: 6
• Calories: 450-550 kcal
• Protein: 35-45g

Note: Nutritional values can vary based on specific ingredient brands and portion sizes. These are estimates.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 50 minutes

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is a breeze to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. From chopping the broccoli and chicken to mixing the ingredients and getting it into the oven, you’re looking at about 20 minutes of active prep time. The oven does the rest of the work, baking it to golden, bubbly perfection in just 30 minutes. In under an hour, you can have a comforting and satisfying meal on the table that the whole family will love!

How to Serve

This Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is delicious on its own as a complete meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes to create a more balanced and satisfying dinner. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Simple Green Salad: A fresh and crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the creaminess and cleanses the palate.
• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread or soft dinner rolls for soaking up all that delicious creamy sauce. The carbs are a welcome addition alongside the protein and vegetables.
• Steamed Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the casserole over a bed of fluffy steamed rice or nutritious quinoa. These grains absorb the sauce beautifully and add substance to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Complement the broccoli in the casserole with other roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of vegetables and adds another layer of flavor and texture.
• Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: If you’re in the mood for ultimate comfort food, serve the casserole with creamy mashed potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes. The smooth and fluffy texture of the potatoes pairs perfectly with the casserole.
• Fruit Salad or Fresh Fruit: End the meal with a light and refreshing fruit salad or simply some fresh fruit like berries or sliced melon. The sweetness and lightness of the fruit provide a nice counterpoint to the savory casserole.
• Corn on the Cob or Creamed Corn: For a classic comfort food pairing, serve with corn on the cob or a side of creamed corn. The sweetness of the corn complements the savory casserole flavors.
• Coleslaw or Potato Salad: In warmer months, serve with a cool and creamy coleslaw or potato salad for a classic picnic-style meal.

Additional Tips

To make your Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole even more delicious and convenient, here are some helpful tips and variations:

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken for Speed: Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts. Simply shred or cube the rotisserie chicken and add it to the casserole mixture. This cuts down on prep time significantly and still delivers great flavor.
2. Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even a blend of cheeses would work beautifully. For a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of Gruyere or Parmesan.
3. Add More Vegetables: Don’t stop at broccoli! Feel free to add other vegetables to your casserole. Cauliflower, carrots, peas, mushrooms, or bell peppers would all be delicious additions. You can roast or sauté these vegetables lightly before adding them to the casserole for best results.
4. Spice it Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the casserole mixture or a dash of hot sauce. You could also use pepper jack cheese for a spicy kick.
5. Make it Lighter: To lighten up the casserole, use light cream of chicken soup, low-fat mayonnaise, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also increase the amount of broccoli and reduce the chicken slightly. Substituting plain Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise can also add creaminess with fewer calories.
6. Make Ahead of Time: This casserole is a great make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole completely (up to the point of baking) and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through. You can also bake it ahead and reheat it, but the breadcrumb topping may lose some of its crispness.
7. Freeze for Later: Leftover Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole freezes well. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven or microwave.
8. Elevate the Topping: For an even more flavorful topping, try adding some grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also use seasoned breadcrumbs or add herbs like dried parsley or thyme to the topping for extra flavor. Crispy fried onions can also be sprinkled on top for added crunch and flavor in the last few minutes of baking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?

A: Yes, you can definitely use frozen broccoli. There’s no need to thaw it before using. Simply add the frozen broccoli florets to the casserole mixture. You might need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure the broccoli is heated through and tender. Just be aware that frozen broccoli might release a bit more water, so your casserole might be slightly more liquidy. You can compensate for this by using slightly less milk or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch to the sauce mixture.

Q2: I don’t have cream of chicken soup. Can I substitute something else?

A: Absolutely! If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup as a direct substitute. For a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) using butter, flour, and milk, and season it with chicken bouillon or broth for a chicken flavor. Alternatively, a mixture of heavy cream and chicken broth thickened with a bit of cornstarch can also work in a pinch.

Q3: Can I make this casserole without mayonnaise?

A: Yes, you can reduce or omit the mayonnaise if you prefer. While mayonnaise adds creaminess and tang, you can substitute it with sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or even more cream cheese for a similar creamy texture. Keep in mind that the flavor profile might change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Q4: How do I prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning?

A: To prevent the breadcrumb topping from burning, especially if your oven tends to run hot, you can loosely tent the baking dish with aluminum foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will allow the casserole to continue cooking through while protecting the topping from over-browning. Also, keep an eye on the casserole during the last part of baking and adjust the baking time as needed.

Q5: Can I add pasta or rice to this casserole to make it even heartier?

A: Yes, you can easily add cooked pasta or rice to this casserole to make it a more substantial meal. Cook about 1-2 cups of pasta (like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini) or rice according to package directions. Add the cooked pasta or rice to the casserole mixture along with the chicken and broccoli. You might need to adjust the amount of liquid (milk or soup) if you add pasta or rice, as they will absorb some of the moisture.

Q6: How long does Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole last in the refrigerator?

A: Properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole will last for 3-4 days. Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating it. Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.

Q7: Can I use different types of breadcrumbs for the topping?

A: Yes, you can experiment with different types of breadcrumbs for the topping. Panko breadcrumbs provide a very crispy and crunchy texture, while regular breadcrumbs offer a finer, more even topping. You can also use Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor, or even crushed crackers or potato chips for a unique twist on the topping.

Q8: What are some variations I can try to make this recipe different?

A: There are many ways to customize this Creamy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole! You can add different cheeses like pepper jack for spice, Gruyere for a nutty flavor, or Parmesan for sharpness. Consider adding vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or corn. For a different flavor profile, try using cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken. You can also add herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley to the casserole mixture or topping. Experiment with different toppings like crispy fried onions, crushed crackers, or even potato chips for added texture and flavor.

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