Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal that’s perfect for busy nights or meal prepping for the week. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 4 cups broccoli florets (steamed or blanched)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a different flavor)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (optional, for a heartier dish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for greasing the dish)
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or breadcrumbs) for topping (optional)
Instructions:
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Preheat the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or melted butter.
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Prepare the chicken and broccoli:
- If you haven’t already, cook and shred or dice the chicken. You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for about 3-4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Drain well and set aside.
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Make the casserole sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese (save some for topping), mayonnaise (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined into a smooth sauce.
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Assemble the casserole:
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the sauce mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly. If using rice, fold in the cooked rice as well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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Add the topping:
- Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. If you like a crunchy topping, you can also sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top.
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Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden and crispy.
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Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s great on its own or paired with a simple salad or bread.
Tips for Perfect Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:
- Chicken: You can use cooked chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or even turkey if you have leftovers. It’s also a great way to use up any cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Broccoli: For best results, use fresh broccoli and steam or blanch it before adding it to the casserole. You can also use frozen broccoli if you’re short on time, just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture.
- Rice: If you want a more filling casserole, adding rice is a great option. You can use white rice, brown rice, or even quinoa.
- Make ahead: You can assemble this casserole in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s perfect for meal prepping!
- Add-ins: Feel free to add extra veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas for more flavor and nutrition.
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, cheesy, and delicious dish that’s easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers for the next day. Enjoy! 🍗🥦🧀