Description
Hearty broccoli chicken casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy layers of tender chicken and crisp vegetables. Cheesy goodness and golden breadcrumb topping invite you to savor each comforting, satisfying bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups (960 ml) fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
- 1 cup (240 ml) shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
Creamy Base Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.
- Transform broccoli florets into a tender-crisp state through quick steaming, then carefully drain and reserve for later use.
- Craft a creamy sauce foundation by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a harmonious blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-integrated.
- Gently incorporate cooked chicken pieces, steamed broccoli, and shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated and distributed evenly.
- Carefully transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it into a uniform layer and generously garnishing the surface with an additional sprinkle of shredded cheese.
- For an optional crispy dimension, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and delicately scatter the mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the edges bubble enthusiastically and the top achieves a golden-brown complexion, typically requiring 25-30 minutes of cooking time.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest briefly, letting the intense flavors settle and the temperature moderate before serving.
Notes
- Opt for low-fat dairy alternatives like Greek yogurt and light cream soup to reduce calorie content while maintaining creamy texture.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version that keeps the dish’s rich, comforting profile.
- Create a gluten-free adaptation by using almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Maximize nutrition by using fresh broccoli and allowing minimal steaming to retain maximum vitamins and crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg