Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe: Creamy and Comforting
Looking for a simple and comforting dish? The Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a perfect choice, combining tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese.
Begin by preheating your oven and mixing cream of chicken soup with milk, then layer everything in a dish. The secret to its perfect creamy consistency and flavor balance? There's more to discover.
Key Takeaways
- Broccoli Chicken Casserole combines chicken, broccoli, and cheese in a creamy sauce for a comforting meal.
- Use rotisserie chicken and canned soup for quick preparation, ideal for busy weeknights.
- Bake at 350°F, covered for 25 minutes, then uncovered for 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
- Customize with spices or hot sauce; serve with salad or bread for a complete meal.
- The dish reheat well, making it perfect for leftovers or potluck gatherings.
Recipe
Broccoli chicken casserole is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy sauce, all topped with melted cheese. This simplified version uses only five ingredients, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights. The rich flavors and creamy texture ensure that this dish remains a family favorite, even with its streamlined preparation.
With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is both convenient and satisfying. The use of cream of chicken soup creates a luscious base, while the cheddar cheese adds a savory finish. By pre-cooking the chicken and partially steaming the broccoli, you ensure that each component is perfectly cooked by the time it comes out of the oven.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked, diced chicken
- 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 2 cans cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
To prepare the casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup with the milk, stirring until smooth. Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets, mixing until everything is well coated.
Transfer the mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
For the best results, steam the broccoli until it's partially tender before adding it to the casserole. This ensures it cooks perfectly in the oven. You can use leftover, rotisserie, or freshly cooked chicken, but make sure it's fully cooked before incorporating it into the dish.
Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to let the sauce thicken slightly, which also makes serving easier.
Cooking Steps
You're about to create a comforting broccoli chicken casserole that's both simple and delicious! Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, and while it warms up, mix the creamy chicken soup with milk until smooth.
Next, stir in the cooked chicken and fresh broccoli, then transfer this delightful mixture to a baking dish, topping it all off with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese for that irresistible finish.
Step 1. Preheat Oven to 350°F
Why is it important to preheat the oven to 350°F before starting the casserole? Preheating ensures your casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
When you place it in a preheated oven, the cooking process starts immediately, locking in those delicious flavors and creamy textures. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect, bubbly cheese topping and tender broccoli.
Imagine the satisfaction of biting into a perfectly cooked casserole, where every layer is hot and delicious!
Preheating also helps maintain consistent baking times, so you won't have to guess if it's done. Just set your oven to 350°F, and let it work its magic.
Step 2. Combine Soup and Milk
With the oven preheated and ready, it's time to focus on crafting the creamy base for your casserole.
Start by taking two cans of cream of chicken soup and pour them into a large mixing bowl. The aroma alone will set your taste buds tingling with anticipation.
Next, add one cup of milk slowly as you stir, creating a smooth, luscious mixture. This step is crucial to achieving that velvety, comforting texture everyone loves in a casserole.
Use a whisk or a sturdy spoon, ensuring the soup and milk blend seamlessly together. This creamy concoction will soon envelop your chicken and broccoli, infusing them with rich, savory flavors.
You're crafting the heart of your dish, so take your time and enjoy this process!
Step 3. Mix Chicken and Broccoli
Once your creamy base is ready, it's time to add the star ingredients: chicken and broccoli.
First, grab your cooked, diced chicken, whether it's rotisserie or leftover, and toss it into the bowl. You'll love how the tender chicken soaks up that delicious sauce!
Next, add the fresh broccoli florets. Make sure you've steamed them partially to ensure the perfect tenderness.
Stir gently but thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well coated in the creamy mixture. The vibrant green broccoli and succulent chicken pieces create a beautiful contrast, making this dish as appealing to the eyes as it's to the taste buds.
With every stir, you're one step closer to serving a comforting, satisfying meal that everyone will adore!
Step 4. Transfer Mixture to Dish
After thoroughly mixing the chicken and broccoli with the creamy base, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish to continue the preparation.
Feel the excitement as you spread this luscious mixture into the dish, ensuring every corner is filled with the delicious blend. Use a spatula to evenly distribute the ingredients, creating a smooth layer.
This step is crucial to achieving that perfect, creamy texture in every bite. As you work, imagine the comforting aroma that'll soon fill your kitchen.
Visualize the delight on your family's faces when they take their first bite of this hearty casserole. You've prepared a dish that's not only easy but also brimming with flavor.
Embrace the satisfaction of knowing you're crafting a meal that brings warmth and joy.
Step 5. Top With Cheddar Cheese
The next step in creating your delicious broccoli chicken casserole involves topping it with cheddar cheese. Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the casserole mixture, ensuring it covers the entire surface.
This step is crucial because as the cheese melts, it forms a golden, bubbly layer that brings everything together beautifully. The sharp, creamy flavor of cheddar enhances the dish, adding an irresistible appeal.
Make sure to distribute the cheese generously for that gooey, mouth-watering top layer everyone loves. As the casserole bakes, the cheese will melt perfectly, creating a satisfying blend with the creamy sauce beneath.
This cheesy topping not only locks in moisture but also elevates the overall taste, making this dish a comforting favorite. Don't hold back—let the cheese work its magic!
Final Thoughts
This broccoli chicken casserole is a testament to how a few simple ingredients can create a delicious and satisfying meal. It's perfect for those moments when you crave something hearty yet easy to prepare.
The creamy sauce envelops tender chicken and broccoli, while the melted cheddar cheese adds that irresistible finishing touch. You'll love how quickly it comes together, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or when you need a comforting dish in a pinch.
Don't hesitate to customize it with your favorite spices or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about creating a warm, inviting meal that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Enjoy this comforting classic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Broccoli Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely, you can use frozen broccoli instead of fresh! Just thaw it first, and if you want to make sure it stays tender, give it a quick steam.
This swap makes your cooking even easier without sacrificing flavor. Frozen veggies are packed at peak freshness, so they retain their nutrients and taste.
Dive into this comforting dish and enjoy how convenient and delicious it can be with frozen broccoli. Happy cooking!
What Can I Substitute for Cream of Chicken Soup?
Oh, you're out of cream of chicken soup? No worries!
You can whip up your own version by combining a cup of chicken broth with a cup of milk, then thickening it with a few tablespoons of flour or cornstarch.
Cook this mixture on medium heat until it thickens, and season it with salt and pepper.
It's a simple swap that'll still give your dish that creamy goodness you crave!
How Do I Store Leftover Casserole?
Storing leftover casserole is easy and keeps your meal delicious for later!
First, let it cool to room temperature. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Pop it in the fridge, where it'll stay fresh for up to three days.
When you're ready to enjoy it again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F until it's warmed through.
Your taste buds will thank you!
Is This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Did you know that about 3 million Americans follow a gluten-free diet? This recipe can be gluten-free if you choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
You'll love how easy it's to make this comforting dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner. With just five ingredients, it's quick to prepare and delivers on flavor every time.
So, why not give it a try and enjoy this delicious meal?
[DIRECTIONS]:
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Casserole?
Absolutely, you can add other vegetables to the casserole!
Consider tossing in some sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas for extra color and flavor.
Just make sure to partially cook veggies that take longer to soften, like carrots, before mixing them in.
This way, everything cooks evenly, and you'll end up with a delicious, hearty dish.
Experimenting with different veggies makes each casserole unique and keeps dinner exciting!
Enjoy your culinary adventure!
