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Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Chicken Broccoli Casserole
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This Chicken Broccoli Casserole is a comforting, nourishing, and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to golden perfection. Ideal for quick weeknight meals, it balances flavor, texture, and nutrition in a single hearty casserole.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein & Vegetables

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
  • 1 small onion, cooked and chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (preferably freshly shredded)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Grains (Optional)

  • 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa

Topping

  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
  • 2 tablespoons shredded cheddar cheese (extra for topping)
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional, for crispier topping)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Broccoli: Steam fresh broccoli florets just until they turn bright green and become slightly tender while retaining their crunch and nutrients for the perfect bite.
  2. Cook and Shred the Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, either leftover or freshly poached, and shred into bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution of protein throughout the casserole.
  3. Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the steamed broccoli, shredded chicken, and cooked rice or quinoa (if using) to the creamy sauce mixture. Fold everything gently so the ingredients are evenly coated without crushing the broccoli.
  5. Assemble and Top: Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers mixed with a little extra shredded cheese and melted butter on top for a golden, crispy finish.
  6. Bake Until Bubbling: Bake the casserole at 350°F (175°C) for about 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook broccoli to keep it crisp-tender and avoid mushiness in the casserole.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and fresher taste compared to pre-shredded cheese.
  • Mix ingredients gently to maintain texture and prevent breaking the broccoli or chicken pieces.
  • Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to make serving easier.
  • Enhance the topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter for extra crispiness and flavor.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, broccoli casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, cheesy casserole, one dish meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/chicken-broccoli-casserole/