Indulge in the warmth and comfort of a delicious Broccoli Chicken Casserole that’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Packed with tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this comforting dish offers a symphony of flavors in every bite. Follow along as we guide you through the simple steps and ingredients needed to create a delightful meal that will satisfy both your hunger and your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds (or 3 cups cooked chicken), cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken breasts)
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, or cream of chicken soup)
- ⅔ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 3 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs or buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (or a 3-quart casserole dish).
- Cook Chicken (if using raw):
- If using raw chicken breasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- Blanch Broccoli:
- Place broccoli in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or just until tender-crisp. Drain well and spread in the bottom of the baking dish.
- Prepare Cheesy Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, condensed soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Stir in cooked chicken (if raw) and spread the mixture on top of the broccoli in the baking or casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Add Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection:
- Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and the mixture is bubbly and hot.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve this delightful Broccoli Chicken Casserole over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, as desired.
Conclusion:
Broccoli Chicken Casserole offers a comforting embrace of flavors and textures that will leave you satisfied and content. Whether served as a family dinner or for a special occasion, this dish combines the goodness of chicken, broccoli, and a cheesy sauce, creating a delightful experience for your taste buds. Enjoy the heartwarming essence of this casserole and savor each bite of this comforting culinary creation!
