Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

This creamy, cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. This recipe is easy to follow, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a satisfying and flavorful dish the whole family will love. We’ll cover everything from prepping the ingredients to baking it to golden perfection, along with some helpful tips and variations to make it your own.

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes enough to serve 6-8 people. Adjust quantities as needed for your group size.

• For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded (or rotisserie chicken!)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

• For the Broccoli:

  • 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

• For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or your favorite cheese blend!)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using raw chicken breasts, cook them until fully cooked through. You can bake, pan-fry, or boil them. Once cooked, shred the chicken into smaller pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Roast the Broccoli: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for about 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp.

3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low, and stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Remove from heat and stir in both cheeses until melted and smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, roasted broccoli, and cheese sauce. Mix well to combine. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.

5. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly. The top should be lightly golden brown.

6. Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Add some crunch: Top with bread crumbs or crushed potato chips before baking for added texture.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce for a little heat.
• Make it healthier: Use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
• Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, peas, or mushrooms.
• Use different cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to create your own unique flavor profile.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

• Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and bake it later. Just store it covered in the refrigerator.
• Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Its simple ingredients and straightforward instructions make it perfect for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy this delicious and comforting dish! Remember to share your creations and tag us! Happy cooking!