Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, crunchy broccoli, and a cheesy sauce. It is a perfect meal for busy weeknights or when you are craving something hearty and filling. This casserole is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients, making it a great option for those days when you don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
The star of this casserole is the cheesy sauce, which is made with a combination of melted cheese, creamy milk, and flavorful spices. The sauce coats the chicken and broccoli, adding a rich and creamy element to the dish. The chicken is cooked until tender and juicy, and the broccoli is nice and crisp, providing a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
To make the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 cups of cooked rice
- 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients will come together to create a tasty and satisfying casserole that is perfect for a family dinner or potluck. The combination of chicken, rice, and broccoli provides a balanced meal, while the cheeses and creamy sauce add richness and flavor. The mayonnaise and sour cream help to keep the casserole moist and creamy, and the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese give it a crispy and golden topping. The addition of garlic and onion powder, as well as salt and pepper, adds depth and seasoning to the dish. Overall, these ingredients ensure that every bite of the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is delicious and comforting.
Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Recipe
To make a delicious Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, follow these simple steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a casserole dish.
- Cook 2 cups of broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cook for about 6-8 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove from skillet and let cool. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whisk until well combined. Gradually pour in 1 cup of chicken broth, followed by 1 cup of milk. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens.
- Add 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt, pepper, and any desired herbs or spices such as thyme or paprika.
- Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the skillet, mixing well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the greased casserole dish and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving.
This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that is easy to prepare. It combines tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce for the perfect family meal.
Tips from Professional Chefs
When preparing the “Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole”, professional chefs recommend the following tips:
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for easier preparation. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Precook the broccoli slightly before adding it to the casserole. This will help maintain its vibrant color and prevent it from becoming mushy during baking.
- To enhance the flavor of the casserole, sauté onions and garlic in butter or olive oil before adding them to the dish. This will add depth and richness to the overall taste.
- When making the cheese sauce, use a combination of two or more cheeses for a more complex flavor profile. Cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan work well together.
Remember to season each component of the casserole adequately with salt and pepper to ensure a well-balanced dish. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or basil to add a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy this delicious and comforting casserole!
Reviews
I recently tried the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe and I must say, it exceeded my expectations. The combination of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese made for a truly delicious meal. The flavors all blended together perfectly, creating a dish that was both comforting and satisfying.
The recipe was easy to follow and didn’t require any complicated ingredients. I appreciated that the instructions were clear and concise, making it simple to prepare the dish. The chicken was cooked to perfection, moist and flavorful, while the broccoli added a nice crunch and freshness.
What really stood out to me was the cheesy topping. It was rich and creamy, with just the right amount of cheesy goodness. It melted beautifully over the chicken and broccoli, creating a mouthwatering layer of cheesy goodness. This casserole is definitely a winner in my book and I will be making it again in the future.
I recently made the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole and it was absolutely delicious! The combination of tender chicken, flavorful broccoli, and gooey cheese was simply irresistible. The recipe was easy to follow and the end result was a hearty and comforting dish that my whole family enjoyed.
The chicken was perfectly cooked and remained juicy and tender, while the broccoli added a nice crunch and freshness to the casserole. The cheese on top was golden and bubbly, creating a mouthwatering cheesy crust. The flavors all came together beautifully and the dish was packed with a satisfying balance of flavors.
I also loved that this casserole was a complete meal in itself. It had protein from the chicken, fiber from the broccoli, and the cheese added a nice dose of calcium. It was definitely a wholesome and satisfying dish that left us feeling full and satisfied.
I highly recommend trying the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser and perfect for a cozy family dinner or potluck. The ingredients are easily accessible and the dish comes together quickly. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters. I will definitely be making this casserole again soon!
I recently tried the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe and I have to say, it was absolutely delicious. The combination of tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and crunchy broccoli was simply mouthwatering. I loved how easy it was to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
The chicken was cooked to perfection, juicy and flavorful, and the broccoli added a nice freshness to the dish. The cheesy sauce was the star of the show, though. It was creamy and rich, with just the right amount of cheese. It coated the chicken and broccoli perfectly, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
Another thing I loved about this recipe was how versatile it was. I could easily add some extra ingredients like bacon or mushrooms to enhance the flavors even more. The leftovers were just as tasty, making it a great option for meal prep. Overall, I highly recommend trying the Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a definite winner in my book.
