Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe
A broccoli and chicken casserole is a type of baked dish that combines cooked chicken, broccoli florets, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
It is often topped with bread crumbs, stuffing mix, or croutons for a crunchy texture. This casserole is a popular comfort food that can be served as a main course or a side dish. It is easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time and reheated.
There are many variations of this casserole, using different types of cheese, soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, mushrooms, water chestnuts, and other ingredients. Some recipes also include rice or pasta to make it more filling.
Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe
The broccoli and chicken casserole recipe is a cheesy and comforting dish that is easy to make and perfect for a family dinner. It uses simple ingredients that you may already have in your pantry and fridge. I hope you enjoy it!
Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Frozen broccoli florets | 4 cups |
| Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped | 3 cups |
| Cream of cheddar soup | 1 can (10.5 oz) |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
| Shredded cheddar cheese | 2 cups, divided |
| Bread crumbs | 1/4 cup |
| Butter, melted | 2 tbsp |
Directions
Preparing the Baking Dish
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature for baking the casserole.
- Grease the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent the casserole from sticking to the pan while baking. You can use cooking spray, butter, or oil to grease the dish.
Mixing the Casserole Ingredients
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, gather the following ingredients:
- Broccoli: Ensure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- Cooked Chicken: Dice or shred the chicken into small, uniform pieces.
- Condensed Soup: Typically, cream of chicken or cream of mushroom soup works well.
- Sour Cream: Provides creaminess and tanginess to the casserole.
- Pepper: Add freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Cheese: Use 1 cup of cheese initially, reserving the rest for later.
- Mix Thoroughly: Combine the broccoli, chicken, soup, sour cream, pepper, and 1 cup of cheese in the large bowl. Stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed, creating a uniform mixture.
Assembling and Baking the Casserole
- Spread Mixture in Baking Dish: Once the ingredients are well combined, spread the mixture evenly in the prepared 9×13 inch baking dish. Ensure the mixture covers the bottom of the dish evenly.
- Prepare Bread Crumb Topping: In a small bowl, toss bread crumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. This creates a flavorful and crispy topping for the casserole.
- Apply Bread Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the buttered bread crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture, covering it evenly.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. This cooking time allows the ingredients to cook through and meld together.
- Add Remaining Cheese: Once the casserole is bubbly and golden, sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Return the casserole to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving the Casserole
- Rest the Casserole: After baking, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. Allowing the casserole to rest helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to slice and serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once rested, slice the casserole into portions and serve warm. Enjoy the creamy, flavorful dish with your favorite sides or on its own.
Conclusion
This broccoli and chicken casserole is a delicious and satisfying meal that can feed a crowd. It is creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. You can serve it with a green salad or some crusty bread for a complete dinner.
