Description
Comfort meets culinary magic in this cheesy chicken broccoli casserole, blending creamy textures with hearty ingredients. Perfectly balanced flavors and simple preparation make this dish a delightful centerpiece you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 lbs chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Vegetables:
- 3 cups broccoli florets, fresh
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Binding and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Dice the chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized cubes, ensuring even cooking and consistent texture throughout the casserole.
- Steam the broccoli florets until they’re vibrant green and slightly tender, about 3-4 minutes, then drain thoroughly to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well-combined.
- Fold the diced chicken, steamed broccoli, and diced onions into the creamy sauce, ensuring every ingredient is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer for consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar and grated parmesan cheese over the top, creating a rich and golden cheese layer.
- Combine melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter the mixture evenly across the cheese topping for a crispy, golden-brown crust.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the top is golden and bubbling.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the dish set and makes serving easier.
Notes
- Opt for pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the casserole without additional cooking steps.
- Replace cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher, less processed alternative that reduces sodium content.
- Choose Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to boost protein and lower fat while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Consider using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version that keeps the crispy topping intact.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg