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Hearty Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Hearty Chicken And Broccoli Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy sauce and golden-brown edges. Home cooks will appreciate this simple, satisfying meal that combines lean protein and fresh vegetables in one delicious dish.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups (280 g) chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 ½ cups (150 g) cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups (400 g) white rice (or brown rice), cooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
  • 2 cups (200 g) broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
  • 1 cup (240 ml) milk
  • ¼ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for topping)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crunchy topping)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 350F (175C) and generously lubricate a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent adhesion.
  2. Vegetable Preparation: Steam broccoli florets to vibrant tenderness while simultaneously cooking rice according to package instructions, ensuring optimal texture and color.
  3. Aromatic Foundation: Sauté chopped onions in olive oil until translucent, then introduce minced garlic for a fleeting moment to release its essence, creating a fragrant base.
  4. Flavor Fusion: Combine shredded chicken, cooked rice, steamed broccoli, sautéed aromatics, cream of chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic and onion powders, and seasonings into a cohesive mixture that promises depth and complexity.
  5. Structural Assembly: Evenly distribute the culinary composition in the prepared baking dish, crowning the surface with a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese and crisp breadcrumbs to introduce textural contrast.
  6. Thermal Transformation: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cheese melts into golden rivers, edges bubble enthusiastically, and the surface achieves a sun-kissed golden-brown hue.
  7. Culinary Finale: Allow the casserole a brief resting period to harmonize flavors, then serve with a crisp side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Prevent Soggy Texture: Steam broccoli briefly to maintain crisp-tender texture and vibrant green color, avoiding overcooking which leads to mushy vegetables.
  • Enhance Cheese Melt: Shred cheese freshly instead of using pre-packaged varieties for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor profile.
  • Customize Protein Options: Substitute chicken with turkey, tofu, or plant-based protein alternatives to accommodate different dietary preferences and restrictions.
  • Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or cauliflower to increase nutrient density and create more complex flavor layers in the casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg