I’m excited to share my favorite chicken broccoli casserole recipe. It’s a delicious and easy dinner that’s perfect for homemade casseroles. It only takes 35 minutes to prepare and cooks in 3-4 hours on HIGH in the crock pot. This makes it great for busy weeknights.
This comforting meal serves about 4 people. It’s made with 4 chicken breasts, 10-12 ounces of frozen broccoli, and 2 cans of cream of chicken soup. It’s not only tasty but also full of nutrients like 28g of protein, 9g of carbohydrates, and 33g of fat per serving.
In this article, I’ll show you how to make the perfect chicken broccoli casserole. We’ll go from preparing the ingredients to baking it in a 9×13 pan at 350°F. Whether you love easy dinner recipes or homemade casseroles, this dish will be a favorite in your home.
Introduction to Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken broccoli casserole is a beloved dish in many homes. It’s a family-friendly meal that’s simple to make. You can prepare it in just one pot, making it perfect for busy families.
This hearty dinner is ready in 45 minutes. It’s a quick and tasty comfort food option.
The history of chicken broccoli casserole is fascinating. It started in the mid-20th century. Over time, it has evolved with new ingredients and cooking methods.
What is Chicken Broccoli Casserole?
Chicken broccoli casserole is a tasty dish. It combines chicken, broccoli, cheese, rice, and cream of chicken soup. It’s a comfort food that will become a favorite in your home.
History of the Dish
The history of chicken broccoli casserole is rich and varied. Different places and cultures have put their own spin on it. It’s a family-friendly meal great for any time, from weeknights to holidays.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Casserole
To make a healthy casserole that everyone will love, picking the right ingredients is key. A good recipe starts with basics like chicken and broccoli. For chicken, choose boneless, skinless breasts. They’re leaner and easier to cook.
Broccoli can be fresh or frozen. If it’s frozen, thaw and squeeze out water. Fresh broccoli can be steamed or sautéed before adding it. Don’t forget to add seasonings and cheeses for flavor. Cheddar, cream of chicken soup, and curry powder are great choices.
- 3 cups small-diced cooked chicken
- 4 cups of chopped broccoli
- 8 ounces of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 can of cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup of sour cream
These ingredients will help you make a tasty and satisfying casserole. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd.
Preparing Your Ingredients
To make a tasty chicken broccoli casserole, start by preparing your ingredients right. This step is key to a flavorful and satisfying dish.
First, cook the chicken. You’ll need to cook it in a large pot over medium heat until it’s melted. Then, add chicken broth, olive oil, and rice. Bring it all to a boil. This should take about 6 minutes for the rice, then another 9 minutes with the broccoli.
Here’s a quick list of what you’ll need:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 2 cups diced rotisserie chicken
- 2 cups fresh uncooked broccoli florets
- 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice
- 2.5 cups chicken broth
After preparing everything, mix the ingredients to make the casserole. This recipe is perfect for homemade casseroles. With the right ingredients, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Make sure to follow the instructions carefully. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. With this recipe, you’ll enjoy a homemade casserole soon.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken | 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts |
| Broccoli | 2 cups fresh uncooked broccoli florets |
| Rice | 1.25 cups uncooked white long grain rice |
Crafting the Casserole Base
Making a tasty chicken broccoli casserole starts with the base. You need to create a cream sauce that ties all the flavors together. This casserole is perfect for a quick, easy meal, great for any weeknight.
To make the cream sauce, you’ll need a few ingredients. You’ll need condensed cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk. These will make the sauce rich and creamy. Don’t forget to add garlic powder and ground black pepper for extra flavor.
- Mix the condensed cheddar cheese soup, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, and milk in a bowl.
- Add garlic powder and ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
By following these steps, you can make a delicious cream sauce. This sauce will be the heart of your chicken broccoli casserole. It’s a comforting meal that’s quick to make, perfect for any weeknight.
Baking the Casserole to Perfection
To get a perfectly baked casserole, finding the right temperature and time is key. The recipe suggests baking at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. This time lets the flavors mix well and the topping get crispy, making it perfect for families.
For a crispy topping, Panko bread crumbs are the best choice. They are lighter and crisper than regular bread crumbs. Also, using butter, sour cream, and mayonnaise makes the casserole creamy and flavorful. This makes it a great one-pot meal that’s ready in under an hour.
- Use a preheated oven to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overbake, as this can lead to a dry and crumbly texture.
- Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
By following these tips and using the right ingredients, you can make a delicious casserole. It’s perfect for family meals and one-pot meals.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Chicken Tenderloins | 6 |
| Butter | 2-3 tablespoons |
| All-Purpose Flour | ¼ cup |
Variations on Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Chicken broccoli casserole is a hit with everyone. It’s easy to make it your own. You can use gluten-free ingredients or add more veggies for a healthier dish.
Here are some ideas for changing it up:
- Try using ham or ground beef for a different taste
- Add carrots or bell peppers for more color and nutrients
- Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to cut down on salt
With a few tweaks, you can make a dish that’s both tasty and good for you. Whether you need a gluten-free option or just want to try something new, chicken broccoli casserole is a great choice.
| Variation | Description |
|---|---|
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free ingredients to make the dish accessible to those with dietary restrictions |
| Low-Carb | Reduce the amount of carbohydrates in the dish by using low-carb ingredients or reducing the serving size |
| Extra Veggies | Add additional vegetables to increase the nutritional value and flavor of the dish |
Serving Suggestions
When serving homemade casseroles like chicken broccoli casserole, you have many choices. This easy dinner recipe pairs well with various sides. Try a big green salad, buttery rice pilaf, or butter swim biscuits.
Presenting your dish nicely can enhance the dining experience. Add fresh herbs or roasted vegetables for a pop of color. For chicken broccoli casserole, crusty bread or a simple green salad are great options.
Here are some other serving suggestions for your homemade casseroles:
- Roasted sweet potatoes
- Sautéed green beans
- Grilled corn on the cob
- A side salad with a light vinaigrette
Find a balance between flavors and textures for a great serving suggestion. With a bit of creativity, your homemade casserole can become a memorable meal.
| Side Dish | Calories per Serving |
|---|---|
| Buttery Rice Pilaf | 150-200 |
| Roasted Sweet Potatoes | 100-150 |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | 60-80 |
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing and reheating leftovers right is key to keeping your comfort food tasty. Chicken broccoli casserole is a great example. It’s perfect for a quick, delicious meal any night of the week.
To store leftovers, use an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Here’s how to reheat:
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes
- Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring every minute
- Add a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy sauce
Follow these tips to enjoy your chicken broccoli casserole whenever you want. It’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner.
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Airtight container in the fridge | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
Nutritional Benefits of Chicken and Broccoli
Chicken and broccoli make a great combo for a healthy casserole. They are not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Chicken is lean and full of protein, which is good for weight management and muscle growth.
Broccoli is a powerhouse of vitamins and minerals. It’s rich in vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Vitamin A is key for muscle and heart health. Calcium keeps teeth and gums strong and helps control blood pressure. Iron boosts brain function and fights anemia. This dish has about 511 calories, 23g of protein, and 33g of fat, making it both nutritious and filling.
- High protein content to support muscle growth and repair
- Rich in vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, calcium, and iron
- Low in fat and calories, making it a healthy casserole dish option
This chicken and broccoli casserole is a hit with everyone. It’s not just tasty but also good for you. Adding it to your meals means you get a balanced diet that tastes great.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a tasty chicken broccoli casserole can be tricky. It’s key to avoid common mistakes that can mess up the dish. I’ve found that homemade casseroles are great for quick weeknight meals. But, overcooking the chicken can make it dry and tough. Also, forgetting to season can leave the dish tasting bland.
To steer clear of these errors, here are some helpful tips:
- Par-cook the chicken to prevent overcooking
- Use fresh herbs or dried herbs to add flavor to the casserole
- Don’t overfill the casserole dish to prevent overflow during cooking
By keeping these tips in mind, you can make a delicious chicken broccoli casserole. It’s perfect for any meal or to impress your guests. This dish is sure to be a hit.
The secret to a great casserole is balancing flavors and textures. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll make a casserole that everyone will love.
| Mistake | Tip to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Overcooking the chicken | Par-cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole |
| Skipping the seasoning | Use fresh or dried herbs to add flavor to the casserole |
| Overfilling the casserole dish | Leave about 25% of the dish empty to prevent overflow during cooking |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken broccoli casserole is a favorite for weeknight dinners. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. This makes it a great comfort food option.
Many people wonder if they can refrigerate or freeze the casserole. The answer is yes. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for 2 months.
Here are some more FAQs about chicken broccoli casserole:
- Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.
- Is it freezable? Yes, it can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- What is the best way to reheat it? It can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
With these tips, you can enjoy a delicious chicken broccoli casserole. It’s perfect for comfort and weeknight meals.
| Preparation Time | Cooking Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 1 hour | 6 servings |
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Dish
As we finish our look at the chicken broccoli casserole, I’m sure you’ll love it. It’s a great meal for families and a comforting one-pot dish. The mix of tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy sauce is hard to resist.
Final Thoughts on Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This casserole is easy to make and will fill your hunger for a hearty meal. It has lean protein, healthy veggies, and a creamy base. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
Inviting Friends and Family to Share
Try this recipe and share it with your loved ones. It’s great for potlucks, family gatherings, or a cozy meal at home. You can adjust it to fit your diet, making it a hit for any event.