Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole: A Comforting Family Favorite
There’s something truly magical about the waft of baked casseroles filling the air, isn’t there? It’s as if every bubbling corner of the dish whispers promises of cozy evenings spent with loved ones, sharing laughter over plates of delicious food. Among my most cherished recipes, one shines like a beacon—Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. This simple yet satisfying meal is a beautiful marriage of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, all blanketed under a golden topping that makes your heart sing.
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you add this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole to your dinner rotation? Here are a few reasons that highlight its charm:
- Quick Prep: With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Cozy Flavors: The melding of melted cheese, spices, and tender chicken evokes feelings of warmth and nostalgia.
- Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a dish that appeals to both adults and kids alike—everyone will be asking for seconds!
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to switch up the chicken for turkey or the broccoli with veggies of your choice—this dish is adaptable!
- Make-Ahead Magic: You can prepare it in advance and pop it in the oven when it’s time to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to create this home-cooked comfort food masterpiece:
- 2 cups cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed; this is a great way to use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh or frozen, offering a pop of color and nutritional boost.
- 1 cup long-grain rice: For the heartiness; you can also use a different grain like quinoa for a twist.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup: This is your base for all that creamy goodness.
- 1 cup sour cream: For richness; Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Because what’s a cheesy casserole without lots of cheese?
- ½ cup milk: To bring everything together, lending a lovely creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: It adds depth and flavor; fresh garlic can be used if you prefer.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Always essential for seasoning.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
It’s incredibly quick for the deliciousness you get, making it a must-try dish for a busy evening.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Making this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is as simple as can be! Follow these steps to create a dish that will have everyone clamoring for more.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds as you can already smell the comforting aroma filling your kitchen.
- Cook the rice according to package instructions. As it simmers, the warm steam will bring a sense of home.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cooked rice. The colors dance together in harmony!
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. As you mix, imagine the flavors coming alive.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice mixture and stir until everything is well coated. The creamy texture should envelop each ingredient, feeling like a warm hug.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. It’s time for your casserole to shine!
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese generously. Don’t be shy—this is the best part!
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. Your kitchen will be filled with intoxicating aromas.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then serve! Feel the warmth radiating from the dish as you scoop out generous portions.
Tips and Creative Variations
This casserole is fantastic as is, but don’t hesitate to customize it! Here are some delightful suggestions:
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
- Protein swap: Use shredded turkey or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Cheese variety: Experiment with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- Herb infusion: Toss in chopped fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic twist.
Serving Ideas
Imagine this scene—your loved ones gathered around the table, laughter mingling with the aromas wafting from the kitchen. Serve your Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole alongside a fresh garden salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette and crusty garlic bread. For an extra festive touch, a glass of chilled white wine complements the cheesy goodness beautifully.
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! This casserole stores wonderfully.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the casserole before baking it. Just wrap tightly and store for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it straight from the freezer, increasing the cooking time slightly.
- Reheating: For leftovers, simply pop it in the microwave or reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use day-old rice: It holds its shape better and prevents the casserole from becoming mushy.
- Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking allows it to firm up a bit, making servings easier.
- Layer flavors: Consider sautéing onions or mushrooms to add depth to the dish.
FAQs
-
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! It freezes beautifully for enjoying later. -
What’s the best substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of mushroom soup or a basic white sauce as a healthier alternative. -
Can I use different vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to include corn, peas, or cauliflower for extra variety.
Conclusion
There you have it, my friends—a heartwarming dish in the form of Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Each bite is a reminder of home, comfort, and joyful gatherings around the dinner table. I invite you to share this recipe with your loved ones and create memories that will linger long after the last bite. Whether it’s a simple dinner or part of a festive gathering, this dish is bound to become a cherished favorite. Happy cooking!
Contents
Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken Shredded or cubed; great for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
- 2 cups broccoli florets Fresh or frozen, adding color and nutrition.
- 1 cup long-grain rice Can substitute with a different grain like quinoa.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup Base for the creamy texture.
- 1 cup sour cream Greek yogurt can be a lighter alternative.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese This is essential for a cheesy casserole.
- ½ cup milk Brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder Adds depth; fresh garlic can be used instead.
- to taste salt and pepper Essential for seasoning.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the rice according to package instructions.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cooked rice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and rice mixture and stir until well coated.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese generously.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.
📩 contact@dailypan.com • Pinterest