Easy Broccoli Chicken Casserole Recipe
Broccoli Chicken Casserole is a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to make. It is loaded with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce. This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or to serve during a gathering, and the leftovers are great for lunch the next day. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting and tasty meal!
- chicken
- broccoli
- cheddar cheese
- heavy cream
- stuffing mix (if you enjoy the crunch)
- salt
- pepper
- garlic powder
Start with cooking the chicken. Boil it in a pot of water for about 15 minutes until it's no longer pink inside. Shred the chicken. If you wanna skip that step you can always get a rotisserie chicken.
Mix the cream and spices together. Add the chicken, broccoli (It's easier to use frozen ones. If you're using fresh broccoli make sure to steam it a bit so it won't end up undercooked) and cheddar cheese. Mix everything together.
Preheat the oven to 350F/180C. While waiting for the oven to heat up move the mixture into a baking dish and top with the stuffing mix or some more cheese.
Bake for 25 minutes or until golden.
Serve hot and enjoy!
- Use fresh broccoli. Frozen broccoli will work, but it will not have the same flavor or texture.
- Cook the broccoli until it is just tender. Overcooked broccoli will be mushy.
- Use a good quality chicken. This is especially important if you are not using pre-cooked chicken.
- Season the chicken well. This will help to flavor the casserole.
- Use a creamy sauce. This will help to bind the ingredients together and make the casserole more flavorful.
- Don't overcook the casserole. This will make the broccoli mushy and the cheese dry.
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This will help the flavors to meld together.
- You can add other vegetables to the casserole, such as carrots, onions, or mushrooms.
- You can use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan.
- You can add a layer of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top of the casserole before baking.
- You can make the casserole ahead of time and bake it later.
- You can freeze the casserole and thaw it before baking.
- Use a roux to thicken the sauce. A roux is a mixture of flour and butter that is cooked until golden brown. It helps to thicken the sauce and give it a creamy texture.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce. This will add depth and complexity to the flavor.
- Use a little bit of nutmeg to the sauce. This will give the casserole a warm, nutty flavor.
- Garnish the casserole with grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will add a delicious flavor and texture to the top of the casserole.