Description
Hearty broccoli chicken casserole embodies comfort from first bite to last. Classic midwestern dish combines creamy textures with wholesome ingredients, delivering satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Vegetables:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets (steamed)
Dairy and Sauce Components:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
Starch and Base:
- 1 cup cooked rice or pasta
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375F (190C) and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Fold in the tender, chopped chicken, crisp broccoli florets, and fluffy rice, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface with a spatula for an even layer.
- Generously blanket the casserole with a layer of sharp cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl, then sprinkle the golden, buttery mixture over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and a golden-brown crust.
- Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish set before serving.
Notes
- Opt for Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat and add extra protein for a healthier twist.
- Make the dish gluten-free by substituting regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers.
- Boost vegetable content by adding extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or spinach for increased nutrition and flavor variety.
- Prep ingredients in advance and assemble the casserole quickly for a convenient weeknight meal that saves time and reduces stress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 376 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 17 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg