Description
Hearty broccoli chicken casserole delivers comfort on a plate with creamy textures and robust flavors. Family dinners become memorable when you gather around this nourishing, classic American dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
Vegetables:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets
Dairy and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure smooth food release.
- Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Gently fold the pre-cooked chicken and tender broccoli florets into the sauce, ensuring each morsel is thoroughly coated with the rich, seasoned mixture.
- Carefully spread the combined ingredients into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the surface for even cooking and consistent flavor distribution.
- For added crunch and texture, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then generously sprinkle the buttery crumb mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown topping that signals perfect doneness.
- Allow the casserole to rest and slightly cool for 3-5 minutes, which helps the ingredients set and makes serving easier, then plate and savor the comforting, cheesy creation.
Notes
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce calories and boost protein, creating a lighter yet equally creamy casserole.
- Use gluten-free crackers or almond flour topping for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the delightful crunchy texture.
- Roast broccoli beforehand to intensify its flavor and prevent watery consistency in the final dish.
- Prepare components ahead of time and assemble just before baking to streamline weeknight meal preparation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg