Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for Family Dinners

Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the dinner table. As a family favorite, this casserole combines tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that everyone loves. The origins of this dish can be traced back to the mid-20th century, when casseroles became a staple in American households, celebrated for their convenience and ability to feed a crowd.

What I adore about Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole is not just its rich, cheesy goodness, but also how it effortlessly combines nutritious ingredients into one hearty meal. The tender chicken provides a satisfying protein base, while the broccoli adds a pop of color and essential vitamins. Plus, the creamy cheese sauce envelops everything in a comforting embrace, making it a dish that warms both the heart and the stomach. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or a cozy weeknight dinner, this casserole is sure to become a beloved addition to your recipe repertoire.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets (or frozen, thawed)
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (for breadcrumbs)

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli

1. **Cook the Chicken**: If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can either boil, bake, or sauté it until fully cooked. I usually prefer to bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes, seasoned with salt and pepper. Once cooked, let it cool slightly before shredding or dicing it into bite-sized pieces. 2. **Prepare the Broccoli**: If you’re using fresh broccoli, wash it thoroughly and cut it into small florets. Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the broccoli for about 2-3 minutes until it turns bright green and is slightly tender. Drain and immediately plunge it into ice water to stop the cooking process. If you’re using frozen broccoli, simply thaw it and drain any excess water.

Making the Casserole Mixture

3. **Combine Ingredients**: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked rice. This is where the magic begins! 4. **Add Creamy Components**: To the chicken and broccoli mixture, add the cream of chicken soup and sour cream. These ingredients will give the casserole its creamy texture. Stir well until everything is evenly coated. 5. **Season the Mixture**: Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I usually start with about 1/2 teaspoon of salt and adjust to taste later. Mix everything together until well combined. 6. **Cheese It Up**: Fold in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. I love using a mix of cheeses for added flavor and creaminess. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Assembling the Casserole

7. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will cook evenly. 8. **Prepare the Baking Dish**: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with a little olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. 9. **Transfer the Mixture**: Pour the chicken, broccoli, and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly with a spatula to ensure even cooking. 10. **Prepare the Topping**: If you like a crunchy topping, mix the breadcrumbs with olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl until they are well coated. This will give your casserole a delightful crunch on top. 11. **Add the Topping**: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole. This step is optional, but I highly recommend it for that extra texture!

Cooking the Casserole

12. **Bake**: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30-35 minutes. You want the casserole to be bubbly and the top to be golden brown. If you notice the breadcrumbs browning too quickly, you can cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking. 13. **Check for Doneness**: After 30 minutes, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and check if it’s heated through. You can do this by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out hot to the touch.

Serving the Casserole

14. **Let it Rest**: Once out of the oven, let the casserole sit for about 5-10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to serve. 15. **Serve**: Scoop out generous portions onto plates. I love to serve this casserole with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy goodness. 16. **Store Leftovers**: If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), let the casserole cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3

Conclusion:

In summary, this Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole is an absolute must-try for anyone looking to whip up a comforting and delicious meal that the whole family will love. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and creamy cheese creates a dish that is not only satisfying but also packed with flavor. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies for those picky eaters! For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing this casserole with a light side salad or some crusty bread to soak up all that cheesy goodness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite ingredients—think sautéed mushrooms, crispy bacon, or even a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a little kick. The possibilities are endless! I truly encourage you to give this Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole a try. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience. Did you add any special twists? How did your family enjoy it? Share your thoughts and variations in the comments below, and let’s inspire each other to create even more delicious meals together! Happy cooking! Print