Description
Comfort meets nutrition in this hearty Broccoli Chicken Casserole, blending tender chicken, crisp broccoli, and creamy cheese into a satisfying meal. Homemade goodness fills each forkful, inviting you to savor a classic dish that warms both body and soul.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein and Vegetables:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 cup cooked rice
Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
Seasonings and Topping:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 375°F, preparing a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
- Gently steam broccoli florets until they reach a crisp-tender texture, maintaining their vibrant green color and slight crunch.
- Whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings in a spacious mixing bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-integrated.
- Fold in the diced cooked chicken, steamed broccoli, and pre-cooked rice, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the creamy base.
- Carefully transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Generously shower the top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface for maximum cheesy goodness.
- For added texture, sprinkle a light layer of breadcrumbs over the cheese, creating a delightful golden-brown crust.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for the cheese to melt completely and develop a slightly bubbling, golden appearance.
- Once finished, remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes, helping the ingredients set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Choose fresh broccoli with vibrant green color and firm texture to ensure maximum nutritional value and crispness in the casserole.
- Opt for rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken to save time and add extra flavor depth to the dish.
- Consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier version without compromising taste.
- Customize the casserole by adding vegetables like diced bell peppers or mushrooms to increase nutritional variety and create a more colorful meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 288 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg