Easy cheddar chicken and broccoli casserole recipe

As a busy parent, finding quick and tasty meals for the family can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share this Cheddar Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe. It’s easy to make and loved by many, with over 22 million views and lots of 5-star reviews.

This casserole is simple to make with just 8 pantry ingredients. It’s a meal that’s full of flavor and will have everyone wanting more. The creamy cheddar cheese, tender chicken, and fresh broccoli make every bite a joy.

Why This Cheesy Chicken Casserole Is Perfect for Busy Weeknights

This creamy chicken casserole is a hit with families. It’s easy to make and tastes great. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights.

Time-Saving Benefits

Preparing this easy chicken casserole takes just 10 minutes. It’s quick to mix and bake. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.

One-Pan Convenience

Cleaning up is easy with this dish. It’s all made in one pan. This means less mess and more time to enjoy your meal.

Family-Friendly Meal

The chicken broccoli cheddar bake is loved by all. Its creamy sauce and tender chicken make it a favorite. It’s a meal that brings everyone together.

“This casserole is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s so easy to make, and the whole family loves it!”

Simple Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this tasty chicken broccoli cheese casserole, you only need a few ingredients. Knorr Cheddar Broccoli Rice Sides is the main ingredient. It combines cheesy flavor with tender broccoli perfectly. Chicken broth, cream of chicken soup, and water make up the base.

You’ll also need frozen chopped broccoli, shredded cheddar cheese, and chicken. Don’t forget to add salt, pepper, and garlic powder for extra flavor. Some recipes suggest adding a diced yellow onion and minced garlic for more taste.

With these easy ingredients, you can make a delicious broccoli chicken bake for a quick weeknight dinner. Let’s begin!

Kitchen Equipment Required for This Recipe

To make the tasty broccoli cheddar chicken casserole or chicken broccoli noodle casserole, you’ll need a few basic tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools

• 13″x9″ baking dish – This size is perfect for the casserole recipe.
• Cheese grater – You’ll need to shred the cheddar cheese for the casserole.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precise measurements are key for the right ingredient ratios.

Optional Equipment

While not strictly necessary, having a few additional items can make preparation even easier:

• Large skillet with high edges (12-inch) – Useful for one-pan variations of the recipe.
• Aluminum foil – To cover the baking dish during cooking, keeping the casserole moist.

Baking Dish Specifications

The recipe is designed for a standard 13″x9″ baking dish. This size and depth are perfect for all the ingredients. It allows the broccoli cheddar chicken casserole or chicken broccoli noodle casserole to bake evenly. It also helps develop a perfectly golden, cheesy top.

With these essential tools and bakeware, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delicious and comforting broccoli cheddar chicken casserole or chicken broccoli noodle casserole right at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Cheddar Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

Making the tasty broccoli chicken and cheese pasta or broccoli chicken noodle casserole is easy. It results in a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. Here’s how to make this classic dish:

1. First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Next, in a large nonstick skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of Country Crock® Spread over medium heat. Cook the broccoli florets and diced red bell peppers until they’re crisp-tender, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a big mixing bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of 2% milk and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour. This makes a smooth sauce. Add the cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, 2 cups of low-fat cheddar cheese, and 1 tablespoon of onion powder. Gently mix everything together.
4. In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of Country Crock® Spread, 1/4 cup of panko bread crumbs, and 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
5. Finally, bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.

By following these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious broccoli chicken and cheese pasta or broccoli chicken noodle casserole ready to enjoy.

Tips for Perfect Rice and Chicken Texture

Getting the right texture for your broccoli cheddar chicken pasta or easy chicken casserole is key. Here are some tips to make sure your rice and chicken are always just right.

Rice Cooking Guidelines

For the fluffiest rice, cook it fresh, not from a package. Follow the package’s cooking instructions. Use 2 1/2 cups of chicken broth for the best flavor. Don’t overcook, as it can make the rice mushy.

Chicken Preparation Methods

• Cut the chicken into small pieces, no thicker than 1/2 inch. This helps it cook evenly.
• Try searing the chicken for 1-2 minutes on each side before adding it to the casserole. It keeps the chicken moist and adds a tasty crust.
• For a quicker option, use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken. Just adjust the cooking time and liquid.

Moisture Control Tips

To keep the casserole moist, cover it tightly with foil or a lid while baking. This keeps the steam in, making the rice and chicken tender. Also, watch the amount of chicken broth you use. Too little makes it dry, too much makes it soggy.

By using these tips, you’ll make a broccoli cheddar chicken pasta or easy chicken casserole with perfectly cooked rice and juicy chicken every time.

Variations and Substitutions

Make your chicken broccoli cheese casserole even better by trying new ingredients. Instead of canned cream of chicken soup, make your own with a roux. This gives a fresher taste. You can also swap Knorr Rice Sides for white or brown rice, tweaking the seasonings as you like.

For a change, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen. You can also switch to chicken breasts or tenderloins, adjusting cooking times. Try adding spinach, asparagus, or cauliflower to your broccoli chicken bake for more variety.

These easy swaps and additions let you tailor the chicken broccoli cheese casserole to your family’s taste. It keeps the dish delicious and easy to make, all in one pan.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

The cheesy chicken bake and broccoli casserole is great for busy weeknights. You can prepare it in advance and refrigerate it until it’s time to bake. Once it cools, put it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Guidelines

For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole for 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then put it in a freezer-safe container or wrap it in foil or plastic wrap. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Reheating Methods

Reheating the cheesy chicken bake is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 20-30 minutes. It should be hot and the internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). You can also microwave it for about 1 minute for quicker reheating.

Storage Duration

• Refrigerator: 3-4 days
• Freezer: 2-3 months

Follow these simple steps to enjoy the cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole anytime. It’s perfect for even the busiest weeknights.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This chicken casserole is not just tasty, but also packed with nutrients. A single serving, which is 1/6 of the recipe, has 574 calories. It also has 46g of protein and 36g of fat, with 17g of saturated fat. The casserole has 16g of carbs, 3g of fiber, and 2g of sugar.

This cheddar chicken and broccoli casserole is a good source of important vitamins and minerals. Each serving has 139mg of cholesterol and 799mg of sodium. It also has calcium, iron, and potassium.

The usual serving size is between 1/4 to 1/6 of the recipe. This depends on how much you like to eat.

Serving Suggestions and Side Dishes

The chicken broccoli cheddar bake is a hearty main course. It’s even better with the right side dishes. Choose fresh, flavorful accompaniments that match the casserole’s flavors and textures.

Pair the broccoli chicken and cheese pasta with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli. The cool, crunchy veggies contrast nicely with the creamy casserole. You could also try roasted veggies like carrots, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus for extra nutrition.

Bread is a great match for this casserole. Try garlic bread, flaky biscuits, or dinner rolls. The carbs soak up the sauce, making the meal more satisfying.

• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Herbed Dinner Rolls
• Sautéed Bell Pepper Salad
• Sautéed Mushrooms
• Grilled Cream Corn
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes
• Fruit Salad

There are endless side dish options for the chicken broccoli cheddar bake or broccoli chicken and cheese pasta. The goal is to find sides that enhance the meal’s flavors and textures, making it balanced and satisfying.

Conclusion

The easy cheddar chicken and broccoli casserole is a delightful dish for your home. It’s simple to make and perfect for busy nights. This cheesy casserole is great for when you need a comforting meal.

It’s easy to make and can be customized to your liking. You can also make it ahead of time. This makes it a go-to dish for any home cook.

This casserole is perfect for saving time and pleasing your family.It features tender chicken, broccoli, and a rich, creamy sauce. Your family will love it and ask for more.

Try this easy recipe and enjoy a hassle-free meal that brings everyone together. It’s a convenient and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night.