Delicious Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe for the Whole Family

As a busy parent, finding meals that everyone loves can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share my favorite chicken broccoli casserole recipe. It’s a hit with everyone, thanks to its tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and creamy sauce. Your family will definitely want more.

Quick Guide to the Perfect Family Casserole

A delicious chicken casserole is always a hit with the family. Our chicken broccoli casserole recipe is easy to make. It offers tasty flavors and good nutrition in every bite. Let’s explore this perfect dish for families.

Preparation Time and Servings

This recipe is quick, taking just 45 minutes to prepare. It cooks for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It makes 10-12 servings, perfect for big families or leftovers.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• 13×9-inch baking dish
• Large pot
• Skillet

Recipe Overview

Our chicken broccoli casserole features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, fluffy rice, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s topped with a crispy cracker crust. This dish can be made ahead and frozen, great for busy nights.

This chicken broccoli casserole is a beloved family favorite in our home. The combination of flavors and textures is simply irresistible.”

Key Ingredients for Your Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe

Making the perfect creamy chicken casserole or cheesy chicken casserole begins with picking the right ingredients. You can use a rotisserie chicken casserole or cook the chicken yourself. This recipe combines flavors and textures that will make your family happy.

The main ingredients are:

• Cooked chicken (from leftover roast, rotisserie, or grilled breasts)
• Fresh or frozen broccoli florets
• Broccoli cheese soup for a creamy, cheesy base
• Chicken stuffing mix for a flavorful and crunchy topping
• Shredded cheddar cheese to amp up the cheesiness

These ingredients come together to make a comforting creamy chicken casserole that everyone will enjoy. Using a rotisserie chicken makes it quick and easy for a weeknight dinner.

To add more flavor, try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried mustard powder. For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with more broccoli and use a vegetarian soup. You can make this cheesy chicken casserole your own by adding your favorite spices or ingredients.

Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions

Making a tasty chicken broccoli bake recipe or chicken and broccoli casserole is easy. Follow these simple steps to make a comforting dish that everyone will love.

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli

First, heat your oven to 350°F. Cook the broccoli until it’s tender but still crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Then, brown the chicken and chop it into small pieces.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now, let’s make the creamy sauce. Melt butter in a pan and sauté onion and garlic until they smell good. Make a roux with flour, then add milk slowly, stirring constantly. Add shredded cheese and seasonings to taste.

Assembly and Baking Process

Grease an 11×7 inch baking dish. Layer cooked rice, chicken-broccoli mix, and creamy sauce. Sprinkle more cheese and crushed crackers on top.

Cover the dish and bake for 20 minutes. Then, remove the cover and bake for 10-15 minutes more. This will make the top golden and bubbly. Let it cool a bit before serving and enjoy!

Making the Perfect Creamy Cheese Sauce

Making a rich, velvety cheese sauce is crucial for your cheesy chicken casserole and creamy chicken casserole. Follow these steps for a smooth, flavorful sauce that will make your casserole stand out.

Begin by melting 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, sauté a finely chopped small yellow onion and 2 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.

Then, whisk in 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of dry mustard powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Keep whisking for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.

Pour in 1 cup of milk slowly, whisking constantly, until it thickens to a creamy consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Add 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Stir until all cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a sprinkle of paprika for color and flavor.

Your perfect creamy cheese sauce is now ready for your cheesy chicken casserole or creamy chicken casserole recipe. Make sure all cheese is fully melted for a luscious, velvety texture that will impress everyone.

Tips for Choosing and Preparing the Broccoli

Choosing the right broccoli is key for a great chicken broccoli bake or broccoli casserole. Fresh broccoli is usually the best choice for its texture and taste. But, frozen broccoli can be a good option if you’re in a hurry.

If you use frozen broccoli, make sure to thaw it first. Pat it dry before incorporating it into your dish.

Fresh vs. Frozen Broccoli Options

• Fresh broccoli has a crisp, tender texture that many prefer.
• Frozen broccoli is handy but might release more moisture while cooking.
• Using baby broccoli florets can make the dish more tender and evenly cooked.

Proper Cooking Techniques

When preparing broccoli, cut the florets into small pieces for even cooking. For fresh broccoli, blanch it in boiling water for about 2 minutes. This makes it crisp-tender before adding it to the casserole.

“The secret to a great chicken broccoli bake is in the careful selection and preparation of the broccoli. Fresh is best, but frozen can work too with the right techniques.”

Time-Saving Preparation Methods

Creating a tasty easy chicken casserole, rotisserie chicken casserole, or crockpot chicken casserole can be quick. Using shortcuts in the kitchen makes it easier to enjoy a homemade meal. Here are some easy ways to make your chicken broccoli casserole prep a breeze.

Using a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a smart move. It saves time and effort. Also, cooking rice ahead of time makes assembling the casserole quick and easy.

The “dump-and-bake” method is another great shortcut. It involves layering raw chicken and uncooked rice in the dish. This way, you don’t need to pre-cook anything, making it super simple.

For a completely hands-off experience, try a crockpot. Just add all the ingredients and let it cook. You can do other things while it cooks, making it perfect for busy days.

With these tips, making a chicken broccoli casserole is quick and easy. Use pre-cooked meats, prepped ingredients, and slow cooking to save time. This way, you can enjoy a homemade casserole any day of the week without spending hours cooking.

Storage and Reheating Guidelines

After making your tasty chicken broccoli casserole, it’s important to store and reheat it right. Here’s what you need to know:

Freezing Instructions

If you have leftovers or want to prep the chicken and broccoli bake early, freezing is easy. Just put the unbaked casserole in a freezer-safe container. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking.

Proper Reheating Techniques

• Refrigerator Leftovers: Keep leftover chicken broccoli casserole in a covered container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, cover it and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, adding broth or milk if it’s dry.
• Reheating Frozen Casserole: For a frozen chicken and broccoli bake, cover it and bake at 350°F for 45-60 minutes. Add broth or milk if it’s dry.

Freezing cooked rice-based casseroles can make the rice mushy when reheated. So, it’s best to avoid it.

“The secret to a perfectly reheated chicken broccoli casserole is to add a touch of liquid, whether it’s broth, milk, or even a bit of water. This helps keep the dish moist and prevents it from drying out.”

Customization Options and Variations

Make your chicken stuffing casserole campbells or healthy chicken casserole even better with various options. Try new ingredients and methods to please your family’s taste buds and dietary needs.

Change the cream of chicken soup to cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. This small change can bring a new taste to your dish. Try different cheeses like Colby or Monterey Jack for a fresh twist on the classic cheddar.

• Add fresh or frozen peas, corn, or mushrooms for more nutrition and texture.
• Choose whole grain brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option instead of white rice.
• Put a crunchy topping of stuffing mix or panko breadcrumbs for a great texture.
• Try adding aromatic herbs like thyme, rosemary, or basil to boost the flavor.

With these creative options, you can turn your chicken stuffing casserole campbells or healthy chicken casserole into a family favorite. It will be made just the way you like it.

“Trying different ingredients and techniques is the secret to discovering new and exciting flavors in your casserole dishes.”

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Caloric Content and Macronutrients

This tasty healthy chicken casserole is full of nutrients. Each serving has 434 calories. It’s made up of 45g carbohydrates, 27g protein, and 16g fat.

The chicken in it is a lean protein. It helps build and repair muscles.

Dietary Considerations

The chicken broccoli casserole recipe is rich in vitamins and minerals. It has 42mg of vitamin C, 331mg of calcium, and 1mg of iron per serving. It’s good for many diets.

The broccoli adds fiber. Using low-fat dairy keeps calories and saturated fats low. It’s perfect for a healthy diet.