Elevate your dining experience with the Best Broccoli Chicken Casserole, a harmonious blend of tender chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a flavorful medley of ingredients. Follow these steps to create a comforting and satisfying casserole that stands out as a true crowd-pleaser.
To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, fresh broccoli florets, a creamy sauce base (such as a combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream), sharp cheddar cheese, and a hint of aromatic spices to enhance the overall flavor profile. Begin by cooking the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked and juicy. Once cooked, dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, setting the stage for a hearty and protein-packed casserole.
Simultaneously, blanch the fresh broccoli florets to ensure they maintain their vibrant color and crisp texture. This step adds a burst of freshness to the casserole, complementing the savory chicken with a touch of green goodness.
In a bowl, combine the diced chicken, blanched broccoli, and the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring each ingredient is well-coated. This combination promises a luscious and flavorful base that will infuse the entire casserole with richness. Layer the chicken and broccoli mixture in a casserole dish, creating a visually appealing and well-balanced composition. Top the casserole with a generous amount of sharp cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt into a golden crust during the baking process.
Bake the casserole in the oven until the cheese is bubbling and golden, and the flavors have melded into a cohesive and mouthwatering blend. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will signal the delicious anticipation of what’s to come.
Equipment:
– 9×13 casserole dish
– 3-quart casserole dish
Ingredients:
– 4 chicken breasts, about 2 pounds (or 3 cups cooked chicken), cut into bite-size pieces
– 1 tablespoon olive oil (if using raw chicken breasts)
– One and a half – 2 pounds of broccoli, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
– 10 ½ ounces condensed cream of mushroom soup (1 can, or cream of chicken soup)
– ⅔ cup sour cream
– ½ cup milk
– ½ teaspoon each garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard powder, and pepper
– ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Breadcrumb Topping:
– 3 tablespoons Panko breadcrumbs or buttery crackers (like Ritz crackers)
– 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish (or a 3-quart casserole dish).
2. If using raw chicken breasts, in a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until cooked through, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
3. Meanwhile, place broccoli in a large pot of boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes or just until tender-crisp. Drain well and put in the bottom of the baking dish.
4. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup cheddar cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Stir in chicken and spread on top of broccoli in the baking or casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
5. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle over the cheese.
6. Bake for 20-22 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned and the mixture is bubbly and hot.
7. Serve over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, as desired.
In summary, this Broccoli Chicken Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that combines simplicity with decadence. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a solo indulgence, this casserole is bound to become a cherished favorite for its comforting and satisfying qualities.