Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of a Broccoli Chicken Casserole, a dish that combines the wholesome goodness of chicken, vibrant broccoli, and a velvety, seasoned sauce. This comforting delight, crowned with a golden breadcrumb topping, is a symphony of flavors and textures that will elevate your dinner table. Let’s embark on the journey of creating this satisfying casserole that promises to be a favorite among both family dinners and potluck gatherings.
Ingredients:
Gather the following ingredients to bring this comforting casserole to life:
- 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)
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds 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:
- Preparation:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13 baking dish (or a 3-quart casserole dish) for the casserole’s cozy home.
- Chicken and Broccoli:
- If using raw chicken breasts, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken pieces until thoroughly cooked, about 10 minutes. Set aside.
- In a separate pot of boiling water, cook the broccoli for 2-3 minutes or until tender-crisp. Drain well and place it in the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Cheesy Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of cheddar cheese, condensed cream of mushroom soup (or cream of chicken soup), sour cream, milk, and the array of seasonings. Stir in the cooked chicken, creating a luscious mixture that will blanket the broccoli in flavor. Spread this mixture over the broccoli in the baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Breadcrumb Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix together Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed buttery crackers) and melted butter. Sprinkle this golden mixture over the cheese, creating a tantalizing crust that will add a delightful crunch to each bite.
- Baking Perfection:
- Bake the casserole for 20-22 minutes or until the breadcrumbs are lightly browned, and the entire mixture is bubbly and hot.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Serve this delightful Broccoli Chicken Casserole over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes, allowing the flavors to mingle and create a satisfying meal.
Conclusion:
The Broccoli Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a gesture of warmth and flavor that brings people together. With its easy preparation and heavenly combination of ingredients, this dish is destined to become a regular star at your dining table. So, dive into the heartiness of this comforting casserole and relish the joy it brings to your taste buds. Enjoy every spoonful!