ππ₯¦ Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food! π₯¦π
Thank you for reading this post, don’t forget to subscribe!Craving a cozy, comforting meal thatβs both delicious and easy to make? This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is here to save the day! Creamy, cheesy, and packed with protein and veggies, itβs a crowd-pleaser thatβs perfect for family dinners or meal prep. Letβs get cooking! π©βπ³π¨βπ³
Why Youβll Love This Recipe β€οΈ
- Comfort in every bite: Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.
- Easy to make: Just mix, bake, and enjoy!
- Nutritious & filling: Packed with lean chicken and fresh broccoli.
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will love it.
Ingredients Youβll Need π
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great!) π
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets π₯¦
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese π§
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese π§
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom for a twist) π₯«
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk for a lighter option) π₯
- 1 tsp garlic powder π§
- 1 tsp onion powder π§
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional for a smoky flavor) πΆοΈ
- Salt and pepper to taste π§
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping π
Step-by-Step Instructions π
- Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Cook the Broccoli
Steam or boil the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Drain and set aside. - Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. - Combine Chicken & Broccoli
Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until well-coated. - Layer & Cheese It Up
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top. - Add the Crunchy Topping
Spread the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese layer for a delicious, crispy finish. - Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. - Serve & Enjoy
Let it cool for 5 minutes, then dig in! π½οΈ
Tips for Success π
- Use rotisserie chicken: Itβs a time-saver and adds great flavor.
- Make it healthier: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt and use low-fat cheese.
- Add extra veggies: Toss in some cauliflower, carrots, or peas.
- Customize the topping: Try crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or even French fried onions for extra crunch.
Nutritional Benefits π±
- Chicken: High in protein to keep you full and energized.
- Broccoli: Packed with vitamins C and K, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Cheese: Adds calcium and a delicious creamy texture.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips π
- Prep ahead: Assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate. Bake when ready!
- Freeze it: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Final Thoughts β¨
This Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is the ultimate comfort food thatβs both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. Whether youβre feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this dish is a winner. π
Give it a try and let us know how it turns out in the comments below. Donβt forget to share your photos on social media and tag us! πΈβ¨
Happy cooking! π³β€οΈ
Recipe inspired by love for cozy, cheesy, and wholesome meals.