Easy Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole for Busy Weeknights

Look no further if you're looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that satisfies everyone's taste buds. This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is perfect for home cooks, health enthusiasts, and busy parents. Packed with protein, vegetables, and a lot of cheesy goodness, it's a meal that will quickly become a family favorite.

Ingredients List

Here's what you'll need:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (low-sodium variety)
• 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Substitutions

• For a dairy-free version, use vegan cheese and a dairy-free sour cream substitute.
• Swap chicken for turkey or a plant-based protein to suit dietary preferences.

Preparing the Chicken and Broccoli

1. Cook the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and no longer pink inside (about 7-10 minutes per side). Once cooled, shred or dice the chicken.
2. Steam the Broccoli: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and steam for about 5 minutes until they are tender but not mushy. Drain and set aside.

Making the Cheesy Sauce

1. Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix well until smooth.
2. Season to Taste: Add a pinch of salt and pepper to the sauce mixture.

Healthier Alternative

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and fewer calories.
• Opt for a low-sodium or homemade cream of chicken soup to control salt intake.

Assembling the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Layer the Ingredients:

• • Base Layer: Spread the steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom of a greased 9x13-inch casserole dish.
  • Chicken Layer: Evenly distribute the shredded chicken on top of the broccoli.
  • Sauce Layer: Pour the cheesy sauce over the chicken and broccoli, ensuring everything is well-coated.
  3. Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
  4. Optional Topping: If you’re using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer for a crispy topping.

  Baking and Serving

  1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
  2. Garnish and Serve:
  • Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added flavor and color.
  • Serve alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

  Conclusion and Tips

  Enjoy your hearty Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole! Here are a few additional tips to enhance your cooking experience:

  • Meal Prep: This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just bake it when ready to serve.
  • Freezing: You can also freeze the assembled casserole (before baking) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed.
  • Variations: Experiment with different vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, or bell peppers for a colorful twist on this classic dish.

  Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with us! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to reach out. Enjoy!