Looking for a hearty and healthy dish to add to your dinner rotation? The Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole is a perfect choice. This recipe combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and creamy cheese into a delicious casserole that’s sure to satisfy both home cooks and health enthusiasts.
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 4 cups of broccoli florets
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of chicken broth
- 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of butter
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
Preparation
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Start by cooking your chicken breasts if they aren’t already cooked. You can bake, boil, or grill them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Prepare the Broccoli:
- Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly.
- Steam or blanch the broccoli until it’s just tender but still bright green.
- Prepare the Cheese:
- Shred the cheddar and mozzarella cheese and set it aside.
Assembling the Casserole
Layering Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Create the Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Layer the Ingredients:
- In a large casserole dish, layer the shredded chicken evenly at the bottom.
- Next, add the broccoli florets on top of the chicken.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Cooking
Detailed Cooking Process
- Bake:
- Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges are slightly browned.
- Cool:
- Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
Serving
Suggestions
- Serve hot, straight from the casserole dish.
- Complement this dish with a side of mixed green salad or a slice of whole-grain bread.
- Consider a glass of white wine or sparkling water as a refreshing beverage pairing.
Health Tips
Making it Healthier
- Lean Protein:
- Use skinless chicken breast to keep the protein lean.
- Low-fat Dairy:
- Opt for low-fat cheese and skim milk to reduce the overall fat content.
- Whole-Grain Flour:
- Substitute all-purpose flour with whole-grain flour for added fiber.
- Vegetable Variations:
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to increase the nutritional value.
Conclusion
There you have it – a delicious and nutritious Broccoli Cheese Chicken Casserole! We hope you enjoy preparing and eating this dish as much as we do. Give it a try and don’t forget to share your experience with us. Happy cooking!
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