Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to preheat.
- Make the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour until fully combined and smooth.
- Add the Milk: Slowly pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Add Cheese & Seasoning: Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese and season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Layer the Casserole: In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the shredded chicken and steamed broccoli evenly across the bottom. Pour the cheese sauce over the top, spreading it evenly to cover the chicken and broccoli.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe? Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option and saves time on cooking the chicken.
- Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh? Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just be sure to steam it thoroughly and drain any excess water before using.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes! You can substitute the cheddar with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- Can I use a dairy-free option for the cheese and milk? Yes, you can use dairy-free cheese and almond milk or coconut milk to make this casserole dairy-free.
- How do I make this casserole spicier? Add some red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for extra heat.
- Can I add other vegetables? Absolutely! You can add vegetables like cauliflower, peas, or carrots for more flavor and texture.
- Can I use chicken breast or thighs? Both chicken breasts and thighs work well in this recipe. Just be sure to cook and shred them before adding to the casserole.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken? Yes, using pre-cooked chicken, like leftovers or rotisserie chicken, will save time in the preparation process.
- Is this casserole gluten-free? If you use gluten-free flour or a cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce, this recipe can be made gluten-free.
- How can I make this casserole creamier? You can add a bit more milk or use heavy cream instead of regular milk for a richer, creamier texture.
- Can I use a different type of flour? You can substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary slightly.
- How can I make this casserole healthier? Use low-fat milk, reduced-fat cheese, and lean chicken breast to reduce the calorie count without sacrificing flavor.
- What size baking dish should I use? A 9×13-inch baking dish works best for this recipe, but if you’re making a smaller batch, a 8×8-inch dish will also work.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Just be sure to cool it completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- How do I reheat frozen casserole? To reheat from frozen, bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until bubbly and hot throughout.
- Can I make this recipe without the cheese sauce? While the cheese sauce is essential for the creamy texture, you could substitute with a store-bought or homemade creamy soup (like cream of chicken or mushroom).
- How can I thicken the cheese sauce more? If the sauce is too runny, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a little cold milk and whisk it into the sauce while it’s simmering.
- What should I serve with this casserole? This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or a side of rice or quinoa.
- Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, and use a larger baking dish.
20 Best Tips to Make Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole:
- Shred the chicken finely for a more even distribution of chicken throughout the casserole.
- Steam the broccoli until just tender, but still firm to avoid it becoming mushy when baking.
- Use a mix of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex flavor.
- Season the sauce well with salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.
- Add garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce for additional depth of flavor.
- Use full-fat cheese for the creamiest and richest texture.
- Toast the top layer of cheese by broiling the casserole for a minute or two after baking to get a golden-brown finish.
- Cook the chicken ahead of time to save preparation time.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for added freshness and flavor.
- Use whole milk or heavy cream to create a smoother, richer cheese sauce.
- Top with breadcrumbs for extra crunch, if desired.
- Try adding a squeeze of lemon juice to the broccoli for a burst of freshness.
- Be careful not to overcook the broccoli, as it can become too soft and lose texture during baking.
- Layer the chicken and broccoli evenly in the baking dish for a more uniform casserole.
- Sprinkle cheese evenly to ensure each bite has plenty of cheesy goodness.
- Mix the sauce thoroughly with the chicken and broccoli to ensure every piece is coated.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set and make serving easier.
- If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to prevent excess water from affecting the casserole.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce to complement the cheese.
- Use a deep, sturdy baking dish to ensure everything cooks evenly and the cheese doesn’t spill over.
Storage and Heating Tips:
- Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze the casserole before or after baking for up to 3 months. Make sure it’s cooled completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or bake in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covered with foil.
- Preventing Sogginess: If storing leftovers, separate the broccoli and chicken from the cheese sauce before refrigerating, and reassemble before reheating.
- Reheat from frozen: To reheat a frozen casserole, bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, covered with foil, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes.
Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli and Chicken Casserole, whether fresh or as leftovers!
