Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole: A Comfort Food Delight

Craving a comforting, satisfying meal that’s also packed with vegetables and protein? Look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole! This recipe is a family favorite for good reason: it’s incredibly delicious, relatively easy to make, and a fantastic way to sneak in extra veggies. Imagine tender chicken nestled amongst a medley of broccoli and cauliflower florets, all smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce and baked to golden perfection. What’s not to love?

This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you need a hearty and crowd-pleasing dish. It’s also easily customizable to suit your tastes and dietary needs. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to be a hit!

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Delicious and Comforting:** The creamy, cheesy sauce combined with the tender chicken and vegetables creates a truly satisfying and comforting meal.
* **Packed with Vegetables:** Broccoli and cauliflower are nutritional powerhouses, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt this recipe to your preferences by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
* **Great for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prepping or quick lunches.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the cheesy goodness of this casserole.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:

* **Chicken:** 1.5 – 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
* **Broccoli:** 1 large head of broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups).
* **Cauliflower:** 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 3 cups).
* **Butter:** 1/2 cup (1 stick), divided.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/4 cup.
* **Milk:** 3 cups (whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness).
* **Chicken Broth:** 1 cup.
* **Cream Cheese:** 4 ounces, softened.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups, shredded (sharp or mild, depending on your preference).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup, grated.
* **Garlic Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Onion Powder:** 1 teaspoon.
* **Salt:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Optional Toppings:** Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped fresh parsley.

## Equipment Needed

* Large pot or saucepan
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Cutting board
* Knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole:

**Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**

* If you’re not using pre-cooked chicken, you’ll need to cook it first. You can bake, boil, or grill the chicken breasts until they are cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).
* **Baking Method:** Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before baking.
* **Boiling Method:** Place chicken breasts in a pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. Season with salt and pepper while boiling.
* **Grilling Method:** Grill chicken breasts over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices before grilling.
* Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool slightly, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

**Step 2: Cook the Vegetables**

* There are several ways to cook the broccoli and cauliflower. Steaming or blanching are the preferred methods to retain nutrients and prevent them from becoming mushy.
* **Steaming Method:** Fill a pot with about an inch of water and bring to a boil. Place a steamer basket in the pot, ensuring the water doesn’t touch the bottom of the basket. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets to the steamer basket. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove from heat and set aside.
* **Blanching Method:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cauliflower florets and cook for 2-3 minutes. Immediately drain the vegetables and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain again and set aside. Blanching helps to keep the vegetables vibrant green.
* **Roasting Method (Optional):** Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the broccoli and cauliflower florets with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until tender-crisp and slightly browned. Roasting will give the vegetables a slightly different flavor profile. Note: reduce roasting time to prevent overcooking after the casserole is assembled.

**Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce**

* In a large saucepan, melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce.
* Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Continue whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
* Add the softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This may take a few minutes, so be patient and keep stirring to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
* Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

**Step 4: Assemble the Casserole**

* Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
* Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This will prevent the casserole from sticking to the dish.
* In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower florets. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir gently to coat everything evenly. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
* Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out in an even layer.

**Step 5: Add Toppings (Optional)**

* If desired, sprinkle the top of the casserole with breadcrumbs for added texture. You can use plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers.
* Drizzle the remaining 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of melted butter over the breadcrumbs. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
* For a pop of color, sprinkle with a pinch of paprika or chopped fresh parsley.

**Step 6: Bake the Casserole**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown. The cheese should be melted and slightly browned.
* If the top of the casserole starts to brown too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

**Step 7: Let it Rest and Serve**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and prevent it from being too runny.
* Serve hot and enjoy! This casserole pairs well with a simple side salad, crusty bread, or mashed potatoes.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Different Vegetables:** Feel free to substitute other vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to cook them until tender-crisp before adding them to the casserole.
* **Add More Protein:** You can add other types of protein, such as ham, bacon, or sausage. Cook the protein before adding it to the casserole.
* **Change the Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Swiss, or Monterey Jack. For a sharper flavor, use a blend of cheddar and pepper jack cheese.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** To make this casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free flour to make the cheese sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Add a Crunch:** For extra crunch, add some toasted almonds or walnuts to the topping.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicier kick.
* **Use a Rotisserie Chicken:** To save time, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken breasts. Simply shred or dice the chicken and add it to the casserole.
* **Make it Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

## Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole is a complete meal in itself, but here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience:

* **Side Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with a warm loaf of crusty bread for soaking up the delicious cheese sauce.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic pairing with casseroles. Season them with garlic, herbs, or cheese for extra flavor.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Add another side of roasted vegetables, such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes, for a more balanced meal.
* **Soup:** A bowl of creamy tomato soup or chicken noodle soup complements the casserole nicely.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to the casserole before reheating to prevent it from drying out.
* **Freezing:** This casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Let the casserole cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. To thaw, transfer the casserole to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat as directed above.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 35-45 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 20-30 grams
* Fiber: 5-7 grams

## Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Cauliflower Casserole Recipe Card

**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 25 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1.5-2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded or diced
* 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets (about 4 cups)
* 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets (about 3 cups)
* 1/2 cup butter, divided
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups milk
* 1 cup chicken broth
* 4 oz cream cheese, softened
* 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tsp garlic powder
* 1 tsp onion powder
* 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
* 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
* Optional: Breadcrumbs, paprika, chopped parsley

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Cook chicken by baking, boiling, or grilling until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Shred or dice chicken.
3. Steam or blanch broccoli and cauliflower florets until tender-crisp.
4. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
6. Stir in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
7. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
8. In a large bowl, combine chicken, broccoli, and cauliflower. Pour cheese sauce over mixture and stir to coat.
9. Pour mixture into baking dish.
10. Optional: Sprinkle with breadcrumbs and drizzle with remaining 1/4 cup melted butter.
11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
12. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

**Enjoy this cheesy, comforting casserole!**