Ultimate Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole: A Country Crock Delight

This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, thanks to the richness of Country Crock. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or any occasion where you need a crowd-pleasing dish. It’s easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, you’ll find this recipe straightforward and satisfying.

## Why You’ll Love This Casserole

* **Comforting and Delicious:** The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy broccoli is simply irresistible.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps, you can have this casserole ready to bake in no time.
* **Versatile:** Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or swap out the chicken for turkey or ham.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will love the cheesy, flavorful goodness of this casserole.
* **Perfect for Leftovers:** This casserole tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prepping.
* **Uses pantry staples:** Most of these ingredients, especially if you cook regularly, are probably already in your kitchen.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
* **Broccoli:** 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, steamed or blanched
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* **Country Crock:** 1/2 cup Country Crock spread, melted
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Flour:** 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* **Milk:** 2 cups milk
* **Chicken Broth:** 1/2 cup chicken broth
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, crispy fried onions

## Equipment

* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large skillet or saucepan
* Steamer or pot for blanching broccoli
* Mixing bowls
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to create the perfect Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole:

### 1. Prepare the Broccoli

* **Wash and Cut:** Wash the broccoli florets thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized pieces. If using frozen broccoli, make sure it’s thawed.
* **Steam or Blanch:** Steam the broccoli florets for about 5-7 minutes, until they are tender-crisp. Alternatively, blanch them by dropping them into boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then immediately transferring them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This helps retain their vibrant green color and crisp texture. Drain the broccoli well.

### 2. Sauté the Aromatics

* **Melt Country Crock:** In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the 1/2 cup of Country Crock spread over medium heat. Country Crock adds a richness and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
* **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** Add the chopped onion to the melted Country Crock and sauté for about 3-5 minutes, until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.

### 3. Make the Cream Sauce

* **Whisk in Flour:** Sprinkle the 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour over the sautéed onion and garlic. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This will help thicken the sauce. Make sure there are no lumps.
* **Gradually Add Milk and Broth:** Slowly pour in the 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Then, add the 1/2 cup of chicken broth and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth.
* **Simmer and Thicken:** Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it has thickened to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

### 4. Add Flavor

* **Stir in Dijon Mustard:** Stir in the 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang that enhances the flavor of the sauce. Dijon mustard adds a depth and complexity that elevates the overall taste of the casserole.
* **Season with Salt and Pepper:** Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.

### 5. Combine Ingredients

* **Add Chicken and Broccoli:** Add the 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken and the 2 cups of steamed or blanched broccoli to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce.
* **Add Cheese:** Add 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined. Reserve the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese for topping the casserole.

### 6. Assemble the Casserole

* **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
* **Top with Cheese:** Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a golden-brown, cheesy crust.
* **Add Optional Toppings (Optional):** If desired, you can add optional toppings such as breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor. A sprinkle of paprika can also add a nice color.

### 7. Bake the Casserole

* **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* **Bake:** Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. The casserole should be heated through and the sauce should be bubbling around the edges.
* **Let Rest:** Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny.

## Tips and Variations

* **Use Rotisserie Chicken:** For a quick and easy shortcut, use rotisserie chicken. Simply shred the chicken and add it to the casserole.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables such as carrots, mushrooms, or peas to the casserole. These additions can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the dish.
* **Swap the Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese such as Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or Parmesan. Each cheese will add a unique flavor to the casserole.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour to make the cream sauce. You can also use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Add a Crunchy Topping:** Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole before baking for a crunchy topping. Crushed crackers or crispy fried onions also work well.
* **Use Different Proteins:** Substitute the chicken with diced ham, cooked turkey, or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. Tofu can be used for a vegetarian option.
* **Make it Ahead:** Prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Add Sour Cream or Cream Cheese:** Stir in a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce for extra creaminess and tang.
* **Use different Country Crock varieties:** Experiment with different Country Crock varieties, such as Country Crock with Olive Oil, for a slightly different flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole as a main course with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
* Pair it with a crusty bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
* Serve it as part of a potluck or buffet.
* It’s also great as a comforting weeknight dinner.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

* Calories: 400-500 per serving (depending on ingredients and portion size)
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 20-30g
* Carbohydrates: 20-30g

## Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerator:** Store leftover Cheddar Broccoli Chicken 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) until heated through, or microwave individual portions.
* **Freezer:** While it’s best fresh, you *can* freeze baked or unbaked casserole. Cool baked casserole completely before wrapping tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Unbaked casseroles should be prepared up to the baking step and then frozen similarly. Baking from frozen will require extra time, and covering with foil during the first half of baking will prevent over-browning.

## Country Crock and this recipe

Country Crock is more than just a butter substitute. It’s a kitchen staple that can elevate your cooking. Its creamy texture and rich flavor make it a perfect ingredient for sauces, baking, and of course, casseroles! In this Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole, Country Crock adds a luxuriousness that butter alone can’t match. Using Country Crock ensures that the sauce is incredibly smooth and flavorful. The fat content is key to richness and mouthfeel. Because it softens so well, it also makes a roux with ease, integrating with flour perfectly.

## Conclusion

This Cheddar Broccoli Chicken Casserole with Country Crock is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy broccoli, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and enjoy a warm and satisfying meal! This recipe is a delightful way to bring people together over a shared love of good food.

Enjoy your cooking!