
Ultimate Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic
Craving a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor? Look no further than the creamy chicken and broccoli casserole. This classic recipe is a weeknight dinner winner, perfect for satisfying hungry families and even impressing guests. It’s easy to customize, relatively simple to prepare, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. This recipe takes the traditional casserole and elevates it with extra creamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a golden, bubbly topping. Let’s dive in!
Why This Recipe Works
This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole hits all the right notes:
* **Comforting:** The creamy sauce and tender chicken are incredibly soothing.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of chicken, broccoli, cheese, and seasonings creates a delicious and well-balanced flavor profile.
* **Easy to make:** With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings.
* **Freezable:** Make ahead and freeze for an even quicker weeknight meal.
* **Family-Friendly:** Even picky eaters will enjoy this cheesy and delicious casserole.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious casserole:
* **Chicken:** 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, or grilled chicken. Make sure it is well-seasoned.
* **Broccoli:** 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets. Fresh broccoli is best for flavor and texture, but frozen broccoli (thawed and drained well) can be used in a pinch. Using fresh broccoli enhances the overall taste and prevents the casserole from becoming too watery.
* **Cream of Chicken Soup:** 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup. This forms the base of the creamy sauce. For a healthier option, look for lower-sodium or organic varieties, or make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch (recipe below).
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/2 cup mayonnaise. Mayonnaise adds richness and tang to the sauce. Use your favorite brand; light mayonnaise can be substituted to reduce fat content.
* **Sour Cream:** 1/2 cup sour cream. Sour cream adds a pleasant tang and creaminess to the sauce. Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute for a slightly tangier and healthier option.
* **Cheddar Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided. Cheddar cheese adds a sharp and cheesy flavor. Use a good quality cheddar for the best flavor. You can also use a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese.
* **Onion:** 1/2 cup chopped onion. Onion adds savory flavor to the casserole. Yellow or white onion works well. Sauté the onion before adding it to the casserole for a milder flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is always best.
* **Butter:** 2 tablespoons butter, melted. Used to sauté the onion and garlic and for the topping (optional).
* **Bread Crumbs (Optional Topping):** 1/2 cup bread crumbs (panko or regular). Bread crumbs add a crispy topping. Panko bread crumbs create a lighter and crispier topping.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season the casserole to your liking.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Cooked rice or pasta (about 1-2 cups), mushrooms, peas, carrots, water chestnuts, celery, different cheeses (Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss). These additions can customize the casserole to your preferences.
Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup (Optional)
For a healthier and fresher option, you can easily make your own cream of chicken soup:
* **Ingredients:**
* 4 tablespoons butter
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 3 cups chicken broth
* 1/2 cup milk or cream
* 1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Pinch of dried thyme or rosemary (optional)
* **Instructions:**
1. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until smooth and bubbly.
3. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring no lumps form.
4. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
5. Stir in the milk or cream, cooked chicken, salt, pepper, and optional herbs.
6. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
7. Use in place of the canned cream of chicken soup in the casserole recipe.
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create your creamy chicken and broccoli casserole:
1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and makes for easy cleanup.
2. **Prepare Broccoli:** If using fresh broccoli, wash and cut it into bite-sized florets. Steam, boil, or microwave the broccoli until it’s tender-crisp (about 5-7 minutes). Avoid overcooking, as it will become mushy in the casserole. If using frozen broccoli, thaw it completely and drain well to remove excess moisture. Removing the excess moisture prevents the casserole from becoming watery.
3. **Sauté Onion and Garlic:** In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Cooking the onion and garlic enhances their flavor and mellows the sharpness of the garlic.
4. **Make the Creamy Sauce:** In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup), sautéed onion and garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This forms the base of your creamy casserole.
5. **Combine Ingredients:** Add the cooked chicken and broccoli florets to the creamy sauce. Gently stir to combine, ensuring that the chicken and broccoli are evenly coated in the sauce. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the broccoli.
6. **Pour into Baking Dish:** Pour the chicken and broccoli mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
7. **Add Cheese Topping:** Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese (3/4 cup) evenly over the top of the casserole. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.
8. **Add Bread Crumb Topping (Optional):** If using, mix the bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture evenly over the cheese. This adds a crispy texture to the topping.
9. **Bake:** Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The casserole is ready when it’s heated all the way through and the topping is golden brown.
10. **Rest:** Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes it easier to slice and serve.
## Tips for the Best Casserole
* **Don’t Overcook the Broccoli:** Overcooked broccoli will become mushy and detract from the texture of the casserole. Aim for tender-crisp broccoli.
* **Drain Frozen Broccoli Well:** If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw it completely and drain it well to remove excess moisture. This will prevent the casserole from becoming watery.
* **Use Good Quality Cheese:** Using a good quality cheddar cheese will enhance the flavor of the casserole. Sharp or extra-sharp cheddar cheese works well.
* **Season to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to season the casserole generously with salt and pepper. Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and broccoli and adjust the seasonings as needed.
* **Customize with Add-ins:** Feel free to add other vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to customize the casserole to your liking.
* **Make Ahead:** Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the cheese topping just before baking.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
## Variations and Substitutions
This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is a versatile recipe that can be easily adapted to your preferences:
* **Different Cheeses:** Substitute cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack, Gruyere, Swiss, or a blend of your favorite cheeses.
* **Different Vegetables:** Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, peas, carrots, water chestnuts, or celery.
* **Different Meats:** Substitute chicken with cooked turkey, ham, or even ground beef. Ground turkey or sausage could also make interesting and delicious variations.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little heat.
* **Healthier Options:** Use light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat bread crumbs for a healthier version of the casserole.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and gluten-free bread crumbs.
* **Add Rice or Pasta:** Incorporate cooked rice or pasta for a heartier and more filling casserole. About 1-2 cups of cooked rice or pasta works well.
* **Cream of Mushroom:** Substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
## Serving Suggestions
This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the casserole.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Steamed green beans, asparagus, or carrots are healthy and flavorful side dishes.
* **Garlic Bread:** Garlic bread is a classic accompaniment to casseroles.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and satisfying side dish.
* **Rolls or Biscuits:** Warm rolls or biscuits are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
## Storage and Reheating
* **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) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
## Recipe Card
**Creamy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole**
A classic comfort food dish featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked broccoli, and a creamy cheese sauce, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese.
**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 25 minutes
**Total Time:** 45 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8 servings
**Ingredients:**
* 2-3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
* 4-5 cups fresh broccoli florets, or frozen (thawed and drained)
* 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup sour cream
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
* 1/2 cup chopped onion
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons butter, melted
* 1/2 cup bread crumbs (optional)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
2. Steam, boil, or microwave broccoli until tender-crisp.
3. In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
4. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, sour cream, half of the cheddar cheese (3/4 cup), sautéed onion and garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Add cooked chicken and broccoli to the creamy sauce. Stir to combine.
6. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish.
7. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese (3/4 cup) over the top.
8. If using, mix bread crumbs with 1 tablespoon of melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted and bubbly.
10. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
**Notes:**
* For a healthier option, use light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
* Customize with other vegetables, cheeses, or seasonings to your liking.
* Assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
## Conclusion
This creamy chicken and broccoli casserole is a timeless classic that’s perfect for any occasion. With its comforting flavors, easy preparation, and customizable nature, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal!
Enjoy!