If you are thinking of making a great comfort casserole, then you can make Creamy Cheesy Chicken And Broccoli Bake at home in a very easy way. In this, you will get all the step by step information and believe me, you will be able to make a better chicken broccoli just like the restaurant or even better.
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Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake : Comfort Casserole
When you are also thinking of having a better and family-friendly dinner with your family, then there is very few recipe that can beat the warm cheesy taste of Chicken and Broccoli Casserole. Because,
It is a wonderful combination of very moist chicken along with fresh broccoli and creamy cheese sauce baked to golden brown color.
It is budget friendly and also works as a great make ahead meal for you on busy days.
It includes the recipe for Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake in easy steps and some helpful tips on how to serve, store, and answer some questions about how to make this classic American comfort food.
Why Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is a hit with many families:-
- It is a cheesy and filling meal for kids and adults alike.
- It is a very balanced meal with plenty of fiber from the broccoli, protein from the chicken, and calcium from the paneer.
- This recipe can be made ahead of time.
- This meal is easy to store and freezer friendly.
- It is versatile in all ways as it can be paired with different cheeses, vegetables, or toppings.
All the Ingredients for Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake:
Here are all the ingredients to make this delicious recipe:
- 3 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched or steamed
- 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded or cut into cubes (rotisserie chicken is great)
- 2 cups cooked rice, white or brown for flavor, optional
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, grated, sharp cheddar cheese to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted, for topping
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces) or cream of mushroom
- 1 teaspoon paprika for color and flavor, optional
- 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese, for stickiness, optional
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
Step by step instructions to make Chicken Broccoli:
1. Preparation of Ingredients
- First, the chicken can be baked, boiled or pan fried. Cook the broccoli well in a deep fryer and then chop it into cubes or grate it.
- Blanch or steam the broccoli to make it bright green and soft.
- Cook the rice first so that you can use it as a base.
2. Take a large mixing bowl and mix the following ingredients in the required quantity.
Sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper to taste, paprika,
Add all these ingredients and mix well.
3. Preparing the casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C).
- Grease a 9*13 inch baking dish and lightly apply cooking spray or butter to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
- Spread the cooked rice all over the bottom.
- Spread the cooked chicken evenly over the rice. Then,
- Place the boiled broccoli on top of the chicken.
- Now add the creamy sauce mixture slowly and use a spatula to spread it evenly.
4. Add cheese
Sprinkle 1½ cups of cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese over the top.
5. Add the toppings
In a small bowl, add the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs and gently mix with the melted butter.
Once combined, sprinkle the mixture all over the cheesy crust.
6. Bake
Place your casserole in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 30 to 32 minutes, or until the top starts to bubble and the crust is golden brown, making this Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake delicious.
7. Serve
Remove the eggplant from the oven and let it rest at room temperature for 5 to 7 minutes before serving.
Use fresh chopped chives or parsley to garnish your dish.
Serving suggestions for Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake: –
- For a lighter version: – Skip the rice and serve with roasted veggies.
- For a classic dinner: – Serve your dish with a salad on the side and garlic bread.
- Great for kids: Kids love pasta so skip the rice and use pasta instead.
- Party style: For a party look, bake your dish in small individual serving ramekins.
Tips for the best Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake:
- To save time and maximize flavor, consider using a rotisserie chicken.
- Broccoli should be steamed to make it crispy and never overcooked.
- Additional cheese: Use cheddar for added spiciness and note that mozzarella makes cheese more flexible.
- For seasoning, add a little paprika or red pepper powder to deepen the flavor.
- To make Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake ahead, prepare the casserole, cover with a foil and refrigerate for 24 hours before baking.
- Keeping in the freezer:– After preparing your dish, wrap it tightly in a foil and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 months. Then, remove it from the frozen state and bake it immediately for maximum 14 to 15 minutes.
Store and Reheat Instructions: –
Refrigerator – Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 4 to 5 days after first cooling to room temperature.
Freezer – For long term storage, you can place in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheat: – Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave at 1 minute intervals to reheat.
Few Questions Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake, FAQ
Q. What is or seems to be the best cheese?
Sharp cheddar is great for classic and rich, but you can also add Colby Jack, Monterey Jack or Mozzarella to make it even better.
Q. Can I use frozen broccoli?
Absolutely! Thaw well and drain the water before adding it to the casserole.
Q. How to make this recipe healthier?
To go healthier, use low-fat cheese, sour cream and whole grain rice, or use Greek yogurt instead of cauliflower rice.
Q. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Simply wrap everything up in a paper filet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Q. Can I substitute other veggies?
Absolutely! You can use bell peppers, peas, mushrooms, or carrots.
Final Thoughts
- Creamy Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Bake is not just a casserole, it’s a great comforting classic that brings your whole family together around the table for a meal.
- The tender chicken, the thick cheese sauce and the savory broccoli make for a very balanced and filling meal.
- This recipe is easy to make and tastes just like the restaurant version.
- If you are looking for a simple way to cook or prepare a meal or serve a meal to someone, then this casserole is a great option for you as it is a very useful weeknight meal and you should definitely try it once and it will soon become a favorite in your house and you will definitely make it every weekday.
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