Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Recipe Introduction
Ever feel like you're stuck in a cooking rut? I do! But then, bingo! The idea of cheesy chicken and broccoli casserole came along.
It is a life saver! Ready for a comfort food recipes upgrade?
Quick Hook
I'm obsessed with this recipe. I never made before casarole dishes dinner so exciting! Imagine creamy, cheesy, and crunchy all in one dish.
It is my way of solving the easy weeknight dinner ideas .
Brief Overview
Casseroles are total classics, right? They scream family dinners and one-dish dinner recipes . This Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is easy to make and takes about an hour.
It serves six hungry people. This broccoli casserole recipe is something to consider!
Main Benefits
Honestly, it's the ultimate family friendly casserole . The cheesy chicken casserole provides enough protein for everyone! Plus, it's a sneaky way to get your broccoli intake for the day.
What makes it special? That crunchy pretzel topping. Oh my gosh!
This is seriously a top-tier chicken and broccoli bake . Let's get to the ingredients.
Ingredients & Equipment
Ready to whip up some seriously good comfort food? Honestly, this cheesy chicken casserole is one of those comfort food recipes that just hits the spot. Let's talk ingredients.
Main Ingredients
Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
- Pro tip: Look for chicken that's pink and firm. Avoid any that's pale or smells funky, you know? Fresh is best, always.
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15ml) .
Onion: 1 medium, chopped (about 1 cup ).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced.
Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can ( 10.75 oz/305g ).
Milk: 1 cup (240ml) , whole or 2%.
Sour Cream: 1 cup (225g) . You can easily make this one into the best creamy casserole dishes.
Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp (5ml) .
Black Pepper: 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) .
Salt: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) .
Broccoli: 1 (10 oz/280g) package frozen florets, thawed. For a great broccoli casserole recipe , this quality of broccoli is important.
Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups (200g) shredded, divided.
Pretzel Twists: 2 cups (170g) coarsely crushed for the pretzel topping casserole .
Butter: 4 tbsp (57g) unsalted, melted.
Seasoning Notes
Garlic and onion are your base, so don't skimp. The Dijon adds a zing that balances the creaminess. Trust me on this.
For flavour enhancers, think about adding paprika or a pinch of cayenne. This easy weeknight dinner ideas just got spicy! As for swaps, dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh is always better if you have them.
Equipment Needed
Alright, keep it simple.
- A large skillet or Dutch oven.
- A 9x13 inch baking dish .
- A mixing bowl for the pretzel topping. This is great for one-dish dinner recipes!
- A potato masher or fork for crushing the pretzels.
That's it! No fancy gadgets needed. Just good old family friendly casserole tools. Seriously, this recipe proves that the best casarole dishes dinner recipes don't need a load of complicated equipment.
Cooking Method: Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole with a Pretzel Twist
Alright, let's talk about how to make this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole a winner. This ain't your grandma's soggy casserole dish dinner.
This is a modern take on comfort food recipes , amped up with a crunchy pretzel topping. Honestly, it's the perfect easy weeknight dinner ideas .
Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together (Mise en Place, Darling!)
First things first, let's get organized. Chop your 1 medium yellow onion. Mince those 2 cloves of garlic. Thaw your 1 (10 oz/280g) package frozen broccoli florets.
Remember to roughly chop them and pat them dry. Get everything ready before you start. Honestly, prep is half the battle.
Safety Note : Be careful when chopping the chicken and veggies. Sharp knives mean business!
step-by-step: Let's Get Cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Get that bad boy ready for some action.
- Heat 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil in a large skillet. Add 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken pieces and cook until browned and cooked through. Then, add onion and garlic. Sauté until they are softened.
- In the same skillet, stir in 1 (10.75 oz/305g) can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup (240ml) milk, 1 cup (225g) sour cream, 1 tsp (5ml) Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp (2.5ml) pepper, and 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) salt. Heat it up while stirring.
- Add your roughly chopped broccoli and 1 cup (200g) shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Give it all a good stir.
- Pour the creamy casserole dishes mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix 2 cups (170g) coarsely crushed pretzel twists with 4 tbsp (57g) melted butter. That pretzel topping casserole is a game changer.
- Sprinkle that pretzel mixture on top of the casserole. Then, add the remaining cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until the topping is golden and bubbly.
Pro Tips: From Good to Great!
- Don't overcook the chicken. No one likes dry chicken in their chicken and broccoli bake .
- Want an extra crunchy topping? Broil for the last minute or two. Just watch it closely!
- Feel free to make this casserole dish dinner ahead of time. Assemble it, cover it, and pop it in the fridge. Then, bake it when you're ready.
So there you have it! A family friendly casserole that’s sure to be a winner.
Recipe Notes for the Best Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Casserole Ever!
Right then, let’s chat about making this cheesy chicken casserole extra special. Think of these as your secret weapons for casserole dishes dinner success! This is more than just another chicken and broccoli bake .
Serving It Up Right: Plating & Pairing
Honestly, presentation matters! I like to serve this family friendly casserole straight from the baking dish. It just screams comfort food recipes , doesn't it? A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of colour.
If you want to be fancy, scoop a generous portion onto a plate and fan out some steamed asparagus alongside.
A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness. And don't forget the drinks! A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or even a refreshing iced tea goes down a treat.
For casserole side dishes , garlic bread is always a winner! You know?
Storage Secrets: Keeping it Fresh
Leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy casserole dishes stores like a dream. Once it has cooled completely, pop it in an airtight container and into the fridge.
It'll be good for up to 3 days . For longer storage, you can freeze it. Wrap individual portions tightly in cling film, then foil.
It will keep for up to 2 months . To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then bake at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, or microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Remixing the Recipe: Variations Galore
This recipe is super versatile. For a lighter version, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt. It gives it a nice tang! Need a gluten-free option? No worries! Just use gluten-free pretzels for the pretzel topping casserole and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup substitute.
It tastes just as good, I promise! Oh, and if broccoli isn't your thing, try cauliflower or green beans instead.
It’s your one-dish dinner recipes , your rules.
Quick Nutrition Lowdown
This casserole is packed with protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. Broccoli adds a good dose of vitamins and fibre.
Of course, it's not exactly a health food, but it's all about balance, right? It's about 450 calories per serving.
I'm all for making this the best easy weeknight dinner ideas , but always eat in moderation.
So there you have it! My little notes to help you create a truly amazing broccoli casserole recipe . It's not just cooking; it's about having fun and making something delicious.
Now go on, get in the kitchen and work your magic!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole dinner ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Hold off on adding the pretzel topping until just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.
Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if you're starting with a cold casserole think of it like a culinary episode of "Bake Off," planning is key!
What's the best way to store leftover casserole dishes dinner?
Leftovers are brilliant the next day! Store any leftover Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli Casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through it’s just like giving your taste buds a comforting hug all over again.
My pretzel topping went a bit soggy. How can I prevent that next time I make this casserole dishes dinner?
Soggy pretzels are a common casserole conundrum! To avoid this, make sure to add the pretzel topping just before baking. Also, don’t be tempted to add too much melted butter; just enough to lightly coat the crushed pretzels.
For an extra layer of defense against sogginess, consider toasting the crushed pretzels in a dry skillet for a few minutes before adding the melted butter. This helps to dry them out.
Can I use different vegetables in this chicken and broccoli casserole dishes dinner?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative and swap out the broccoli for other vegetables you enjoy or have on hand. Cauliflower, green beans, peas, or even a mixed vegetable blend would work beautifully. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the vegetables are tender crisp before baking the casserole.
It's all about making it your own, a bit like putting your unique stamp on a classic Beatles tune!
Is there a healthier alternative to cream of chicken soup in this casserole?
Yes, you can absolutely make this casserole a bit lighter! Try substituting the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce made with chicken broth, milk (or a non-dairy alternative), and a thickening agent like cornstarch or flour.
Another option is to use a can of condensed cream of mushroom soup or make your own from scratch - just remember to adjust seasoning accordingly and you'll be alright!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 450 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
