Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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Introducing the Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight, a comforting casserole that brings together succulent chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey cheese. It’s perfect for a family dinner or a cozy night in, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients for Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight

The foundation of this dish is cooked chicken, which provides protein and a hearty base. Using leftover or rotisserie chicken can save time. Broccoli florets add a pop of color and a nutritious boost. The cheddar cheese melts beautifully, offering a sharp, creamy finish, while Parmesan cheese enhances the flavor with its nutty, savory notes.

Cream of chicken soup and sour cream create a rich, velvety sauce that envelopes the chicken and broccoli. A splash of milk helps thin the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly. For seasoning, garlic powder and onion powder add depth without overpowering the dish. Finally, the bread crumbs mixed with butter create a crispy, golden topping that contrasts the creamy interior perfectly.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you prefer a crunchier topping, add some crushed cornflakes to the bread crumbs.
  • For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce.
  • Use fresh broccoli; it retains a slight bite and doesn’t get mushy like frozen broccoli might.
  • Make sure your chicken is well-seasoned before adding; this will enhance the overall flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A side of garlic bread or dinner rolls can soak up any extra sauce, making for a satisfying plate. For a light dessert, consider serving with fresh fruit or a simple sorbet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely! Mozzarella or Monterey Jack can be great substitutes for cheddar.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can make a quick homemade version using chicken broth, milk, and flour as a thickener.

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it's the right temperature when you’re ready to bake, saving you time later. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, plus a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will become the creamy base that ties the dish together.

Add the cooked chicken and broccoli to the bowl, making sure they're well-coated with the sauce. This ensures every bite is flavorful. Transfer this mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. This allows it to cook uniformly.

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the top, covering the chicken and broccoli mixture entirely. This layer will melt into a deliciously gooey topping. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are well-coated, then sprinkle them evenly over the cheese layer.

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the casserole set and make it easier to serve.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ideal for busy weeknights.
  • Combines protein, vegetables, and dairy for a balanced meal.
  • Rich, creamy texture with a delightful cheesy crust.
  • Make-ahead friendly; just pop it in the oven when ready to eat.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
2 cups broccoli florets
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir in the cooked chicken and broccoli, coating them well with the sauce.
4. Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese evenly over the top.
6. In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
8. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

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