Savory Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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This Savory Chicken & Broccoli Casserole is the definition of comfort food, perfect for those days when you crave something warm and hearty. It's a family-friendly dish that combines tender chicken, nutritious broccoli, and gooey cheese for a satisfying meal that's easy to whip up.

Ingredients for Savory Chicken & Broccoli Casserole

Cooked chicken provides a hearty base, adding protein and flavor. You can use leftovers or a rotisserie chicken for convenience. Broccoli florets bring a pop of color and nutrients, pairing perfectly with the creamy sauce. Cream of mushroom soup acts as a savory glue that melds everything together, while the sour cream adds tang and richness to the mix. Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully, creating a gooey top layer that’s hard to resist. Breadcrumbs and melted butter combine to give a crispy, golden finish that contrasts with the creamy interior. Garlic powder, salt, and black pepper enhance the overall flavor without overpowering the main ingredients.

Tips & Tricks

  • Steam the broccoli until just tender to avoid mushiness.
  • For extra flavor, use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and cheddar.
  • To save time, prep the dish a day ahead and bake when ready to serve.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread. For a touch of freshness, a squeeze of lemon juice over the top just before serving can brighten up the flavors. It’s also great alongside a light tomato soup for those colder days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of cream of mushroom soup?
Yes, you can sauté fresh mushrooms and use a bit of chicken broth and cream to create a similar consistency.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole as directed, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before baking.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
Plain Greek yogurt is a great substitute if you’re looking for a lower-fat option.

Savory Chicken & Broccoli Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, get your oven going by preheating it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab a large bowl and mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. You want this mixture to become a smooth, flavorful base for your casserole.

Next, fold in the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli. Make sure they’re coated evenly with the creamy mixture, so every bite will have a little bit of everything. Once combined, transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, smoothing it out so it covers the dish evenly.

Now for the best part: the cheese! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, ensuring it covers the mixture completely. This will create that irresistible cheesy layer.

In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the breadcrumbs until they’re well coated. Sprinkle this buttery topping over the cheese layer. It’ll bake into a crispy, golden crust that complements the soft interior beautifully.

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and has a nice golden hue. Once done, let the casserole cool for a few minutes before digging in. This will make it easier to serve and allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Perfect for using up leftover chicken.
  • Quick to prep with minimal cleanup.
  • Rich with cheesy goodness and healthy greens.
  • Can be made ahead for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
2 cups broccoli florets, steamed
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Add the cooked chicken and steamed broccoli to the mixture and stir well until everything is evenly coated.
4. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading evenly.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, ensuring it covers the mixture fully.
6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle over the cheese layer.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
8. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

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