![- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked brown rice (or quinoa) - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - ¼ cup mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste - ½ cup breadcrumbs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - ½ teaspoon paprika Having the right ingredients is key to making a great casserole. I love using fresh broccoli and cooked chicken. They make the dish hearty and healthy. You can use leftover chicken for this recipe, which saves time. For the cheese, sharp cheddar brings a nice flavor. I recommend grating it fresh for the best taste. The cream of mushroom soup adds creaminess and richness. Don’t forget the milk and mayonnaise! They help bind everything together. The spices like garlic powder and onion powder add depth. For the topping, breadcrumbs give a crunchy finish. A sprinkle of paprika adds a pop of color. Use the olive oil to make the top crispier. You can find the full recipe [here]. Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This simple step gets your casserole ready for baking. Steam broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes. Keep an eye on them. You want them bright green and slightly tender. In a large bowl, mix the following: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 3 cups fresh broccoli florets - 1 cup cooked brown rice - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup - ½ cup milk - ¼ cup mayonnaise - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper, to taste Stir well. Each ingredient should blend nicely for a great taste. Grease a 9x13 inch dish with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Pour the chicken and broccoli mix into the dish. Spread it out evenly. In a small bowl, mix: - ½ cup breadcrumbs - ½ cup grated cheddar cheese Sprinkle this mix over the casserole. Drizzle a little olive oil on top for extra crunch. Place the casserole in your preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes. You want it golden brown and bubbling. Cool slightly after baking. Before serving, sprinkle paprika on top. This adds a nice color and flavor. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole! For the full recipe, check the section above. - Ensure chicken is fully cooked and shredded. This makes it tender and easy to mix. - Don’t overcook broccoli to retain color and texture. A bright green color looks fresh. - Garnish with parsley and extra cheddar. This adds color and makes it more inviting. - Serve with a side salad for a full meal. A crisp salad complements the casserole well. - Avoid using low-fat cream soups, as they may alter texture. Stick to regular for creaminess. - Don’t skip the breadcrumbs for the ideal crunch. They give a nice contrast to the dish. These tips help elevate your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole to the next level. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_4}} When it comes to Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole, you can mix things up in many ways. Here are some fun variations that I love to try. - Substitute quinoa for brown rice: Quinoa adds protein and fiber. It's a great swap! - Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise: Greek yogurt keeps the creaminess while cutting calories. - Replace chicken with chickpeas for a meatless version: Chickpeas pack a punch of protein and flavor. They make the dish filling and satisfying. - Try mozzarella or gouda for a flavor twist: Mozzarella gives a gooey texture, while gouda adds a rich taste. Experimenting with different cheeses can make this dish even more fun! These variations help you customize your casserole to fit your taste and health goals. You can find the full recipe to start your cooking adventure! Store your leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. This helps avoid sogginess. You can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to reheat it directly from the freezer. This way, the flavors stay locked in. To reheat, bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C). Heat until the casserole is warmed all the way through. This method keeps the topping crispy and delicious. Enjoy your meal again, just like the first time! Yes, but adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen broccoli cooks faster than fresh. Check it often to avoid mushiness. Yes, it can be frozen before or after baking. If you freeze it before baking, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, bake it as usual. Use dairy-free cheese and yogurt as substitutes. This will keep the creaminess while making it suitable for everyone. Yes, assemble it the night before and just bake when ready. This saves time and makes it easy for busy days. Follow the Full Recipe for more details. This blog post shared a tasty chicken casserole recipe, complete with helpful tips and variations. You learned about the main ingredients, easy steps, and common mistakes to avoid. Plus, you discovered ways to adapt the dish for different diets and preferences. Remember, this recipe is not just a meal; it's a way to nourish and enjoy time with others. Collect your ingredients and start baking. This casserole will bring warmth and joy to your table.](https://tastyhatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/9eadd3a7-3099-45d4-962b-f229163ee958-250x250.webp)
Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
Discover the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole that's bursting with flavor! This easy recipe features tender chicken, fresh broccoli, gooey cheddar, and a creamy base, making it a meal everyone will love. Perfect for busy nights or family dinners, you can even customize it to fit your dietary needs. Ready to warm up your kitchen?