Hello there, foodies! Today, I want to share with you a recipe that’s a real crowd-pleaser in our home – the Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. This is a delicious dish, teeming with tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey, melted cheese. Trust me, it’s the kind of comfort food that makes your belly and heart happy.
Our family loves this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole. My husband, who’s a total cheese addict, can’t resist the combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan in this dish. And the kids, even though they can be fussy about veggies, always clean their plates when I serve this. The recipe became a staple in our household when we discovered it was a surefire way to get everyone to eat their broccoli!
The Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole before going into the oven.
Why this Irresistible Cheesy Casserole ?
This Irresistible Cheesy Casserole is a one-dish wonder, loaded with flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. The seasoned chicken is succulent and perfectly cooked, while the broccoli adds a refreshing crunch. But the real star is the three-cheese blend, which forms a creamy and rich sauce that brings everything together beautifully. Besides, who doesn’t love the heavenly combination of cheese and bacon?
Ingredients:
To serve 6, you’ll need:
- Broccoli florets (300g, about 2 cups)
- Boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (680g, about 1 ½ pounds)
- Minced garlic (2 teaspoons)
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons)
- Dried parsley (1 teaspoon)
- Dried chives, dried dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder (¾ teaspoon each)
- Heavy whipping cream (240ml, about 1 cup)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (120g, about 1 cup, divided)
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (60g, about ½ cup)
- Bacon slices, cooked and crumbled (4 slices)
- Grated Parmesan cheese (2 tablespoons)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Do You Whip Up This Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole ?
Follow these easy steps:
Prepare the Broccoli and Chicken: Start by blanching the broccoli florets in a pot of boiling water. Once blanched, place them in the bottom of a greased casserole dish. Coat your bite-sized chicken pieces in a flavorful mix of chives, parsley, dill weed, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sauté this seasoned chicken in a hot skillet with olive oil until fully cooked. Then, add it to the casserole dish with the broccoli.
Craft the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat of the skillet and pour in the heavy whipping cream. Whisk this gently, making sure to scrape off all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. As the cream starts to thicken, add in half of your shredded cheddar and all of your mozzarella cheese. If desired, season this with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble and Bake the Casserole: Pour this thick, cheesy sauce over your broccoli and chicken, making sure everything is well-coated. Top this off with the remaining cheddar, your crumbled bacon, and a sprinkling of grated Parmesan. Bake this in your preheated oven until it’s bubbling and beautifully browned.
Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together even more.
And there you have it! A creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Chicken Broccoli Casserole. It’s a dish that’s sure to impress at your next family dinner or potluck. Enjoy!
Notes:
This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole is versatile. You can substitute the chicken with turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian version. For the cheese, feel free to experiment with other types like Monterey Jack or Gruyere. Always remember to let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
There you have it – our Irresistible Cheesy Casserole. A perfect blend of comfort, flavor, and nutrition all in one dish. Your family will surely ask for seconds, and maybe even thirds. Give it a try and let us know how it goes!
Our irresistible Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, fresh out of the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the best choice for this casserole because it’s lean and cooks evenly.
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
Absolutely! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole can be prepared ahead, refrigerated, and then baked when you’re ready. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy days.
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