Weeknight Winner Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever stare into the fridge wondering what to cook? This Chicken Broccoli Casserole Recipe is your answer. It's proper comfort food with a cheesy, creamy sauce that's hard to resist.

Brief Overview

The humble casserole. It started as a way to use leftovers. Our Chicken Broccoli Casserole is super easy and takes only 45 minutes to make.

This recipe makes 6 servings, perfect for a family dinner or meal prepping.

Main Benefits

Let’s face it, we all need a bit more broccoli in our lives! It gives you lots of vitamins. This simple Chicken Broccoli Casserole is perfect for a chilly evening when you want something warm and satisfying.

What makes this recipe special? It's the perfect balance of cheesy goodness and nutritious veggies all in one pan.

So, fancy making the best ever Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole ? Let's get started.

The Creamy Goodness Starts Here

Think of this Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole as a hug in a dish. You know? I remember my nan making something similar.

Honestly, it always felt like a special treat. The rich flavors are what I wanted to re-create here, but make it easy chicken casserole recipes .

First, you need your chicken and broccoli. Grab 1.5 lbs (680g) of chicken and one big head of broccoli.

Ingredients

• For the Chicken & Broccoli :

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper

• For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 4 tbsp flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • Salt, pepper, and nutmeg
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

• For the Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp melted butter

Ingredients & Equipment

Let's talk about what you'll need for this Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe . Don't worry; it's all pretty straightforward. This creamy chicken broccoli casserole is all about simple, wholesome ingredients.

So, grab your apron, and let's get started!

Main Ingredients

Okay, here’s the rundown for this simple chicken broccoli casserole . Get ready to nail the ultimate chicken and broccoli bake .

• Chicken & Broccoli:

  • 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts.
    • The fresher, the better! Avoid chicken with a funky smell.
  • 1 large head of broccoli (about 1.5 lbs/680g ).
    • Look for vibrant green florets with tight buds.
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

• Creamy Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter.
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour.
  • 3 cups (710ml) whole milk.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese.
    • Seriously, buy a block and shred it yourself! It melts so much better.
  • 1/2 cup (57g) grated Parmesan cheese.

• Breadcrumb Topping:

  • 1 cup (60g) panko breadcrumbs.
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted.

Seasoning Notes

Salt, pepper, and a touch of nutmeg are key. Seriously, nutmeg in a cheese sauce? Don't skip it! Dijon mustard, like a French's , in the cheese sauce gives it that extra zing.

I've also seen some people use garlic powder for an extra savoury kick to their cheesy chicken broccoli casserole . Want a sub? A pinch of cayenne pepper instead of black pepper can add a little heat.

Equipment Needed

Luckily you don't need fancy equipment for this easy chicken casserole recipes or our signature One-pan chicken broccoli casserole . You probably already have these lying around.

• 9x13 inch (23x33 cm) baking dish
• Large skillet or pot
• Whisk
• Mixing bowls

That's pretty much it! I once tried making a chicken broccoli casserole with rice in a cast iron skillet for that extra crispy edge.

Let me tell you, it was a game changer. Now, off you go to prepare your amazing homemade chicken broccoli casserole and the always appreciated Chicken broccoli divan recipe .

Weeknight Winner: Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

Oh my gosh, this Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe is a lifesaver! Honestly, some nights I just can't be bothered with anything complicated.

That's where this simple chicken broccoli casserole comes in. It's proper comfort food, and even the kids will eat it.

Think of it as a classic chicken and broccoli bake , but way easier. I adapted from a Chicken broccoli divan recipe .

It is one of the easy chicken casserole recipes for real!

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first, the essential mise en place . Chop your chicken into bite sized pieces, about 1 inch cubes . Get your broccoli into nice florets, too.

Honestly, doing this first saves a load of time later. A quick tip, for time saving organization , is to measure out all your sauce ingredients beforehand.

And safety reminders ? Just be careful with that knife, yeah? Don’t want any chipped nails.

step-by-step: From Hob to Heaven

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish .
2. Cook the chicken in a skillet with olive oil until it's cooked through, for about 5- 7 minutes . Season with salt and pepper.
3. Add the broccoli and cook for another 3- 5 minutes until it's slightly tender crisp. We don't want mushy broccoli, you know?
4. Make the creamy sauce by melting butter, whisking in flour, then gradually adding milk. Simmer until thick, about 3- 5 minutes . Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted.
5. Combine the chicken, broccoli, and sauce in the baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
6. Bake for 20- 25 minutes , until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Let it stand for 5- 10 minutes before serving. This allows the creamy chicken broccoli casserole to set.

Pro Tips for Casserole Perfection

Don't overcook the broccoli, nobody likes mushy broccoli. Use good cheese to make the cheesy chicken broccoli casserole, it makes a big difference.

Topping this homemade chicken broccoli casserole with toasted breadcrumbs for an extra nutty layer. A common mistake is to use pre-shredded cheese, it doesn't melt as well.

For a one-pan chicken broccoli casserole cleanup, use oven safe pan. For a chicken broccoli casserole with rice , add cooked rice to the base of baking dish.

This chicken broccoli casserole recipe is so easy, even I can’t mess it up. Honestly, it's a winner.

Recipe Notes

So, you're about to make this Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe ? Ace! Just a few extra bits and bobs to make sure it's absolutely banging.

This Chicken and broccoli bake is super easy. Don't worry.

Serving it Up Right

Presentation wise, think rustic charm. A spoonful of this Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole looks wicked plated up with a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Honestly, a simple green salad on the side cuts through the richness perfectly. A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio? Chef's kiss.

Storage Savvy

Got leftovers? Result! This Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole keeps well. Pop it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezing? It's doable, but the sauce might separate a bit. Reheat gently in the oven, or in the microwave if you're in a rush.

Twists and Tweaks

Fancy a change? Go wild! For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour for the sauce and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Feeling fancy? Chuck in some mushrooms! For a vegetarian twist, switch the chicken for some cannellini beans.

You know? Simple!

Nutrition Nitty Gritty

Okay, let's keep this simple. One serving of this Simple Chicken Broccoli Casserole is roughly 450 calories. You're getting a hefty dose of protein, thanks to the chicken.

Plus, broccoli is packed with vitamins and fiber. Win-win! A good choice of the easy chicken casserole recipes available.

I had the Chicken broccoli divan recipe once, but this is so much better, trust me.

This Chicken Broccoli Casserole recipe is an absolute winner. You are going to love how it turns out. Just a few tweaks and it's totally yours.

Get in there and give it a go! If you have questions, be sure to check online for " Chicken broccoli casserole with rice " variations too.

Enjoy your one-pan Homemade chicken broccoli casserole!