Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole
This casserole is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. It’s hearty, satisfying, and can be easily customized to your liking.
Ingredients:
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- For the Broccoli:
- 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup water
- For the Sauce:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup chopped onion
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Cooking Guide:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Steam the broccoli: In a separate pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add broccoli florets and water. Cover and steam for 5-7 minutes, or until broccoli is tender-crisp. Drain any excess water.
- Make the sauce: In a medium saucepan, melt cream cheese over low heat. Stir in milk, onion, garlic, thyme, paprika, and nutmeg. Cook until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the casserole: Spread the steamed broccoli in the prepared baking dish. Top with cooked chicken. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and broccoli.
- Make the topping: Combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Tips:
- You can use leftover cooked chicken for this recipe.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat milk and cream cheese.
- If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use crushed crackers or crushed potato chips for the topping.
- Add a cup of cooked rice or quinoa to the casserole for extra heartiness.
- To make this dish ahead of time, assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy this delicious and comforting Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole!
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