Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole

"Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: A Healthy and Delicious Meal Idea"

Looking for a comforting and delicious dish to warm you up on a chilly night? Try this Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe! It's a classic combination of tender chicken and crisp broccoli, all baked in a creamy and cheesy sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep for the week, this casserole is easy to make and will be sure to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Keep reading for the ingredients and step-by-step instructions.

Preparation Time         : 20 minutes

Cooking Time               : 40 minutes

Total Time                     : 1 hour

Yield                               : 6 servings

 

Ingredients for making Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:

• 4 cups of broccoli florets
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup of flour
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 2 cups of milk
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs

 

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:

Step 01: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 02: In a pot of salted boiling water, blanch the broccoli florets for 3-4 minutes or until they are bright green and tender. Drain the water and set the broccoli aside.

Step 03: Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes and season them with salt and black pepper.

Step 04: Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the chicken over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes or until they are cooked through.

Step 05: In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes or until the mixture turns golden brown.

Step 06: Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and thick. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Step 07: Add the cheddar cheese to the mixture and stir until it has melted completely.

Step 08: In a large baking dish, add the blanched broccoli, cooked chicken, and the cheese sauce. Mix them well.

Step 09: Sprinkle breadcrumbs on top of the mixture.

Step 10: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is heated through.

Step 11: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

 

Nutrition’s

The nutrition information for Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can vary depending on the specific recipe used and serving size. However, here is a general breakdown of the nutritional value for a serving size of 1 cup (240g) of a typical Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe:

Calories                      : 330

Total Fat                     : 17g

Saturated Fat             : 8g

Cholesterol                 : 87mg

Sodium                        : 700mg

Total Carbohydrates  : 20g

Dietary Fiber              : 2g

Sugars                         : 4g

Protein                        : 25g

It is important to note that the nutritional values can vary based on the ingredients used and cooking methods.

 

How to serve this Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe?

Here are some serving ideas for Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:

1. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or dinner rolls to sop up the delicious sauce.
   
   
2. Serve it over a bed of cooked quinoa or brown rice for a heartier meal.
   
   
3. Serve it with a simple salad of mixed greens dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
   
   
4. Serve it with roasted or steamed vegetables, such as carrots or green beans, for added nutrition and flavor.
   
   
5. Serve it with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes for a comforting and filling meal.

 

Tips and Tricks for making Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:

Here are some useful tips and tricks for making Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:

1. Use fresh broccoli for best results. If using frozen broccoli, be sure to thaw and drain it before using.

2. Cut the chicken and broccoli into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

3. Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they cook quickly and evenly.

4. Be sure to fully cook the chicken before adding it to the casserole. Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat.

5. For added flavor, you can use seasoned breadcrumbs or panko crumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.

6. To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe. Simply dice the cooked chicken and add it to the casserole.

7. If you prefer a creamier casserole, you can add a can of condensed cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup to the mixture.

8. Experiment with different types of cheese to find the one you like best. Cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack all work well in this recipe.

9. To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check the labels of other ingredients to ensure they are also gluten-free.

10. If you don't have a casserole dish, you can use a 9x13 inch baking dish instead.

 

FAQs about Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole recipe:

1.       What is Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

A: Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a savory dish that features baked chicken, broccoli, rice, and a creamy cheese sauce.

 

2.       How do you make Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

A: To make Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole, you will need chicken, broccoli, rice, cheese, milk, and seasonings. The dish is made by cooking the rice and broccoli, then mixing it with cooked chicken and a cheese sauce. It is then baked until golden brown.

 

3.       Is Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole healthy?

A: Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be a healthy dish if made with lean chicken, brown rice, low-fat cheese, and a reduced-fat milk. However, the addition of cream, butter, and excess cheese can make it less healthy.

 

4.       Can Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole be made ahead of time?

A: Yes, Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake. It can also be frozen for later use.

 

5.       Can Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole be made with different types of cheese?

A: Yes, Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be made with different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or even Parmesan, depending on personal preference.

 

6.       Can Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole be made without rice?

A: Yes, Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be made without rice by using quinoa, couscous, or pasta instead.

 

7.       How many servings does Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole yield?

A: The number of servings yielded by Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole depends on the recipe, but it usually yields around 6-8 servings.

 

8.       How long does it take to bake Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole?

A: Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole usually takes around 30-40 minutes to bake, depending on the recipe and oven temperature.

 

9.       Can Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole be reheated?

A: Yes, Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

 

10.   Is Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole a gluten-free dish?

A: Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free rice or pasta and ensuring that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

 

Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a comforting family meal or a gathering with friends. This dish combines the tender and juicy chicken with the earthy flavor of broccoli and the creaminess of cheese, making it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. By following the tips and tricks mentioned above, you can make the perfect Baked Chicken and Broccoli Casserole every time. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the hearty and wholesome goodness!