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- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 cups broccoli florets, blanched - 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade) - ½ cup sour cream - ½ cup milk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup bread crumbs - 2 tablespoons melted butter - Salt and pepper When I make a Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole, I love to pick fresh and tasty ingredients. Start with cooked chicken that you can shred easily. You can use leftover chicken or any rotisserie chicken you have. It saves time and adds great flavor. Next, I always use vibrant broccoli florets. Blanch them first, and they will stay bright green and crisp. They add a nice texture to the dish. You can use quinoa or rice, both work well. Quinoa gives extra protein, while rice adds a comforting feel. For the creamy base, I mix the cream of mushroom soup with sour cream and milk. This mix creates a rich flavor and smooth texture. I also add garlic and onion powders for a bit of zing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Lastly, I top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese. It melts beautifully and adds that cheesy goodness we all love. Then I finish it with bread crumbs mixed with melted butter for crunch. This topping makes every bite exciting. You can find the full recipe to get all the steps and details. Enjoy making this easy comfort meal! - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). - Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cooked chicken, 4 cups of blanched broccoli, and 1 cup of cooked quinoa or rice. This gives your dish a nice base. - In another bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cream of mushroom soup, ½ cup of sour cream, ½ cup of milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and add salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture adds great flavor. - Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and veggies. Gently fold until well combined. - Transfer everything into the greased baking dish and spread it evenly. - Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top for that melty goodness. - In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of melted butter. Spread the bread crumbs over the cheese layer for extra crunch. - Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes. Look for a bubbly, golden top. - Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes. This helps it set nicely. For the full recipe, check out the details above. To make the best Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole, focus on your broccoli. Blanching it first keeps the bright green color and perfect texture. Boil the florets for about two minutes, then transfer them to ice water. This step stops the cooking process and keeps them crisp. For chicken, use cooked chicken that’s tender and juicy. Rotisserie chicken works great. It saves time and adds flavor. If you prefer, bake or grill your chicken with simple spices. This gives you control over the taste and keeps it fresh. When serving this dish, pair it with a light salad. A fresh green salad adds a nice crunch. You can also add roasted vegetables for more flavor. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds color and a hint of freshness. A dollop of sour cream on the side can enhance the meal too. Sometimes, you may need to tweak the recipe. For a different protein, try turkey or tofu. Both options work well and taste great. If you want a creamy mixture without dairy, use coconut milk or cashew cream. These options still keep the dish rich and smooth. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your casserole easily. Adding spices or herbs can make a big difference. Try adding paprika for a smoky flavor. You might also use thyme or basil for a fresh taste. If you want a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Different cheese types can also change the dish. You can use mozzarella for a milder flavor. Gouda adds a rich, buttery finish. Mixing cheeses can create a fun flavor blend. Try combining cheddar and pepper jack for a spicy twist. You can make this casserole without meat. Use veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers instead of chicken. For a vegan version, swap sour cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based cheese. You can also replace cream of mushroom soup with a vegan soup. If you need gluten-free options, use gluten-free bread crumbs. Make sure your soup and cheese are also gluten-free. Quinoa is a great choice for grains, as it is naturally gluten-free. Prepping ahead can save time. You can mix the ingredients the night before. Just store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake. This makes dinner easy after a long day. You can also freeze the casserole. Prepare it completely but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. When you’re ready, just bake it from frozen. This works well for leftovers too. Just ensure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. For the full recipe, refer to the details above. Store leftover Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge. It keeps well for about three to four days. When reheating, use the oven or microwave. If using the oven, cover the dish with foil to keep it moist. Heat at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. Stir halfway through to warm it evenly. You can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before cooking, assemble it in a freezer-safe dish. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. To freeze after cooking, let it cool completely first. Then, wrap it well and place it in the freezer. It can last for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Bake it at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 30 to 40 minutes. In the fridge, the casserole stays fresh for three to four days. If you see any mold or bad smells, it’s time to toss it. Always check for signs of spoilage. If it looks or smells off, don’t eat it. Enjoy your Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole while it’s fresh and tasty! For the full recipe, check the previous sections. You can freeze Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole for up to three months. To freeze, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. This helps keep it fresh and prevents freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before baking. Yes, you can prepare this casserole ahead of time. Mix all the ingredients as per the recipe. Then, cover the dish with plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you are ready to cook, just remove the wrap and bake as directed. This makes meal prep easy on busy days. Absolutely! To make Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole gluten-free, choose gluten-free bread crumbs. You can also use gluten-free cream of mushroom soup. Check the labels on your chicken broth and spices to ensure they are gluten-free. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. This casserole goes well with many sides. Here are a few ideas: - A fresh green salad - Steamed carrots or green beans - Garlic bread for dipping - A light fruit salad These sides will complement the flavors and make a full meal. Enjoy your cooking! In this blog post, we explored the tasty Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole. We covered the main and extra ingredients you'll need. I shared simple instructions for prep, assembly, and baking. You also learned helpful tips, variations, and storage info. Making this dish is easy and fun. It’s perfect for meals any day. Enjoy it hot from the oven or as leftovers. The flavors will please everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

Looking for a delicious and easy comfort meal? Try my Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Casserole! This cozy dish combines tender chicken, fresh broccoli, and gooey cheese for a satisfying dinner that the whole family will love. With simple steps, you can have a hearty meal on the table in no time. Don't miss out on this tasty recipe—click to explore the full instructions and make this cheesy delight today!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded

4 cups broccoli florets, blanched

1 cup cooked quinoa or rice

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup cream of mushroom soup (or homemade)

½ cup sour cream

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup bread crumbs (for topping)

2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with a bit of butter or cooking spray.

    In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, blanched broccoli, and cooked quinoa or rice. Give it a good mix.

      In another bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.

        Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken, broccoli, and grains. Gently fold everything together until well combined.

          Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread it out evenly.

            Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese uniformly over the top.

              In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs and melted butter. Mix until the crumbs are coated, then sprinkle them over the cheese layer for added crunch.

                Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

                  Remove from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set a little.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 6

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color, and enjoy with a side of your favorite salad for a complete meal!